OnFocus

The Creative Theatre syllabus is a specific syllabus written especially for preschool children who, although eager to learn to dance, are still too young, too vulnerable and simply just too precious, to be forced into the technical demands that dancing requires, coupled with examinations. Since it is the choice of Theatre Dance Association not to subject preschoolers to formative dance training or examinations, “Creative Theatre” and its Presentation Class was born!

The Presentation Class provides an opportunity for young learners to perform a selection of both compulsory and optional activities to an examiner/s, in a relaxed, familiar atmosphere, without actually being ‘examined’. The examiner/s are there only to observe, enjoy and encourage, to validate the Presentation Class and to represent the Theatre Dance Association.

Format - The teacher conducts his / her class as usual and in the environment in which the children are accustomed. The class content will reflect the learning outcome of the syllabus and since each class will be unique to its participants, the content should be derived from the teacher and children’s input.

Certificate of Achievement - On completion of the Presentation Class, each child will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the examiner/s. The teacher may, however, choose to present the certificates him / herself on another occasion if he / she so wishes.

The certificate will be a valuable momentum as the reverse side will serve as a report card, providing constructive comment on the child’s progress, ability, imagination, creativity and enjoyment. The report card must be completed by the teacher as it is only she / he who would know these specific details as they relate to each child. For this reason, the Certificate Reports will be sent to the teacher well in advance of the Presentation Class date, that he /she may complete them in good time.

These Certificate Reports will be an indication of the child’s strengths and weaknesses. Since only constructive criticism should be made, they will encourage the child to remain committed and motivated in the “Creative Theatre” programme, whilst nurturing the joy of movement and a love for dance.

Theatre Dance Association wishes all teachers of our pre-school syllabus a memorable journey, filled with enjoyment and excitement. These precious young learners will, with this Creative Theatre syllabus, grow into confident, capable seven year olds who will then be well prepared and ready to enter the wonderful world of Dance where the “Theatre Dance” formal training syllabus awaits them!

The Performance Medals are intended to encourage a “performance” from the candidates. For this reason, teachers are urged to introduce pupils to the medals as soon as possible that the pupils may use the opportunity to develop and strengthen their personalities, confidence and performance levels in preparation for the stage.

Theatre Dance Performance Medals offer 7 different genres from which to choose:

1. Theatre Dance Medal
2. Musical Theatre Medal
3. Modern Medal
4. Tap Medal
5. Hip Hop Medal
6. Ballet Medal
7. Drama Medal

• There are no age restrictions so candidates must enter the “Performance Medals” in sequence starting with the “Pink Medal” (Black for male students)
• Candidates enter the medal exam in two’s or three’s but perform everything alone.
• Make-up is suggested, although not compulsory and “Carte Blanche” is given as far as ‘what to wear’ is concerned because “Performance Medal” is seen as a stepping-stone to a stage performance. Pupils are therefore encouraged to simulate as much as possible, that which will be expected of them when onstage.
• Candidates do not have to do an exam in order to do a medal. A teacher’s entire examining session may comprise only medals.
• Should teachers have a stage in their teaching venue, or be able to hire a small venue with a stage, the “Performance Medals” may be done onstage.

• Pink / Black
• Blue
• Lilac
• Yellow
• Purple
• Green
• Red
• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold

The Theatre Dance grades work in conjunction with the Performance Medals and pupils will benefit greatly from learning and entering both. The use of props, being encouraged to sing or mime and the option of doing a character dance or straight, makes the Performance Medal an excellent starting point for any pupil intending to do the exam syllabus. The more experience the pupils can have characterising, working with props, singing and miming, the more familiar, confident and willing they will become with the challenges they are given in the grade work.