FINE ARTS
Drama
The Drama Department at Central Arkansas Christian Schools provides opportunities for our students to explore and develop their talents in creative expression. Our Creator, God, made us in His image and instilled in all of us the ability to create.
Our goal in the Drama Department is to equip students to create, using theatre as a medium, with the purpose in mind that all we do is for the glory of God. As our students go about experiencing what it is to be human — as Thornton Wilder describes below — we seek to provide an avenue where they can share their stories and God-given talents in a way that reflects the image of God.
One of the greatest benefits of getting involved in the Drama Department is that all of the skills learned in drama classes and productions are helpful beyond the stage:
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” — Thornton Wilder
- Practical Skills: Using power tools, basic construction skills, sewing, budgeting, writing and drawing
- Interpersonal Skills: Working with groups, problem solving, communication, empathy and constructive criticism
- Personal Growth: Gaining poise and confidence, discovering abilities, understanding personality traits, accepting and using criticism
As we equip our students to create, teaching them a variety of skills mentioned above, we hope to instill in them an appreciation for the arts and a continued desire to participate in and support the arts beyond our school. In addition to participation and appreciation, our department strives to adequately prepare any student seeking to pursue theatre at a collegiate or professional level.
Jenna Thomas
Drama Director
Course Offerings
7th Grade Drama Rotation
Students are introduced to theatre history, ensemble building, basic acting skills, characterization, improvisation games, and scene work.
Introduction to Drama (mainly grade 9)
Students are given an overview of theatre from many perspectives — acting, technical production, auditions, history and types of theatre.
Theatre Tech I & II (grades 10-12)
Students gain a hands-on understanding of all elements of technical theatre, including scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, make-up and design.
Theatre Performance (grades 10-12)
Students explore acting in-depth through monologues, character development, play reading, comedic and dramatic scene work, improvisation, voice and diction, acting methods and stage combat.
Lights Up (audition only, grades 9-12)
Students may audition for this performing troupe. Lights Up participants serve as ambassadors for CAC, performing at our own campuses, throughout the community of Little Rock/Central Arkansas and beyond. Students perform children’s theatre comprised of popular children’s stories, poems, rhymes, and raps for children in grades pre-K through six. Students also write their own spiritually-themed material for junior high and high school students which is performed for youth groups, chapel programs and spiritual community organizations.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Drama Club
All students (grades 6-12) are welcome to participate in Drama Club. Drama Club members have the opportunity to:
- Meet once a month during chapel
- Participate in quarterly luncheons, an annual Christmas party and spring lock-in, shows and workshops
- Help serve the Drama Department by aiding productions through building and painting sets and helping with costumes and fundraisers
Productions
All students (grades 6-12) are welcome to audition for shows and to apply for a technical crew position. These opportunities include:
- Working on costumes, sound, lights, hair and makeup and props as part of Tech Crew
- Serving on production staff as assistant director, stage manager or assistant stage manager
- Auditioning for the fall play or spring musical
Elementary Students
Elementary students at CAC can get involved in the Drama Department in a few different ways:
- Summer Theatre Camp: A week-long camp typically held the last week in June. Students going into grades two through six are welcome to attend. Throughout the week, students develop and perform their own production where they write a script, create scenery and costumes, develop the characters and act! Students then perform for family and friends at the end of the week.
- Productions: Occasionally the Drama Department will perform a show that calls for child actors. Audition information and opportunities are communicated to parents and students at the elementary campuses.
Summer Theatre Camp
Location: Cone Auditorium (High School)
Dates: June 20-24, 2022
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ages: Entering 2nd – 6th Grades
Class Fee: $150
Counselors: CAC High School Students from the Drama Department
Instructor: Jenna Thomas
Come and enjoy summer theatre fun! We will study creative dramatics, acting, stagecraft, movement and play writing. Throughout camp, students will collaborate to create an original show complete with costumes, set, props, acting, dancing, and singing! You will need to bring a bagged lunch and drink every day, notebook, and writing utensil. Mid-morning snack provided. We will end the week with a camp performance for friends and family on Friday, June 24 at 2 p.m. in Cone Auditorium.
Register here.
CAC All-Access: Fine Arts
Take a behind-the-scenes look at how CAC drama students prepared for “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”
Past Productions
“The Little Mermaid” March 2019
“Peter & the Starcatcher” December 2018
“High School Musical” March 2018
“The Diary of Anne Frank” November 2017
“The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet” March 2017
“A Christmas Carol” November 2016
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” March 2016
“The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza” & “And Then There Was One” November 2015
“Beauty and the Beast” March 2015
“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” March 2014
“The Miracle Worker” November 2013
“Seussical” March 2013
“You Can’t Take it With You” November 2012
“Little Women, The Broadway Musical” March 2012
“Singin’ in the Rain” November 2011
- “The Music Man” March 2011
- “Our Town” November 2010
- “Twelve Angry Jurors” March 2010
- “Anything Goes” November 2009
- “The Servant of Two Masters” March 2009
- “Little Shop of Horrors” November 2008
- “Thoroughly Modern Millie” March 2008
- “The Mousetrap” November 2007
- “The Odd Couple” (female version) May 2007
- “Scenes & Revelations” March 2007
- “Macbeth” November 2006
- “Snoopy” March 2006
- “Wonderful Town” November 2005
- “Cinderella” March 2005
- “The Good Doctor” November 2004