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Drama

A young boy in a gray zip-up hoodie is dancing enthusiastically in a room with other people, some of whom are also dancing in the background.

The Winnetka Public Schools uses the Understanding by Design approach to curriculum development and documentation.  This framework is used to design learning experiences and assessment with the end in mind: student outcomes. The identified student outcomes are categorized into three types: Know, Understand and Do (KUD). Transfer goals and essential questions are also part of the Understanding by Design framework as well. Transfer goals consider how and when students will use the skills, knowledge and understandings learned in particular units to other learning and life experiences. Whereas essential questions are thought-provoking questions that will foster inquiry, meaning-making, and transfer.

To view the transfer goals, essential questions, as well as “KUDs” for this content area, please click the link below. To view the “KUDs” by grade level, please visit the grade level “Curriculum Summaries” in the left-hand menu.

Mission

Drama/Theatre as an artistic discipline within the school day nurtures the social, emotional, artistic, and intellectual aspects of the whole child essential for 21st-century learning. In Drama/Theatre, we strive to create an atmosphere where students build basic theatre and acting skills; develop social-emotional skills including: empathy, perspective taking, problem-solving, and collaboration; practice innovation and divergent thinking; cherish individuality and boost confidence; and promote reflection.  Drama/Theatre provides an active and positive environment in which students explore the complexities of life through artistic self-expression.

A colorful and vibrant stage performance with a performer in a red costume dancing in the foreground, surrounded by various props and backdrops depicting a whimsical and playful scene.
A person in an orange shirt is kneeling on the floor, painting colorful shapes on a large canvas in a theater-like setting with red seats in the background.

Drama Department Key Beliefs

We believe that the arts are the voice of our humanity (Winnetka: a Community of Learners, 1999).

We believe that…

  • The 21st Century learner requires a skill set reliant on collaboration, presentation, and elements of technology, all of which are directly taught in the drama classroom.

  • Drama/theatre process and practice is uniquely suited to developing the social-emotional competencies necessary for success in a dynamic society.

  • The study of drama/theatre enhances both verbal and non-verbal communication, and reinforces literacy in students.

  • Drama/theatre develops empathy and helps students understand complex emotions, relationships, and issues.

  • Drama/theatre processes help students connect with and accept others and to recognize and understand other points of view.

  • Drama/theatre encourages children to practice emotions and problem-solving strategies in a non-threatening and supportive environment.

  • Drama/theatre challenges students to work cooperatively in what is by definition a collaborative art form.

  • The drama/theatre process reinforces analytical, reflective, and evaluative skills essential to success in life.

  • Drama/theatre is the one art form that draws upon elements from all of the other fine arts including dance, visual art and design, and music.

  • Drama/theatre helps children learn how themes and ideas raised in our classes relate to issues in other disciplines, society, and the world.

Meet the Teachers

Amy Markos- Washburne

Amy Markos has been teaching in Winnetka since 2000. She grew up in Park Ridge where she began her performing arts journey as a dancer. She added singing and performing in plays in high school and continued to study theatre and dance in college. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education from the University of Wisconsin and completed a study abroad program in London. She holds a master’s degree in Theatre from Northwestern University and will complete another master’s in Gifted Education from Concordia University in July 2023. Ms. Markos enjoys creating theatre with her students and loves that on any given day she may be teaching her students to dance, sing, paint, sew, improvise, or act in service to the three mainstage plays Washburne produces each year including a modern play, a children’s theatre selection, and a musical. In her free time, Ms. Markos enjoys spending time with her family and friends, singing in a band, traveling, going to the theatre, and painting.

Zack Chaykin - Skokie

Zack Chaykin has been teaching Drama in high schools and junior highs since 2020 and is in his second year at Winnetka. He earned his B.A. in Liberal Arts and Theatre from Sarah Lawrence College, an M.A., an M.A. in Classical Acting from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, and an M.A. in Education from the University of Washington. Zack is certified to teach Drama and Language Arts. Zack is passionate about helping students discover the confidence and joy that theatre can bring. His classes focus on improvisation, imagination, playwriting, and developing truthful, dynamic characters. In addition to teaching, he has worked extensively as a professional actor on stage and screen and has directed productions ranging from Shakespeare to musicals as well as original student-devised work.