Theater and Dance at Fieldston Upper

The Fieldston performing arts department challenges its members by striving to achieve the highest quality work as the result of an even higher quality process. From course work to productions, the department creates a safe space in which artists can create, take risks, and explore. Perhaps the most critical components of the department’s work are: process over product, working with kindness, and collaborating well with others. From these ideas a safe and exciting working environment grows; one’s self-respect and trust for fellow artists flourishes.

The department provides in-depth study with special attention to training the young artist. The department strives to keep our work cutting edge, alive within a greater artistic community, and appropriately challenging for its students.

Drama Foundations

Each curriculum and production approach is built on Practical Aesthetics or a “realistic approach” to acting. Instructors encourage students to move away from what we call “showy” or “indicating” acting to a more grounded, simple, natural approach. Instructors ask actors to stay away from techniques that are overly invasive or potentially dangerous. Instructors feel that acting class and/or rehearsal is not the space for actors to reveal secrets, use drama as therapy, or explore personal issues that are potentially reckless. Rather, instructors ask the students to work from the “outside in” while working from “the inside out.” This challenges the notions and misconceptions that good acting is invasive of a person’s private space. Instructors teach actors about ways to tell dramatic stories onstage and to communicate clearly with an audience; this helps students to move away from narcissistic, self-centered work and allows them to commune effectively between text and audience. Instructors commit to making theater relevant while teaching students about theater history, a wide range of acting methodology, and an in-depth look at varying styles of theatre. The department recognizes and strongly urges its members to work with the utmost respect for each individual, their strengths, and their discipline. For example, the lighting technician is as critical to the work as the leading man. Faculty and staff set an example of kindness and gratitude for each other and our students. This notion is of highest priority. Faculty and staff believe their behavior and approach with each other sets an example and a map that students can follow. Finally, gratitude should readily be shared and expressed openly and fully.

Dance

The dance program offers a comprehensive study of dance as an expressive, primary art form and includes all of the contemporary dance styles. Improvisation and elements of composition are integrated throughout the curriculum. Choreography and performance opportunities are provided for all dance students, from informal studio workshops and dance/theater lab concerts, including a non-adjudicated winter dance concert open to all students, to the touring dance company and the main stage spring dance concert, all of which feature student choreography. Classes are designed to develop strength, coordination, and control, to stimulate each student's potential for creative movement, and to develop an appreciation of concert and theater dance. In addition, the dance repertory project acquaints students with the work of our American modern dance masters. Attendance at professional dance concerts relates the work to the current New York dance scene.