DRAMA PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The CCCEPA Drama Department offers an immersive training program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in acting—whether in plays, musicals, film, or television. Students explore a wide range of advanced acting techniques, focusing on body and voice control, scene work, monologues, auditioning, musical theatre, and improvisation. Throughout the program, guest artists are invited to conduct special master classes with students.

Each season, the department produces a full slate of extracurricular dramatic productions in our performance spaces. At the core of our teaching philosophy is the belief that it is our responsibility to provide students who choose to pursue careers in the arts with the tools for success. Equally, we aim to instill in all students the work ethic, professionalism, communication skills, and collaborative qualities needed to succeed in any field.

CCCEPA DRAMA DEPARTMENT AGREEMENTS

We have established three guiding principles for our department, which form the foundation of our time together:

1. WE RESPECT EACH OTHER We are committed to creating a safe, supportive ensemble environment where students can take creative risks without fear of judgment. We will respect each other’s materials, including dress-out clothes and journals.
2. WE RESPECT THE SPACE Students are expected to fulfill responsibilities at the end of each class, ensuring the space is ready for the next group. Cell phones should not be used unless directed for class purposes. Only water is allowed in the room; gum and candy are prohibited (except when needed for scenes). Students should raise their hands to speak once class has started, especially if the teacher or another student is talking or if announcements are being made. Courtesy to all class members is essential, and we should avoid talking when others are speaking.
3. WE RESPECT THE WORK Students are expected to prepare for class to the best of their ability. Scenes and monologues require memorization and outside preparation. Our talent can only fully shine when we come fully prepared to engage in the work. Once class begins, all attention should be focused on the task at hand.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Each class will include a daily warm-up, focusing on one or more of the following areas:

• Focus/Concentration
• Physical Warm-up
• Ensemble Building

Classes will consist of exercises, lectures, demonstrations, rehearsals, and performances. Students are expected to remain fully focused throughout the entire class. Students who are absent or disengaged in class will not be eligible to participate in after-school rehearsals. We will prioritize the work taking place in the classroom, black box, or theatre and will set aside assignments from other classes. During class, students should be attentive and respectful, giving others the same courtesy they would like to receive.

ADVANCEMENT IN THE PROGRAM

The CCCEPA Drama Department offers five levels of drama classes: Introductory Drama, followed by Drama 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each level presents a distinct curriculum. At the end of each school year, students will be placed in a subsequent class by the drama faculty based on their performance and progress. Some students may skip a level, while others may be asked to repeat a level. The path through the drama program is not fixed but is tailored to provide each student with the curriculum best suited to their development.

JURIES

At the end of each semester, all students will complete a jury as part of the class placement process. The jury consists of a monologue performance and a brief interview. While the jury is not the sole factor in class placement, it provides students with a valuable opportunity to prepare for a major audition and receive individualized feedback.

GRADES

Class performances are graded using a rubric that evaluates acting, voice, movement, and preparation. In addition, each student receives a daily “rehearsal/ensemble” grade. This grade is awarded at a rate of 10 points per day, entered into the grade book every two weeks (for a total of 100 points per two-week period). Points are earned by utilizing rehearsal time effectively, completing daily exercises, and contributing to the work of other students.

If a student is absent, they will lose points for that day, but if absence is excused, points may be recovered by completing makeup work (please consult your instructor for specific assignments).

CO-CURRICULAR PERFORMANCES

The drama department presents at least two full-scale productions each year. All CCCEPA drama students are required to audition for a minimum of one drama production per year. If cast, students must fulfill their casting commitment. We select challenging and relevant works that represent a broad range of cultures and life experiences. Additionally, many classes culminate in performances presented outside of school hours.

COLLEGE AUDITION PREPARATION

For students who plan to continue their training at the collegiate level, we offer guidance throughout the audition process. This includes assistance with selecting audition materials, free coaching sessions before and after school, and free prescreen video recording.

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS

We recommend that students have the following materials for class:

• A journal for taking notes.
• Comfortable dress-out clothes (school-appropriate attire that allows freedom of movement).
• Monologue and scene books (optional but recommended).
• A positive attitude and a willingness to learn.