Drama
Lamplighter’s drama program seeks to ignite young learners’ potential through performance, scriptwriting, and exploratory play using drama games and improvisation. The classroom environment is joyful and emphasizes hands-on, collaborative learning through drama “lab” sessions, where students support one another as they develop and refine their performances.
Collaboration and Peer Support
The Drama program closely reflects Lamplighter's mission of collaborative learning, as students work together to strengthen one another’s monologues and scenes through both verbal and written feedback. Students also collaborate on scenery backdrops and serve as line prompters for their peers during rehearsals and performances, reinforcing teamwork and shared success.
Students may choose to write their own material or select scripts created by previous students. Working in pairs or small groups within a lab environment, they experiment with performance techniques such as HALF (Head, Arms, Legs, and Face) movement and DRIP (Diction, Rate, Inflection, and Projection) to strengthen vocal delivery. Students also have opportunities to design digital scenery to enhance their performances for live audiences.
Connelly Family Theater Arts Lab
Drama classes take place in the Connelly Family Theater Arts Lab, which opened in fall 2022. Designed specifically for the performing arts, the space includes a stage, professional lighting, a microphone system, a back-projection LED screen for scenery, and retractable seating for up to 40 guests. Students in Pre-K through fourth grade participate in drama classes in this dedicated space.
The Lab was designed by award-winning architect Marlon Blackwell of Fayetteville, Arkansas, who also designed the School’s Eastin Family Innovation Lab, LPA Barn, and Alumni & Student Services Building.
Performances
Throughout the year, Lamplighter students build and showcase their drama skills through a variety of performance opportunities, including:
Monologues
Students in first through third grades perform monologues for parents two or three times each year. These performances are often based on themes such as community helpers, animal habitats, or holidays around the world. These occasions give students opportunities to practice public speaking, build confidence, and develop their performance skills in a supportive environment.
All School Program
Each December before Winter Break, all students participate in the All School Program, a creative performance built around a unifying theme and serving as a culmination of learning throughout the semester. This event gives students an opportunity to showcase skills developed in both Music and Drama classes while performing together as a community.
Senior Opera
The Senior Opera is the capstone literacy and arts project for Lamplighter Seniors. Fourth grade students work in groups to develop a storyline, write an original opera libretto, adapt familiar songs, and bring the production to life through their Drama studies. This beloved Lamplighter tradition began in 1991 and remains a highlight of the Senior Year experience.
