What is Drama Intersession?
Each year, the entire school population, along with members of the extended local theatre community, spend the full month producing a massive full-scale musical. While the classroom moves to the stage, the students are still actively involved with academics that are related to the production, such as its themes, historical era, or culture. “The Play” generates the most enthusiasm and challenges of any aspect of the Broccoli Hall program. Not only is this an incredible leap of faith, it is a massive achievement for such a small community and specific student demographic. Past musicals include Anastasia, Matilda, Mary Poppins, Billy Elliot, Sister Act, Fiddler on the Roof, to name but a few…
Why do we do this?
The philosophy behind the Drama Intersession is one that stresses extraordinary teamwork under extraordinary pressure, and it works! It provides a unique opportunity for students to increase their flexibility and repertoire of nonverbal communication strategies, an experience central to our students' growth. The students, from our very youngest to those getting ready for college, manage to learn to work together. By supporting each other, putting aside personal needs for the good of the community, by looking panic in the eye and overcoming it, each student is expected to give his or her best.
What are our goals?
The goals for this time of year are many. They involve learning how to develop organizational, social language, memory, and sequencing skills. We work on kinesthetic and motor challenges. Interpersonal interactions are emphasized, fostering a sense of community, cooperation, and, most importantly, shared struggles. The younger students particularly have to take the chance to begin to relate to their peers, as well as older students in an unpredictable time and setting. For the students, it is an experience that really counts. And although many have trouble dealing with success, and with endings, the result is masterful!
Life Lessons / Practical Applications
Looking forward, as our current students enter the professional world and develop their careers, they will be asked to collaborate on projects in which they do not hold value or interest. Knowing how to flexibly adapt knowledge, interests, and skills in order to remain actively engaged in work projects is a highly-sought asset. It is a skill worth learning and practicing that will prove valuable in our students’ futures.
