Communications to Students

Lake Braddock MS Theatre communicates to and receives paperwork from students online through several Groups on Schoology that are specific to the activity. Our extra-curricular shows will have show specific groups, and our drama club group will be called “LBMS Drama Club.” Students should join the Schoology Groups they are interested in.

All information relevant to the Drama Club or shows will be on Schoology, as well as announcements of casting, crew lists, and alterations to any schedules.

General information (and Schoology codes) will also be posted on the stage doors of the MS Theatre Arts room as well.

Auditions

More information about Auditions will be communicated directly to students (see “Communications to Students”). Students interested in a particular activity should join the appropriate Schoology group for audition information. The “LBMS Drama Club” group will also have audition information for those interested. Schoology codes can be found on the stage doors of the MS Theatre Room.

Technical Crew Overview

LBMS Theatre Program uses student technical crews in all of our productions! Here are some of the opportunities available:

— Set Construction

— Publicity

— Lighting and Sound

— House Crew

— Costumes

— Properties (props)

— Makeup

—Stage Management

In order to participate in technical theatre work, students must annually complete the appropriate training and pass assessments according to the guidelines of the FCPS Technical Theatre Safety handbook.

Fall Musical

LBMS Theatre produces a fall musical that is open to all LBMS students whether they are in the theatre courses or not. Auditions are generally held in early September for an October/November performance.

Spring Play

LBMS Theatre produces a spring play that is also open to all LBMS students whether they are in the theatre courses or not. Auditions are generally in January for a March/April performance (occasionally May if scheduling requires).

Drama Club

LBMS Theatre runs a drama club that is part of the MS After School Program (Bruins Stay After). Drama club activities are directed by a student elected set of officers an largely based on the interests of the club participants. Some activities that are consistently chosen (Folger Shakespeare Festival, TheatreSports, Mayfest Playfest) are described below in further detail.

Shakespeare Festival

The Folger Shakespeare Library’s annual Secondary School Shakespeare Festival is open to many middle and high schools throughout the Washington Metro area. Students come to the Folger for most of a day and perform Shakespeare for each other. It’s not a competition, but rather a celebration of William Shakespeare as a “vibrant, passionate, human, hilarious, teachable, learnable, enjoyable playwright.” The Festival traditionally takes place in February/March.

TheatreSports

TheatreSports is improvisation gaming in teams. Though teams participate in a “competition” it is done in the spirit of fun and laughter. The competitions are approximately monthly and hosted by different FCPS MS Theatre Programs. It gives students an opportunity to share talents and see the talents of others in our district. The team forms and rehearses through the drama club. Attending the competitions is not required and all students are invited to practice and play games with the group as they prepare for the competitions. Improv is a wonderful skill to practice in so many areas of life, and it’s FUN!

Mayfest Playfest

Some years, as interest is present, FCPS middle school theatre programs get together to have a short play festival in May. The shows are generally about 10 minutes in length and it is encouraged that they are original pieces. Participating plays are then evaluated by a panel of judges and feedback is given to each show!

Drama Club Officers

Drama club officers are student elected in the fall through the drama club and will lead Drama Club activities as well as support the MS Theatre Program throughout the school year. New officers are elected every school year and there are opportunities for both 7th and 8th graders.