SPEECH & DRAMA
Speech & Drama lessons encourage authentic verbal communication in its myriad forms—formal, informal, storytelling, conversation, role play, discussion, describing. I invite the children to express their feelings, thoughts and opinions and provide an environment where they are unconditionally accepted and heard. This environment allows them to get in touch with their feelings and natural intrinsic vitality and to gain confidence in talking to parents, peers, teachers and other adults in an engaging, authentic and articulate manner, whether it is an informal conversation, interview, or spirited discussion.
Lessons include speech (verbal communication) and drama, but the way in which they are taught varies depending upon the nature of each child. Some children’s lessons are designed around themes in literature (novels, poetry, plays); others include drama, movement, skits, drama games and mime; still others, preparing talks about their favourite subject and expanding their interests through reading, discussion, debate and writing. The content depends on the child and his or her likes and dislikes. All lessons contain games designed to make the time fun and interesting.
Speech & Drama lessons encourage the development of a child’s individuality, creativity, language skills, vocabulary and self-expression. I make the lesson a time that is the child’s in every sense of the word, a time free from the pressures of school, peers and social conventions. It is a time for the child to discover, articulate and expand his or her own thoughts, feelings, ideas and interests. The child’s uniqueness and individuality are honoured and nurtured, always.
For the serious theatre student, lessons include voice technique (pace, pitch, resonance, articulation, breathing, relaxation), characterization (study of character, motivation, movement, thoughts and feelings), improvisational games and analysis of text. We discuss and study the language, meaning and context of the pieces chosen for performance. This is a useful and compelling adjunct to the high school English curriculum. (The British Columbia Ministry of Education has approved Trinity Guildhall examinations as External Courses and students can receive Grade 11 and 12 credits towards graduation)
“Drama, as an art, engages the whole human being—his senses, imagination, feelings, intuition, and intellect.”