Apart from acquiring skills as artists, drama training cultivates the development of personal qualities such as self discipline, self-confidence, communication and presentation skills, social and emotional responsiveness, team work and lateral thinking.
Dramatic Arts at Pro Arte Alphen Park offer young and talented actors the opportunity to develop into versatile theatre practitioners within the unique and exciting South African theatre context. The multi-faceted course aims to foster each learner’s understanding of the craft and its technical requirements, while exposing them to a variety of theatre disciplines and styles. The course encourages creative interaction between learners and teachers to facilitate continuous opportunity for growth and expression of their personal artistic Voice.
Apart from acquiring skills as artists, drama training cultivates the development of personal qualities such as self discipline, self-confidence, communication and presentation skills, social and emotional responsiveness, team work and lateral thinking.
Learners' tuition includes practical and theoretical aspects of theatre-making. Practical training includes acting, voice and speech work, movement and physical theatre, costume, make-up and set design. Theoretical work encompasses a study of the history and literature of Drama, including philosophies and trends, as well as in-depth studies and discussions of leading international and national theatre-makers’ work.
Continuous assessment encourages learners to engage in creative processes whereby the theoretical and practical aspects of their training are combined. An integrated process would constitute acting exercises and games, exploring acting techniques and styles congruent to different dramatic texts, analysing context and dramatic content, and conceptualising and developing a unique interpretation for a dramatic product. Learners are encouraged to activate their imaginative faculties and to internalise processes, as these abilities add depth and maturity to performances. By keeping journal of their learning experiences, learners develop an ability to monitor and evaluate their growth and development.
Learners are provided with various opportunities to showcase their practical work, either prepared as part of their practical examination work, or for productions outside the scope of class work. Productions are planned around learners’ strengths and provide exposure to planning, marketing and producing a performance to the public. Learners are encouraged to take part in youth- and arts festivals in and around Tshwane and Gauteng, which provides additional exposure of their abilities to a wide and varied audience. Regular theatre visits are organised to mainstream and fringe-theatre venues to ensure learners are exposed to and aware of exciting and innovative theatre events.
2009 Pro Arte Alphen Park Drama Calender and Events:
MARCH 2009
A child without...a wartime child
A multimedia movement production
The Grade 12 learners used movement, song, music, poetry, art and video installations to comment on the alienation of children in today’s society. The multimedia effort created vivid images of the wartime child: one without a home, love, education, friends, care...a wartime child.
Landskappe van my asem
Teachers from the Drama Department presented an evening of poetry, depicting the close interaction between man and nature. A sculpture exhibition and cuisine by the Hotel-keeping Department complemented the event
MAY 2009
Boesman and Lena
Grade 11 learners rendered a convincing interpretation of this world-class drama by Athol Fugard. Students were commended for their mature characterisation.
JUNE 2009
Wie is nou die slimste?
Children's Theatre
A full-blown, imaginative, interactive and colourful children’s theatre production, performed to great acclaim at the school as well as the Pierneef Teater in Rietondale, Pretoria.
AUGUST 2009
State Theatre Youth Festival
Excerpts from the multimedia movement production 'A child without...a wartime child', performed at the annual State Theatre Youth Festival.
SEPTEMBER 2009
How Spring came about
An interactive theatre event based on Greek mythology, performed at the Baby Legi Nursery School in Hammanskraal. A community outreach event, devised and performed by Grade 11 learners.
FEBRUARY TO NOVEMBER 2009
Kindergarten parties
Grade 11 learners are involved in creating interactive and entertaining theatre events at various kindergarten parties throughout the year.