What is Creative Drama?
Creative drama is a series of dramatic activities that
have the experience of the participants as the goal. This
differs from theatre classes in which preparation for a performance
is the objective. Creative drama is usually reserved for
children four- to nine-years-old—ages or stages of
development when participants can benefit from dramatic experience
if there is no pressure to perform. Creative drama can include
dramatic play, story enactment, imagination journeys, and
theatre games. Pretending is the norm in creative drama class.
Because the emphasis in creative drama is process rather
than product, teachers have the freedom to take as much time
as needed with their classes. When a student in a creative
drama class prefers to watch instead of participate, because
of shyness or fear, a teacher can allow it. Students are
given the time to overcome inhibitions, they learn that they
are ‘safe’ in class. This freedom applies also
in the opposite situation, when members of the class are
extremely willing and skilled at dramatic activity. The teacher
can let the children lead the activities rather than being
guided through them. Creative drama can help children learn
about emotions, problem solving, and relating to other people.
Through their experiences with drama, students develop their
imaginations and their confidence. One of the most special
things about creative drama is that there are no ‘wrong’ answers—through
pretending, animals can talk, kids can travel to outer space
or the jungle, and the sky can be green while the grass is
blue.
What is Theatre Arts?
Theatre Arts is the study of acting, theatre literature,
analysis, critique, history and production in theatre. Productions
include a formal memorization of script, and performances
features full characterization, set, costumes, lighting,
music, and an invited audience. It is more exact; it is more
demanding; it is the art of acting, designing, directing,
speaking, movement... it is the art of persuading an audience
that you hold truth in your hands—and they believe
it!
Types of Theatre performances
Acting students perform during their acting classes and
have at least one special performance during a semester.
Studio shows are usually performed in the Drama Studio. Main
Productions are usually performed on the Franklin main stage.
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