Drama Kings and Queens

by Ondrea Goranson

“What is Drama?” That was the question I posed to my first through third grade students on our very first day of Dramashop. Immediately several hands flew up and I called on Amara, a bright eyed first grader bouncing with excitement.

“It’s when someone’s just being bossy!” she exclaimed. I saw eight tiny heads nod in agreement. I inquired further.

“Or when they always fightin’ with their boyfriend! Drama queen!” Jocelyn, an enthusiastic third grader pronounced to the class.

“Ok, that’s good. Can someone raise his or her hand and tell me anything else that comes to mind when you think of drama?” I watched their curious expressions and it took about two seconds of very serious contemplation before three more hands skyrocketed to the ceiling.

“Yeah! When somebody’s real mean and don’t share their toys and talk when the teacher’s talking.” Another voice proclaimed. I couldn’t help but crack a smile; these were entertaining, but unexpected responses. I then established that we weren’t going to be practicing that kind of drama in Dramashop. I also explained that drama wasn’t always such a bad thing.

The communicative arts, such as theater, speech and creative writing, are not only further a student’s education, but place an indispensable importance on the value of imagination. This day in age, it is far too easy to let the television and video games imagine for children. In Dramashop students’ creativity and imagination will be cultivated, explored and required.

Students will be introduced to a variety of lessons and activities that utilize drama. They will participate in improvisation games, reader’s theater and skit performance. In some cases, students will be assigned situations and scenarios that they’ll quickly rehearse and perform for the rest of the class. Props and costumes will also play a role in developing the student’s theatrical skills and understanding. Tongue twisters, warm-ups and a variety of vocal exercises intended to enhance clarity and diction will be practiced during each Dramashop session. Basically, it is my desire that Dramashop will provide an environment where students can be active and expressive without apprehension of judgment.

I cannot wait to explore the realms of theater and acting with these bright, energetic students. It is my prayer that each student will develop a newfound appreciation and love for “playing pretend”. This semester each student will discover new, fun, silly, exciting ways to express that imaginative energy through drama.