Berkshire Country Day School

The 5th and 6th graders work original material under gentle, knowledgeable instruction. Through brainstorming, improvisation, games and writing exercises, the casts create short pieces of theatre that draw on their own interests, ideas, and strengths. The focus is on the process: finding one’s voice, respecting all ideas, and practicing theatre fundamentals. The end result is the proud presentation of that work to the school community. The 6th grade production takes place in late fall with the 5th grade show happening in late winter.

In the Upper School, students have the opportunity to take their interests to the next level. Autumn is the time for an original 8th and 9th grade production. Through the expansion of their knowledge and skill at improvisation and collaboration, students will engage in an improvisation-based performance. In the winter, Upper School students may audition for two productions simultaneously, both of which explore scripted material. The first is a full-scale scripted production providing experience with a large ensemble, more involvement in set construction, lighting, costume, and props, and the thrill of telling a story on a larger scale. At the same time, the "Furey Show" allow students to participate in a smaller scripted play with less of a time commitment. Here, the actors play larger roles in a smaller play. The productions will range in style and scope from year to year, but might include full-length drama, one-act plays, comedy, Shakespeare, or musicals. All decisions about casting reside with the directors of the productions. Finally, there is a digital film production in the spring. Students set about producing a film project, learning about acting for film, camera work, continuity, editing, and more. All Upper School performances and screenings will take place at the Winthrop Theatre.

Upper School Film and Theater:

• Fall: 8th/9th Grade Show - Original material developed through Improvisation
• Winter: All Upper School Production - Big show open to 7th-9th grade
• Spring: 8th/9th Film production -Short film produced by the 8th and 9th grade students

A cap will be placed on participation in the theatre productions as follows:

• Fall: 12 students (seniority by grade, then first-come, first-served)
• Winter: No set cap (audition to determine correct number for given show)
• Spring: 12 students (Seniority by grade, then first-come, first-served)

7th graders may do only 1 season of theater (Winter) 8th and 9th grades may do all three seasons of theater if they meet the physical education requirements (see below).

Students participating in one season of after-school theater will be granted an exemption from sports, as has been done for the winter season in the past. The winter season will continue to serve as the exempt season for sports.

Students doing two seasons of theater must take the Upper School PE class twice a week during the second season. This class will be offered during the study hall periods.

In a case where an 8th or 9th grader opts to do a third season of theater, s/he must participate in the P.E. class during the second and third seasons.