Why is Drama a Required Class for Juniors and Seniors?
We often ask our Drama students this question after the curtain closes and they write their Final Reflection assignment. Their answers are often remarkable because they capture exactly what we hope they have learned through this experience.
Many students say something like this:
"Before Drama, I thought our Humane Letters discussions had already pushed literary analysis as far as it could go. But bringing a character to life on stage required me to understand a character with more depth and precision than I had ever expected.
In Drama, you have to know the character and the plot so thoroughly that you understand what your character would wear, what they believe or value, and how they would respond in any situation. If something unexpected happens during the performance—such as an actor missing a prop or skipping part of the script—you must respond in a way that remains true to your character and consistent with the story."
This depth of understanding is no accident. Throughout our ten-week drama program, students complete a series of written assignments that require them to analyze their character and the play deeply before ever stepping onto the stage.
Each student begins by writing a detailed character biography, imagining the character’s life experiences and relationships that shaped the character before the opening scene of the play. This process helps students understand not only what their character does, but why.
Students are also required to write in a daily analytical journal. Each day, they revisit the script, reflecting on the characters’ motivations and relationships, as well as the themes and events unfolding throughout the play. These daily reflections deepen their understanding and help them make thoughtful acting choices.
In addition, students write an analytical essay comparing the play to other works of literature, philosophy, history, or theology they have studied at Trinity Academy. Drama becomes another lens through which students explore the great ideas that have shaped civilization.
Finally, as mentioned above, after the production closes each student writes a Final Reflection examining the experience of performing on stage and what they learned through the process.
Many students begin the class dreading the thought of performing before an audience. Yet after the final curtain falls, they often describe it as one of the most meaningful experiences of their high school years. They speak about the confidence they have gained, the friendships they formed, and the sense of belonging that developed as they worked together toward a common goal.
They become an ensemble, encouraging one another through line memorization, gracefully recovering from missed cues, quietly handing off forgotten props, and celebrating one another's successes.
One of the aspects students enjoy most is that they create nearly every element of the production themselves. They design and build the set, create props, sew costumes, apply makeup, style hair, and often produce Foley sound effects. Some classes even compose and perform original music or choreograph dances specifically for the production.
By the end of the process, the class can proudly say they created every aspect of the performance together. Each student contributes unique gifts—whether painting, carpentry, sewing, graphic design, music, makeup artistry, or stage management—and every contribution becomes essential to the success of the whole.
Perhaps the most beautiful moment in their Drama production comes just after the final curtain call. The cast joins hands, bows to the audience's enthusiastic applause, and steps back as the curtain closes in front of them. For a moment, they stand there, stunned almost in disbelief at what they have accomplished. Then the celebration begins. They laugh, jump, hug one another, and congratulate each other backstage behind the closed curtain as their families and friends wait for them to walk out for their hugs and flowers.
The celebration continues at the cast party and again the following Monday in class when students take time to honor one another for the unique contributions each person made to the production. They recognize that the performance succeeded not because of any one individual, but because every student faithfully offered his or her talents in service of the whole.
That is why we require drama at Trinity Academy.
Drama at Trinity Academy is not simply about producing a play. It is an extension of our Humane Letters program—a place where students continue to explore the human condition by stepping into the lives, struggles, choices, and hopes of others.
In addition to building confidence in public speaking, Drama teaches students to read with greater insight, think with greater depth, use their unique skills and creativity, and serve alongside others. It is one of the few disciplines that asks students to unite the intellect, the imagination, the body, and the will in pursuit of truth and beauty.
That lesson extends far beyond the stage.