Performing Arts
Performing Arts at Old Orchard
Lower School
All Lower School grades stage a play or musical during the year, with an afternoon performance for the school and an evening performance for family and friends. While the students have great fun putting on these shows, the school’s formal aims reach well beyond self-expression. Over the years, students learn to feel comfortable and safe appearing on stage and making public presentations, and to work as part of a cooperative team toward a common goal.
In addition to drama, students in grades K-1 through 3rd also take music class. They learn the basics of rhythm, music theory, and musical performance. Lower School students participate in a Winter Chorale to demonstrate what they've learned.
Upper School
At the Upper School, students produce and perform two plays annually. Students learn public speaking skills as well as technical skills: students are given the opportunity to aid in lighting and sound production during the plays. In addition to the play performances, students who wish to further their dramatic pursuits may also take classes in Improv, Playwriting, and Radio and Television.
Selected Upper School Course Descriptions
Improv: This class focuses on the art of improvisation otherwise known as Improv. Fun times are ahead as students engage in daily theater games, scenes, comic skits, pantomimes, and more! A student-created sketch-comedy play will be performed for the Upper School at the end of the course.
School Play: Students take a play from table read to opening night as they work to put on one of two Upper School Plays, as directed by Mr. Galvez — complete with costumes, lights, sound effects, and music! The Upper School stages two plays each year, and all students who wish to participate may do so.
Playwriting: Students will have the opportunity to learn the art of playwriting from the creation of an idea to the performance of their work for an audience. Class members will work on short play development each week. Plenty of fun will be had in writing a play from the page to the stage.
Radio & Television: Students will learn the basics of broadcast announcing for radio, podcasting, reading on air copy for commercials and public service announcements, radio drama, acting and announcing for film and television. If time permits, students will also learn the basics of how to DJ.