Performing Arts

Lower School

Students in grades K-3 participate in a flexible and varied performing arts program that integrates creative dance, drama (mime, improvisation, and acting) and folk-based vocal music. The program provides a wide variety of multicultural arts experiences that lay the foundation for future growth in the arts. Frequently, performing arts parallel’s classroom instruction, especially in multicultural studies and as part of each grade’s preparation to lead Chapel twice each year.

Students in grades 4-6 explore a variety of presentational and performance opportunities in their homeroom classes, from self-written expressions of particular subject matter to recitations of poetry and puppet plays. Through Chapel, each grade creates specific presentations twice each year.

Middle School

Seventh and eighth graders have the opportunity to choose from either a specialized science class or drama for one quarter each year. In drama, the students read several plays before selecting one for performance. With the support and supervision of the instructor, the plays are cast and begin rehearsal. Students may act, stage manage, and/or design based on their own preferences. At the end of each quarter, the play is performed at least once for the other St. Paul’s students and once in the evening for the entire St. Paul’s School community. During the course, students also participate in theater games and improvisations to develop performance skills.