Abbotsleigh Website - Performing Arts • Drama

Effective communication, speech and drama, Shakespeare, performing arts, musical theatre and world dramatists are taught at Abbotsleigh using the internationally recognised ‘Trinity Guildhall’ methodology.

Trinity College London and Guildhall School of Music and Drama are two innovative organisations that share a combined experience of over two centuries in external examinations. Trinity Guildhall has established an internationally recognised assessment of ability in speech, spoken interaction and dramatic performance.

The program provides a structured set of learning outcomes designed to help students develop a confident manner and a full, forward and free voice. In addition, it allows students to progress through the program in a systematic way as their interest and aptitude for communication, speech and drama develop. Students are able to sit for voluntary individual or group examinations in the second semester to achieve Trinity certification.

These examinations incur an additional cost. All students participating in these programs are given the opportunity to take part in a variety of performance opportunities throughout the year.

Private and semi-private lessons
Abbotsleigh girls Years 2–12
Communication skills
This program is designed to enhance a student’s ability to communicate in a variety of contexts and circumstances, including preparing and delivering speeches, interactive speaking, story telling, persuasive speaking, initiating conversation and social speaking. As students progress through the grades they will develop an intuitive feel for public and interpersonal communication and will be able to use language with increasing ease, confidence, subtlety and appropriateness.

Private lessons are available for Junior School students and private or semi-private lessons for Senior School students. All students are enrolled on a semester basis.

Speech and Drama
This program focuses on developing a wide knowledge and appreciation for prose, poetry and drama. Emphasis is placed on voice and voice production through activities involving breathing, articulation and projection. Lessons will include a range of strategies including vocal exercises, theatrical games and performance activities.

Private lessons are available for Junior School students and private or semi-private lessons for Senior School students. All students are enrolled on a semester basis.

Students enrolled in private or semi-private lessons and after consultation with their teacher may elect to study one of the following strands.

Performance arts
This course provides an exciting way to learn how to use the ability of several art forms with confidence. Mix many acting tools ranging from mime, puppets, clown, juggling, musical instruments, music and pantomime to blend into a scene.

Musical theatre
The three disciplines that are examined in this syllabus are singing, acting and movement but, as is the nature of musical theatre, candidates need to demonstrate their ability in these skills through integrative performance. At all levels the syllabus offers a wide choice for selection of performance material which may include material from the candidate’s own country or culture.

Shakespeare
Bringing to life scenes or monologues from Shakespeare’s most famous plays, this program will provide stimulus, support and structure for studies and activities required or recommended by various school curricula. It helps students extend their understanding of Shakespeare’s drama and language.

World dramatists
This syllabus explores the great playwrights from around the globe. Discover the likes of Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Patrick White, Harold Pinter, and more. The course encourages students to develop confidence and expressiveness and is invaluable for those who wish to develop their acting and performance skills. The examinations have been carefully designed so that they can complement and enrich programs of study in drama and literature.

Private drama — 2009 performance opportunities
Private Drama Years 3–6
Speech and Drama Recital: Years 3–6 private students are invited to perform at the annual Drama Recital held in Everett Hall during September.

Trinity Guildhall Exam: All private students may sit the Trinity Guildhall exam in October.

Private Drama Years 7 and 8
Speech and Drama Recital: Years 7 and 8 private students are invited to perform at the annual Drama Recital held in the Peter Duly Concert Hall during September.

Trinity Guildhall Exam: All private students may sit the Trinity Guildhall exam in October.

Private Drama Years 9–12
Trinity Guildhall Exam: All private students may sit the Trinity Guildhall exam in October.

Group lessons
Open group drama
Abbotsleigh girls Years K–3
This program has its emphasis on confidence building and provides the students with the necessary skills for effective communication. Using theatre games, improvisation, devised work and recital techniques, the student encounters poetry, plays, prose and musical theatre. Care is given to gently encourage less confident students and provide opportunities for budding actors. Girls experience both solo and group work. Most importantly, at this level open drama classes are designed to be fun!

Trinity group lessons
Small group numbers ensure maximum participation and individual attention. Students are enrolled on a semester basis but are encouraged to remain in the program for the whole year as they become an integral member of a group constructing a performance for the AbbSchool recital in Term 3 and examination in Term 4.

Trinity Group Drama
Abbotsleigh girls Years 4–10
This course for students in Years 4–10 will provide girls with the opportunity to interact with their friends and create a fulfilling and dramatic performance in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. The program involves a deeper focus on drama and constructing a performance for examination in Term 4. Each group will be assessed as a whole by the examiner who will provide a written report with each student receiving an individual certificate.

Trinity Musical Theatre
Abbotsleigh girls Years 4–6
Students will develop the ability to integrate singing, acting, movement and dance into a sustained and convincing performance, and will be encouraged to develop confidence, expression and their ability to cooperate and negotiate.

Trinity Performance Arts
Abbotsleigh girls Years 7 and 8
Performance arts allows students to combine both Musical Theatre and Performing Arts to create an original performance showing the full variety of the group’s dramatic, physical, musical and theatrical skills.

2009 performance opportunities

Group Drama Years K–3
Parents’ Performance: Kindy to Year 2 students may invite parents to view their poem or play. In Term 4 parents may receive an invitation to join the lesson in the last 15 minutes and be a friendly audience to view some of the girls’ work.
Assembly: Kindy to Year 3 students are encouraged to perform at Infants assembly. Group classes are designed for fun and learning the basic dramatic foundations. All performance opportunities are the decision of the group. No student is forced to perform in front of an audience.

Students do not sit a Trinity Guildhall examination.

Group Drama Years 4–6
Speech and Drama Recital: Years 4–6 students are invited to perform at the annual Drama Recital held in Everett Hall during September.

Assembly: Years 4–6 students may perform at assembly as a practice before the Drama Recital if desired.