Faculty members in the School of Dramatic Art have been working hard to create enriching and engaging learning experiences for students, says director David Court.

“Our first project for the school year will be a works-in-progress class presentation of Jekyll and Hyde in the Hatch Studio Theatre in October,” he says. “It will be presented with minimal technical requirements, offering a unique and immersive experience for performers and the audience.”

The drama school is teaming up with the School of Creative Arts for several projects: enlisting acting students for opportunities in student films, as well as a radio play version of A Christmas Carol for performance in December at Assumption Church.

“This provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical performance experience, enhance their skills and confidence, and engage with a classic piece of literature supported by music, choral, and foley work,” Court says.

In the winter semester, the school will mount The Wedding Party as a site-specific theatre project in Mackenzie Hall.

“This ambitious project aims to provide students with an immersive theatrical experience by utilizing the space to host a wedding reception, creating a dynamic and interactive performance environment,” says Court.

In addition, Mackenzie Hall’s outdoor gazebo will host a “Shakespeare in the Park” presentation of The Advanced Shakespeare Works, preparing students for another popular form of theatrical entertainment.

A partnership with the Stratford Festival will offer course credit for experiential learning opportunities in arts administration, design and production, and education and outreach. Students will work under Stratford’s director of education, Lois Adamson, and complete reflective assignments under faculty supervision that may include tours of wardrobe, scenery, or prop shops; shadowing from the stage manager booth; observing meetings and events; and individual consultations with artists to discuss career trajectories.

Court credits drama professor Michelle MacArthur and Adamson with making the pilot program possible. It will encompass 10 placements: four each during the fall and winter reading weeks and two in summer or intersession.

Students selected to participate will have their accommodations covered and will receive an honorarium to offset the cost of meals and travel, with support from the offices of the provost and the dean of arts, humanities, and social sciences, and the School of Dramatic Art.

“We encourage all students across drama programs to apply for this opportunity, however, priority will be extended to third- and fourth-year students,” says Court.

The school has also proposed Theatre for Young Audiences tours enabling students to improve their performance skills while engaging with young audiences in the community.