About the Drama Program

"Acting is nothing, more or less, than playing. The idea is to humanize life." --George Eliot

The primary goals of drama in grades K-5 will be to foster self esteem and creative expression. This will be accomplished through a series of theatre games, exercises, characterization and improvisation. As students progress in knowledge and age, introduction to basic theatre terms and practices will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on the three tools of acting: voice, body and mind, and exercises to enhance these areas and create growth will be utilized. Activities involving "who, what, and where" will allow the students to continually change and grow as young actors.

Although process oriented in nature, our elementary drama will allow opportunities to create and perform their work, important for confidence building and informing parents of what takes place in the classroom. Our goal is to work together with all of the art forms at Lincoln, dance, music, voice and drama, allowing the students to enjoy multi-faceted performances that highlight all of their newfound skills.

We will also strive to integrate drama into the regular curriculum at the request and desire of the lead teachers. The use of drama as a tool to help in teaching math, science or a history lesson can be especially beneficial to the elementary student.

"Acting deals with very delicate emotions. It is not putting up a mask. Each time an actor acts, he does not hide, he exposes himself." --Rodney Dangerfield

Besides the basics of acting and theatre, our drama program will also help develop such skills as creative problem solving, working and getting along in a group, taking and following directions, self expression and self control, self respect and a respect for others, and the ability to create characters and show themselves without fear of ridicule or repercussion.

Drama is a subjective art form, meaning there is no right or wrong, good or bad. It is all in the eye of the beholder. Therefore, all evaluation will take the form of "pluses and wishes." Each student will be given the opportunity to develop the ability to effectively critique without being critical and to be critiqued without feeling criticized.

Not everyone will grow up to be an actor, but the skills learned and the self esteem built in drama, will be advantageous in every class, every encounter and every profession. Hopefully, it will be a gift each student will have with them for the rest of their lives.

"Without wonder and insight, acting is just a trade. With it, it becomes a creation." --Bette Davis

Let the creations begin!