|
Postgraduate Theatre Accomplishments | Theatre Home | JBS Home |
| The school's statement of philosophy focuses
on the concept of the pursuit of individual excellence by academic,
physical, and creative means within the context of a community
dedicated to active learning, integrity, and service to others.
The Theatre Departmant views itself as immersed in this pusuit.
Not only does the department offer an arena for creative exploration,
growth, and expression, but it also complements the academic
goals of the institution by offering exposure to and study of
dramatic literature and history. This academic significance has
been acknowledged by the English Department's 1994 invitation
to Mr. Salomon to teach a senior honors seminar on modern drama.
Likewise, the Athletic Department's honoring of participation
in the musical as worthy of physical education credit acknowledges
the physical rigors of participation in theatre. By these means,
the Theatre Department works to achieve the three basic tenets
of the school's philosophy: active learning, integrity, and service
to others. A theatre class is the very definition of active learning. With the exception of the eighth grade introductory course, all participation in the theatre department is by choice. By its very nature, a challenge by choice means personal involvement and commitment in the meeting of that challenge. Theatre classes are not about lecture and discussion -- they are about activity. Theatre students do not listen and watch -- they do. Physical, vocal, and imaginative exploration and expression are what actors do, and so acting students actively move, dance, speak, sing, think, and feel during their curricular and extra-curricular theatre experiences. The department's approach to integrity is equally active, for it does not remain at a conceptual level. Integrity is not discussed, but rather is expected. Without integrity as part of the process, the product, whether it be the opening night of a show or the personal fulfillment of an individual, would be sullied. During the mounting of a performance, students must commit themselves to such tasks as reliable attendance and memorization. Students are also in school buildings and back stage during times when self monitoring and control are absolutely necessary. In class students must gain the trust of partners and small groups while participating in activities of emotional exploration and physical contact. In short, all participation in theatre involves some personal risk, and without individual and group integrity, that risk would prove itself not worth choosing. As students continue to choose theatre, it would seem that integrity is an inherent aspect of the department. This sense of integrity leads theatre students to serve each other. Each student is bound to the success of the group, and so the individual works to serve the ensemble. In six performances each year, the ensemble then serves the cultural community of the school. In keeping with this sense of service, the Theatre Department , upon the suggestion of a student, has decided to extend its service to others into the greater community of St. Louis. We are studying and plan to initiate a program of play readings to be done at retirement homes and possible other community living centers. This program would allow for more students to involve themselves in theatre and would expand the community outreach of the Theatre Department. We are a privileged department of a privileged school -- we must share with others. From the strong sense of comaraderie amongst its faculty to the quality of that faculty's relationship with students, the Theatre Department succeeds in creating the informal atmosphere of excellence which is called for by the school's Statement of Philosophy. We "study, play, create" and strive to continue the persuit of the active, ethical, and valuable education expected of the John Burroughs School. |