Drama plays a role at MBJH

Students at Mountain Brook Junior High have the opportunity to bring out their inner actor or actress from the very beginning of school. 

In the Introduction to Drama class, seventh graders are given the opportunity to work on various projects involving different aspects of the stage. Lighting skits allows the students to design a nonverbal skit focused on enhancing a story with lights. Sound effect skits bring sound to the stage to highlight parts of a story. Students focus on their ability to write and create characters in monologues and group skits. To help develop their skills, students play improvisational games and learn the basics of theatre such as stage directions and vocal projection. 

For the first time this year at MBJH an Advanced Drama class is offered to students who are in eighth or ninth grade and have already taken the Introduction course. This class allows students to do similar activities, but at a faster and more intense pace. 

“It has been wonderful as it is composed of only 15 students who truly enjoy the art and wish to know more about it,”  drama teacher Anna McCain said. “I was able to take them to the Alabama Theatre where we took a behind-the-scenes tour and were treated to a short, but sweet, Big Bertha [organ] concert.” 

In November students performed two 20-minute skits they wrote, produced and choreographed themselves. Look for another opportunity to see these students perform in the play version of Beauty and the Beast in March. 

“These kids are absolutely wonderful; they work hard to reach their goals, yet they manage to have fun along the way,” McCain said. “We have a great time together and have become somewhat of a family this semester. I am excited to see what the rest of the year holds for us.”