DRAMATIC DISCOVERY
WHAT TO EXPECT
Dramatic Discovery takes creative play to the next level, advancing the practice of Improv and challenging students to continue on their journey of self-discovery. Like all of our classes, our weekly Dramatic Discovery classes focus on our monthly Core Skill. Each month features four lessons grounded in: technical theatre, acting or performing, character creation, and world building. We explore these foundational areas of theatre through the lens of the Core Skill of the Month.
For example, technical theatre during the month of Critical Thinking might have students figuring out how to craft shapes that will throw specific shadows to use as a set. Technical theatre during the month of Resilience, might ask students to create costumes entirely out of toilet paper!
The Drama Spot is a unique opportunity for students who are shy or nervous about performing to gain the confidence they need to try it out. We never require or pressure students to do anything they don’t want to. We value every role, including that of the audience, which is actually a tremendously valuable experience in its own right. We find opportunities to encourage students to step outside their comfort zone, whether that is speaking in front of the class or sharing a design. Our goal is to challenge students just enough to help them grow, while still ensuring they have the most fun ever.
Our classes follow this predictable structure, to ensure every student can walk in confidently and leave full of joy:
Warm-ups that introduce routine and predictability while teaching how to care for our voices and bodies.
Energizer games activate the brain-body connection and ground students in the present, preparing them to fully engage in the lesson. Games are a fantastic way for every human to learn, regardless of age, and each of our games targets one or more of our Core Skills.
The main activity is broken into three parts, supporting learning and growth using sound pedagogy and proven methods:
Whole Group Introduction - Carving out time for context and instruction allows students at all readiness levels to calmly begin the activity at their chosen point of entry. It also gives our teachers the opportunity to see what questions exist, and who could use additional support.
Small Groups/Partners/Individual Exploration - More often than not, students will be working collaboratively with a small peer group that can match and support their learning journey. We find that students shine the most when they are given direct support from their peers.
Whole Group Share/Perform - Whenever possible, every student is given the chance to present or perform in some way for the class. It is always encouraged, but never required. This constant exposure is the key to unlocking the confidence needed to keep pushing comfort zones.
Closing rituals and bubble dance parties reinforce learning in a joyful, energetic way. Plus: you’re never too old for bubbles.
Theatre In MIDDLE School
At this stage, students are navigating identity, friendships, and a desire for independence — while also craving belonging. At precisely the moment when students start to shy away from Pretend Play is when they need it the most. Dramatic Play becomes a place to experiment safely: to take risks, fail forward, and discover their voice. In our classes, we lean hard into improv, as the benefits it offers are innumerable and the joy it brings is hard to overstate. Students learn to make bold choices, listen deeply, and contribute to an ensemble — all through play, exploration, and shared storytelling.
