Drama and Speech: Online Class Updates

by Ashling F., Alyssa P., and Dria W.

Do you want to know what is happening to the drama and speech classes here at RCMS? Because of Covid-19, 7th and 8th grade students are online, which poses unique challenges for the performing arts classes. How are the classes going to be different?

This year drama and speech are going to be a little different because it is online. Teachers Mrs. Huffman, drama, and Mr. Van Soelen, speech and debate, must be creative when it comes to students working from home. Some say that it is going to be harder online because because there is a lot of talking in drama and speech, which is hard when you're not in person with each other.

8th grade drama student Kayia H. says, "Because of Covid we don't see each other, which means it is harder getting to know everyone, especially the new people.” That is a real change with acting.

In speech and debate, students need to practice different types of speeches, which will help prepare them for school presentations, the Fine Arts Festival, and many more things down the road. Mr. Van Soelen explains that one of the hardest parts is giving good feedback. "It's hard to do if we are all giving speeches on Zoom at the moment."

7th grader, Desari, who is in speech and debate, says they do speeches on Flipgrid. She says the speeches are not hard, but the research is.

In drama, one of the biggest events is the one act for the Fine Arts Festival. Mrs. Huffman hopes for this to still happen. Her favorite unit to teach is improv. “I enjoy seeing the students come out of their comfort zones and have fun!" Currently she is using the Zoom breakout rooms and FlipGrid for small group improv exercises.

8th grader Ava VG says, “I just started drama this year, and I already really like it!”

Students will have a blast while learning in the drama and speech classes. The teachers are very nice and kind. They are trying their hardest to teach students the things that they need to know, even if it is hard to do over Zoom. They will get the job done because they are awesome teachers!