The Drama program at Canmore Collegiate High School aims to build students’ confidence and self-awareness through a rich variety of dramatic experiences. Starting with Drama 10, an introductory course that explores improvisation, speech, movement, and dance, students gain foundational skills in a supportive environment while learning the basics of stagecraft, including lighting, sound, and costuming. Drama 20 and Drama 30 build on these skills, offering advanced training in voice, movement, scene study, and directing, with opportunities for mentoring and deeper engagement in stage production elements. For students looking to perform, Performing Arts 15/25/35 allows them to participate in full-length productions, honing their acting skills in collaboration with a dedicated cast and crew. Those interested in working behind the scenes can join Technical Theatre 15/25/35, where they’ll gain hands-on experience in all aspects of production, from lighting and sound to costume design.
Drama 10
5 credits
Prerequisite: none
Drama 10 is an introductory course designed for the beginning drama student. Improvisation, speech, movement, and dance are integral parts of the program. Through daily participation in a variety of activities, students will be encouraged to explore their own creative potential in a supportive, yet challenging, learning environment. Students will also be introduced to the principles of stage lighting, sound, set and prop construction, makeup, and costuming. There will be no public performance in this class.
Drama 20
5 credits
Prerequisite: 50 per cent in Drama 10
Drama 20 is an advanced course designed for the second-year drama students. The student will be afforded the opportunity to further develop basic skills through class work in movement, voice, improvisation, and scene study. Students will deepen their understanding of principles of stage lighting, sound, set and prop construction, makeup, and costuming. Areas of interest may include collective creation and children's theatre. There will be no public performance in this class.
Drama 30
5 credits
Prerequisite: 50 per cent in Drama 20
Drama 30 is an advanced course designed for the third year drama student. The students will continue to build their skills in the areas of movement, voice, and scene study but further work will be in the area of directing and stagecraft. Improvisation, oral communication, stagecraft, and scripted monologues, will be studied by the students. Students will also be managing and mentoring Drama 10/20 students in stage lighting, sound, set and prop construction, makeup, and costuming. There will be no public performance in this class.
Performing Arts 15/25/35
5 credits
Pre-requirement for 25 is Drama 10, and pre-requirement for 35 is Drama 20.
The performing arts courses are specialized classes for the student actor. Students wishing to perform a full-length production will have the opportunity through these courses. Students study auditioning techniques and develop vocal and physical skill to create commanding characters on stage. Students will have the opportunity to be a part of a skilled and enthusiastic group of actors who work cooperatively and respectfully with each other and with teacher/ student directors, student managers, and a cast ensemble. Performing arts is a very practical course that challenges the student actor.
Extracurricular: One to two evening performances will be required
Technical Theatre 15/25/35
5 credits
Pre-requirement for 25 is Technical Theatre 15, Pre-requirement for Technical Theatre 35 is Drama 25
This option course is for students wishing to work behind the scenes in a full-length production. Students will acquire knowledge of costume, make up, management (business/house/stage), properties, lighting, set and sound. There will be mandatory after school and evening commitments for the production.