Spotlight on Specials: Drama
“You may have noticed that your children are dancing a bit more, singing a bit more, and maybe even acting a bit more dramatic at home. That’s because we are having a great time letting loose in drama class at The River School!
Mr. Andrew Boza, Drama Teacher
What Have Students Been Doing in Drama Class?
During the first part of the year, we focused on body awareness and on developing an ability to express ourselves though the use of our bodies. We did this by playing games that involved acting out animals or careers, and through the use of opposites, e.g, “big” and “small”. We have now begun telling stories orally and physically. We have acted out Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes through dance, mime, and puppetry. One of the children’s favorite activities was acting out the Nursery Rhyme, Humpty Dumpty. As Humpty, the young actors enjoyed falling off the wall; as the King’s Horsemen, they loved riding their horses and attempting to save the day. This spring, the preschool age classes will progress to acting out classic children’s stories such as The Three Little Bears. The school age classes will soon begin preparing the end-of-the-year musical. What is Mr. Boza’s Teaching Philosophy?
As someone who has been acting since the age of twelve, I am passionate about the field of dramatic arts. I recently performed in Fiddler on the Roof and am currently working on 1776 at Olney Theatre. As an actor, I bring experiences from my past and everyday life into the classroom. I treat all of my students as actors and conduct the classes according to an actor’s routine. Hidden in the context of playing games and participating in fun activities are the four overall goals I have for all of the students:- To participate in drama.
- To willingly work with others in dramatic contexts.
- To use imagination in dramatic contexts.
- Participate in discussions about the drama work.
What Do Students Say?
“I like that we can act out plays and take turns.” – Heron student“We like holding the purple ball and talking in funny voices.” – The Turtles
“I love Mr. Boza’s dance parties.” – Heron student
