As stated in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Visual and Performing Arts, "Experience with and knowledge of the arts is a vital part of a complete education.” At Chapin, we believe drama is an essential element of a comprehensive academic curriculum. The drama program allows students to transform, reflect and act upon the human condition. A collaborative art form driven by inquiry, drama actively engages students in the process of creation, and encourages students to implement their ideas while simultaneously responding critically to a variety of work. to the audience rather than just take from the play.
Drama helps students understand how the arts shape the diverse cultures of both past and present societies. Students learn to take risks and express their thoughts and feelings. Drama develops the “whole child” through physical, emotional, intellectual and social interaction. Winifred Ward, a pioneer in the field of educational theatre, explains: “Its objectives are to give each child an avenue for self expression, guide his creative imagination, provide for a controlled emotional outlet, help him in the building of fine attitudes and appreciations and to give him opportunities to grow in social cooperation.” Through the process of ensemble rehearsal and performance, the ultimate goal is for students to learn how to give