Dramatic Arts

WHAT IS DRAMATIC ARTS?

Dramatic Arts is essentially about creative and confident communication. As social beings, we interact with others daily and the better equipped we are at being able to listen and interpret, engage and interact, the more integrated we can be in our personal, work and social environments

HOW IS THE COURSE DIVIDED?

Dramatic Arts covers 4 main Learning Outcomes that are explored in both theoretical and practical ways. We learn to communicate effectively vocally and non-verbally with confidence. We explore our creative sides in a myriad of new and exciting ways – there is no end to your ability to create and being inspired to reach new heights. We read and watch plays that expand our horizons and knowledge and reflect our personal practical work for further growth and development. Basically there is a 50% Theory and 50% Practical element to Dramatic Arts. Nothing is studied in isolation – everything we do links up in practical and theory work.

ARE YOU WANTING TO ACHIEVE SOME OF THESE GOALS?

Do you want to be able to write essays and enjoy reading?
Even if you are shy, are you prepared to challenge yourself to come out of your shell?
Although you may not think of yourself as an artist, are you prepared to experiment with set and costume design?
Would you like to open your mind so that you can see things from different perspectives and learn how to debate and argue intelligently?
Can you work both independently and in groups?
Do you want to learn how to be assertive rather than aggressive?
Are you keen to learn invaluable communication and leadership skills?

WHAT GOES WELL WITH DRAMATIC ARTS?

(Besides a positive attitude!)

Dramatic Arts pairs well with English, History and Art as these subjects inter-relate in content and knowledge, and empower you to feel more confident with knowledge that takes on meaning and depth

WORK BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Please note that at least two thirds of the practical work is done in groups and you will need to be able to compromise and work together amicably and productively. Sometimes you will have to rehearse after school with your groups, while at other times you will have individual tasks to work on by yourself at home.

WORDS FROM SOME OF OUR PAST PUPILS

“Drama was amazing…a free creative space. Walking into class was always exciting…it was more than learning about the history and techniques of performance…it became about exploring human beings, their relationships and our need to hear their stories. Drama is not about pretending, but about becoming something else in that moment. Actors are emotional athletes and I would love to and be so grateful if I were able to make a career of it.”
(Caty Morgado, Head of High School 2005, has now completed her course at A.F.D.A. film school in Cape Town)

“Drama has changed the way I do so many things in life and that’s why I wanted to carry on at varsity, because I want to keep on growing! Not only was Drama sooo much fun but it taught me life skills! Because of Drama I had the confidence to come to U.C.T. and get what I want even though I knew it would be hard! I’m able to truly stand out in a crowd of so many at U.C.T. because Drama made me realise that I have to get out there and make myself known to get ahead in life…for that I’ll always be grateful.”
(Candice Duarte, Prefect 2006, has now completed her degree at U.C.T. doing a B.A. degree)

“Drama has done so much in terms of preparing me for the future! I am confident in myself and my ability to speak in front of people. It not only improved my English and writing skills but taught me how to form my own opinions and motivate them….”
(Michelle O’Connor, Head of High School 2006, now in her 3rd year at U.C.T.)

“Drama was the key to my career and opened a lot of doors for me especially in the theatre. Drama is sometimes the easiest way to express yourself without even saying a word.”
(Toni Jaharie, Head of Hall Management 2004, who went on to do a course at Damelin that took her on to assisting and managing professional productions such as Winnie-the-Pooh and Sleeping Beauty)

“I would not be the person I am today without Drama…it has given me all the confidence I have today – it taught me to express myself clearly, explore my every possibility and it brought out the creative spirit which we all hold allowing me to express myself in so many different ways and forms…it brought out a side of me that even I never knew existed and was definitely one of the most significant choices I made in my life!”
(Jessica Hargreaves, Head of Sport 2006, now in her 3rd year at U.C.T. studying law)

POSSIBLE FUTURE CAREERS OR AREAS OF INTEREST?

So if you're interested in a career in the following:

Law
Public Relations
Advertising
Teaching / lecturing any subject / age group
Films and television
Acting
Catering
Medical / social work
Psychology
Business Management
Tourism
Journalism
Administration
Stage management or technical design
Media
Fashion design
In short, any career that involves effective communication. The possibilities are endless!