Clubs

Drama

The Stag Players is open to all fourth through eighth grade students who attend Saint Agnes Parochial School.  The 2009 – 2010 school year marks the third season of the drama program and consists of fifteen girls and boys who meet twice a week throughout the duration of the school year.  They have three productions, which encompass both the dramatic and comedic genres.

Auditions are held the second week of September with their training beginning the very next day. The children learn the art of movement, improvisation, script deconstruction, character research and development, cold reading and vocal techniques.  Many of these lessons are taught through fun exercises (a warm-up, two to three games and a wrap-up) which enable the children to learn the important techniques of the craft in an interesting way.

The actors participate in every aspect of their productions by suggesting changes, taking courageous chances, designing scenery and providing input on costuming. They are encouraged to provide input, which aids their development of self-empowerment. They take risks with character choices which fosters growth in both self-confidence and acceptance of rejection (constructive criticism), if what they try does not work. Most importantly, they cultivate trust; trust in themselves and trust in their fellow actors. This trust also nurtures dependability and accountability

In 2007, The Stag Players were the only parochial school chosen to perform in “Arts in Education Month” at the capitol building in Harrisburg, PA..

Newspaper

The Newspaper Club teaches students in fourth through eighth grades the basics of  journalism. Students learn about the types of newspaper writing,  leads, article structure, and the elements of layout and computer-aided design. The club is responsible for the writing and production of the Saint Agnes Scoop, the school’s newspaper of record, and publishes four issues a year.

Advisor Noel Dolan is a former Columbia Scholastic Press judge and speaker who has taught high school journalism and freelanced with the Philadelphia Inquirer and PENNLines.