Frequently Asked Questions

ART

What kind of things do you do in Art class?

The units of each class differ from year to year, but consistent units are drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture and art history. Art 10 is a foundational course that focuses a lot on drawing, proportion and starting to explore new mediums. Art 20 continues to focus on the importance of drawing, while starting to explore new techniques, such as abstraction, printmaking and more mediums. Art 30 focuses on students creating a personal portfolio of work that explores their personal interests and developing a personal artistic identity.

The option to enroll in Advanced Placement art starts in Art 20. Students in the AP stream are working towards submitting a portfolio of work to the AP College Board.

I didn’t take Art in junior high, can I still take Art in high school?

Yes! Art 10 does not have a prerequisite, so it is open to all students! Everyone is welcome! We start off with the drawing unit and we will demonstrate all the tricks of the trades to help you become a better artist whether you have lots of experience and confidence or if you are learning it for the first time.

DRAMA

What happens in drama class?

The course of study provides a multi-dimensional experience that captures the breath and depth of theatre as an art form and exposes students to historical, contemporary, social, multicultural, and cutting-edge concepts in theatre. Students are actively involved as creators and evaluators of theatre arts. Scona theatre students graduate not only as trained actors, technicians or improvisers with artistic integrity and shared standards of excellence, but critical thinkers, arts leaders and advocates for the theatre arts.

The units of each class differ from year to year, but consistent units that are studied in each level (10/20/30) include: scene study, improv, movement and stage combat. Drama 10 will usually create small pieces that tour to neighboring elementary schools. Drama 20 classes usually undertake an outside of school production. Drama 30 classes explore directing and unique styles of theatre. 

Why drama?

Drama is key for many reasons. Confidence, Creativity, Problem Solving, Teamwork-it’s all there. Yes the program can be for the aspiring young actor, as the Theatre Department offers an intense, conservatory-styled, professional training program. While the major concentration is on acting, students are also given the opportunity to study technical theatre, ensemble building, leadership and theatre management and many skills that can prepare you for beyond high school whether college or work bound.

There are also opportunities outside of the drama class to continue to expand your horizons, build your resume and team building experience like the student-directed one-acts festival SconActs, Mainstage Musicals or Plays or performance opportunities at several school events.

DANCE

What kinds of things do you do in a dance class?

In dance class we explore a range of exciting styles of dance. This includes Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, Modern, and more! In addition to this we dive into how to create compositions, and the theory behind this. We also look at the historical background and current cultural influences behind some of the most significant figures and movements in dance. Students also get to work with sought after choreographers and professional dancers throughout the course. To cumulate the year, students work towards putting together a final dance performance to share with their community.

Is the dance program for any skill level?

Dance students come from a diverse range of technical backgrounds - from beginner to pre-professional! Dancers who have limited to no experience in dance are encouraged to enrol in our Dance 15-25-35 stream. This program is designed for dancers who have a passion for moving and want to learn new styles and techniques in a safe and supportive dance community! NEW this year at Scona, we will be offering an Advanced Dance 15-25-35 stream for students who have already developed a technical foundation in dance. This stream will offer the same curriculum, but provide students with the additional challenges and opportunities to refine their technique and complement their previous experience or on-going studio training. Dance is and should always be for everyone regardless of their background! Everyone who has a passion to explore their movement and artistic expression is welcome and can find a place with Scona Dance!

IMPROV

Why should I take improv? What can I take away from it?

Improv classes are a great way to be a part of a true team and to gain confidence and feel more comfortable speaking to or leading a group of people. Improv drops you into that wondrous world of high-energy, immediate, person-to-person interaction where you learn to build and support a team and ideas. To add, an improv class is one of the few places in life where you have permission to genuinely “fail” without fear. By definition, you’re experimenting and trying things on without judgment. Improv is about accepting other people's ideas and not letting fear get in the way. It’s also a really fun class where the three Scona Improv teams emerge from.

Does Scona have an improv team?

Scona has a minimum of three teams per school year. The Nosebowl Team, The Canadian Improv Games Team and The Northern Alberta Improv League Team. These teams play in monthly and yearly competitions/festivals. Last year, the Scona Nosebowl team won gold in the province and the CIG team won gold at Nationals. The teams also host an optional Friday lunch jam in front of an audience each week and participate in monthly competitions with Rapid Fire Theatre and yearly with the Wildfire Improv Festival. Our improvisers also teach workshops to other schools from kindergarten to grade 12 which is excellent for resume and skill development.

MUSICAL THEATRE AND ADVANCED ACTING

How do I get into this class?

These classes are by audition. The team of teachers who teach these classes help prepare you for your audition. For musical auditions it is a song and for the play auditions a monologue and some improvisation. If selected you will receive 5 credits for the course itself.

Tell me more!

Once the casts are confirmed they meet 2-3 times a week. As the show gets closer to performance there may be more rehearsals. The Scona Theatre Co. performs at the Art Barns, the Scona stage and various locations suited to the style of the show that is happening.

MUSIC

Does Scona provide band instruments?

Yes! Instruments are available for rent for $120.00 for the duration of the course.

Where do we perform throughout the year?

The band performs at McDougall United Church and have been for the past 8 years! Other venues have included (and may include) the Citadel, Yardbird Suite, Hawrelak Park amphitheatre, and various places around the province for festivals!

What does Jazz Band look like at Scona?

There are two jazz groups at Scona.  Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Ensemble II.  

In order to perform in either group, you must be a member of the Instrumental Music class.  

Jazz Ensemble I is an auditioned group. Auditions take place within the first two weeks of the new school year. They rehearse M/W 3:30-4:45 pm).

Jazz Ensemble II is not auditioned and is a sign up group. They rehearse T/TH 3:30-4:45 pm.

TECH THEATRE

What kinds of things do you do in this program?

This is a 5 credit course where we cover lighting, sound, stage management, production, construction and costuming. If you are more interested in a particular area of tech you can often focus on that when we have specialized projects and school productions to work on! Like many of these programs no previous experience is necessary!

What is the time commitment for this class?

Outside of attending our class (after-school), students need to complete 125 hours of service, however our students often end up completing many more because they find they want to keep offering their time to learn and experiment with tech theatre.