Drama Literacy Program

Our Drama Literacy Program is an innovative children’s theater program that serves thousands of elementary and middles school children every year.  The programs encourages students to put into direct practice, through a language-based art form, the literary skills they are learning in the classroom. Professional instructors work hand-in-hand with the school’s teachers to help students with comprehension, interpretation, and teamwork. Students also love the opportunity to perform plays for their peers, parents, and local community!

Students taking part in the creation, rehearsal, and performance of a play provides them a unique experience to boost their literacy skills, their confidence and creativity, their ability to work collaboratively, and their interpersonal skills, all of which are major assets that will serve them well in the future.  To bring this enriching program to your location, please contact us.

Drama Literacy Programs have run at D. A. Grout Elementary (every year, and going) since 2003; 6 years at Lewis Elementary; 3 years at Roseway Heights School; 2 years at Laurelhurst School, 3 years (and going) at Cottonwood School, and 5 years (and going) at Llewellyn Elementary.

Here’s an outside perspective on the Drama Literacy Program from volunteer Linda Chase, during her One-Week Job Project.

** FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES! at D.A Grout, Llewellyn, & Cottonwood Schools. **

“It was my privilege to work with Michael Wehrli and New Moon Productions for eleven years now at Daniel A. Grout Elementary School. It was a wonderful addition to our literacy and arts program and one enthusiastically supported by our entire staff and community.”

Susan McElroy, school principal, PPS Principal of the Year (2013), retired

Benefits of the Drama Literacy Program

Students:

    • put into direct practice the literacy skills learned in the classroom
    • express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment
    • experience their imaginations being celebrated and encouraged
    • increase their self-confidence and enhance their self-esteem
    • improve their communication and interpersonal skills
    • are focused and disciplined in their approach to acting and text comprehension
    • increase their ability to work collaboratively
    • appreciate other cultures and ideas
  • help to foster community by bringing families together with their performances

Program Details

The information below represents how the program has typically run in the past, but any aspect of the program can be modified to match your school’s specific needs and goals. Contact us to request a quote and bring the Drama Literacy Program to your school.

Ages: Grades 2-5, K-1, and middle school
Group Size: 10-25 students
Days: Monday-Thursday (sometimes Friday)
Hours: elementary age-2-3 hours per day, 4 groups @ 30-45 minutes each, middle school age-1-4 groups, 2-4 hours a day
Duration: 2-7 weeks/sessions for Grades 2-5 & middle school, 2-3 weeks/session for Grades K-1
Dates: Early September through early June
Professional Instructors: 1-2 (depending on class sizes)

Any of the above details can be modified to match your school’s specific needs and goals.

Over the course of the program, students work on text comprehension and interpretation, ensemble building, improvisation, character development, voice and diction, and stage movement, while rehearsing a play. The play is based on a book or story, chosen with a focus on challenging students’ current literacy skills. Chosen plays and stories have included:

  • Aesop’s fables
  • Tales of Anansi
  • Alice In Wonderland
  • Arthur
  • Charlotte’s Web
  • Dr. Seuss books
  • Fairy tales
  • Freckle Juice
  • International Folk Tales
  • Junie B. Jones
  • The Jungle Book
  • The Kid Who Ran For President
  • Many adapted international folk tales
  • A Midsummer Nights Dream
  • Shel Silverstein poems
  • Sideways Stories from Wayside School
  • Snow White: The Melodrama!
  • The Addams Family
  • Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots
  • Winnie The Pooh
  • Original plays written by the students
  • The Zack Files
  • and many many more.

At the end of the 2-7 week session, students perform their plays once for the entire school and again in the evening for their parents and families. Grout Elementary students also perform at a retirement home across the street. Performances include basic costumes, props, and sometimes scenery that the students make themselves.

Typically, K and 1st graders do not perform. We want them to be comfortable on stage and learn the basics of acting and performing without the pressure of having to perform for others. Usually, we work with these age groups for 2-3 weeks. However, if your school wishes them to perform, it can be arranged.  Middle school workshops sometimes occur after school.

Remember, any of the above details can be modified to match your school’s specific needs and goals. For a price quote and more information about bringing this program to your school, fill out the Inquiry Form or contact us directly.