In this exciting and active class, second-year students use English and develop their communication skills through drama (演劇) before they go to America on our STAYS program in the second semester. Unlike a usual classroom, we use a dance studio which gives us a lot of space to move around freely.
Drama comes from the ancient Greek word dran, which means 'to do' and 'action.' Doing drama - especially in English - helps you to develop confidence, to improve the quality of your voice, to become better at communicating your ideas, and to gain a deeper understanding of human feelings and behavior. Drama also requires you to trust others, to listen and watch them carefully, and it enables you to have fun and be creative at the same time!
In this class we typically start with a communicative drama game to warm up. These games (structured activities) require students to use English, their voice, movement, and body language to carry out a specific task or to become a character.
Then, we do voice training in a circle, which enables everyone to stretch the muscles in their face and prepare their throat and mouth for good, clear speaking!
After this, we read and practice a play text together, and then in groups.
Everyone gets a chance to play the different characters and to explore and express their feelings and movements.
Finally, we do some drama games to warm down. These are usually movement exercises which require concentration, awareness of others and a desire to try something new and challenging!
Here are some comments from students about this class:

"I learned to have confidence and how to express my emotions in front of people."
"I learned that we should have more confidence. I am not nervous when I talk to people now."
"I think playing other characters helps us to understand other people's feelings."
"I could cooperate with friends. I enjoyed acting different characters. Acting makes us positive."
"This course made me happy and gave me more confidence. I learned about voice, action, expression and cooperation."
"I couldn't speak in front of many people before, but I can do it now. Moreover, in other classes, I can give my opinions."
"I noticed I have developed positive thinking. I can speak in a loud voice now. I learned how to show my feelings to people through my actions. This course could change me!"