Teaching Artist's Statement Drama is one of the best ways I know for students to make discoveries about themselves

and the world around them. Theatre arts offers all types of leamers - verbal, kinesthetic, visual, and aural as well as students with special needs and disabilities - opportunities to leam, explore, and
grow. Drama is at once personal and intimate and, at the same time, collaborative giving students endless opportunities to interact socially and work communally while expressing themselves in their own unique and creative ways.
By participating in activities and games and adding their own input to projects presented during

drama class, students take ownership of the creative process and gain self-esteem and confidence while learning to recognize their individuality as well as appreciating the contributions of fellow sludents.

Course Overview
This year, the uniffing theme for P.S. Arts is The Tree of Life - Roofs and Bnnches. Theatre has its roots in storytelling. Through games, activities, and group projects, students will explore the rich history of theatre. As they "branch out", students will leam how storytelling connects, defines, and trans{orms us and how they can tell their own stories in a variety of ways. As time allows throughout the course, we will discuss aspects of theatre history, theatrical genres, and how theatre has contributed to society and culture both globally and locally.

Obiectives for Student Outcomes

Through theatre warrrups, games, improvisations and activities that engage their imaginations, students will leam methods that encourage and support creative expression. Each week, students will leam new skills as they leam to understand how actors use their voices, bodies, and imaginations to tell stories and create characters. Focus and concentration skills will be reinforced throughout the program and students will participate in activities that encourage teamwork and cooperation. While expressing themselves creatively, students will understand that, despite our differences, we are all connected and have important stories to tell. Class room Expec'tations Students will be expected to understand that, although drama class may be unlike they're daily classroom experiences, they must act with respect for the teacher, the other students, and themselves. Students will be brought to focus through the lcemanlZero activity and will be reminded of expectations, if necessary, during class time.

Teacher and Parent lnvolvement

I encourage teachers to participate, comment, and ask questions both of myself and of the

students. Pointing out or reminding students of connections to classroom content in science, math, social studies, etc. is atways helpful in reinforcing skills leamed in drama class. I encourage collaboration as much as possible and I am willing to make time in my schedule to meet with teachers individually or in groups if there are specific subjects or content they would like to see addressed during dass time. Due to the limited time I get to spend with the students, I appreciate teachers dealing with behavioral issues of specific students if they are interfering with the leaming of the rest of the
class.
I consider my classroom open and teachers, staff, and parents are welcome to visit and observe

at any time.

Michael Cappelli,

P.S.

Arts Teaching Artist Theatre Arts