Drama

Where art, performance, and technology collide

The drama program at Marist School is designed to offer a multi-level opportunity to study theater arts on the middle school level and then into high school.

It is the department’s philosophy to offer students a unique experience in theater for their own enjoyment as well as provide serious students the opportunity to hone their skills in preparation for college or the professional world. Several theater graduates are majoring in theater in prestigious colleges across the country and have gone on to professional careers in the business.

In the first level of the course, the student has an opportunity to improve their skills at public speaking as well as the opportunity to participate in scene studies and scripted plays. From here, the student can advance from basic acting classes to a course that allows the student to direct a scene with the other students in the class.

Courses

List of 5 items.

  • Drama & Speech (FA416: Grades 7-8)

    This one-term course introduces students to drama, speech, and oral interpretation with emphasis on developing speaking abilities and gaining stage presence. Activities include public speaking, improvisation, role-playing, and scene studies. Students perform individually and in groups and will participate in hands-on technical work in the auditorium.
  • Drama: Survey of Theater and Performance (FA441: Grades 9-12)

    This one-term course is an introduction to the basic elements of acting and stagecraft. Scene studies, monologues, and improvisation are included. Students also will be introduced to the history of theater, including period and style in movement.
  • Drama: Theater Research (FA442: Grades 10-12)

    This one-term course is offered for the student who seeks to explore theatrical elements in a more focused environment. The teacher and student(s) will identify a specific subject and create a course of study, with particular emphasis on the means of assessment. Topics may include acting and performance, direction, playwriting, theater history, theater and social justice, theatrical design, etc.

    Prerequisite: Drama: Survey of Theater and Performance (FA441) and permission of the instructor.
  • Theater Production (FA445: Grades 9-12)

    This one-term course gives students an overview of technical theater production elements. Topics include the basics of audio engineering for musicals and audio editing, lighting technology and design, scenic construction and painting, and stage management. There are opportunities for students who are interested in performance as well as technical theater. This course is 30% lecture and 70% hands-on experience.
  • Performing Broadway: From Vaudeville to "Hamilton" (FA450: Grade 9-12)

    In this course, students will learn techniques in performing many styles of musical theater. The class will be taught through the lens of the history of the American Musical, starting with vaudeville and moving up to “Hamilton.” Focus will be on connecting the show with the cultural elements that created them, e.g. what was going on in America to bring about the musical “Hair” or “Rent” or “South Pacific”? Students will learn how the American Musical has evolved over time, with performances from a range of eras and styles. Class will culminate in a final performance showcase. Recommended for students who have some singing experience.

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Eric McNaughton

    Mr. Eric McNaughton 90

    Fine Arts Department Chair & Theater Director
  • Photo of Anna Lee

    Mrs. Anna Lee 

    Theater Technical Director

Marist School

3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30319-1899
(770) 457-7201
An Independent Catholic School of the Marist Fathers and Brothers