Theater

Students begin their drama experience at Pike in fifth grade. In their first and second year of theater, the focus is on building trust and a common vocabulary, storytelling and understanding the role of the director.

In addition to daily skill-building activities, students write and perform in two formal scene projects. Students practice writing scripts and monologues in the voice of their character. In eighth grade, students create their own plays and participate as playwrights, directors, and actors. They also participate in at least one technical role.

The eighth and ninth grade theater performs in both drama productions that has already been written and in their own newly created performances. When performing an already written play, students must interpret the playwright’s intentions by looking for clues in the script. They are expected to bring characters to life, follow stage directions, and collaborate to present the play as it was written. All ninth graders both perform and assist as directors during this project. When creating their own performance, students must take on the role of playwright and director, developing original ideas, shaping dialogue, and crafting characters. They are responsible for deciding on the central message, designing staging, and ensuring their performance communicates their intended themes clearly to the audience.