The drama program at PBS is designed to enhance the student’s cultural background and to develop an appreciation of the art of theater. Much emphasis is placed on building self-confidence through participation in classroom workshop scenes and monologues.
The courses offered in the Drama Department include Methods and Styles of Acting I, which is a course designed to introduce students to basic principles and practices of acting, and Methods of Acting II, a course designed for more advanced students. The Methods of Acting classes count as a fine arts credit for TOPS and the Louisiana diploma arts requirement. Students may also take Theater Design and Technology, which is a hands-on approach to design principles for stage sound, lighting, and set construction. This course also counts as a Fine Arts and Louisiana diploma arts requirement credit. Students interested in film studies may take American Film, which is a one-semester class offered in the fall, and Independent and Foreign Film, which is offered in the spring. Speech I, which introduces students to the basics of interpersonal communication, speech writing, and persuasion, is offered in the fall.
Students have an opportunity to participate in a fall play and spring musical as performers or backstage crew members. PBS also has an active Drama Club, which is open to all interested high school students.