Skip To Main Content

Drama and Theatre

Fostering joy and appreciation for the
world of performing arts

MS & HS theater at CIS offers students a variety of hands-on opportunities to learn about the performing arts by assuming the roles of performer, director, designer and spectator.

The overarching goal of the program is to foster each student’s aesthetic faculties. In other words, we teach students to be sensitive, critical thinkers when it comes to theater, so that they may enjoy a lifelong appreciation of the arts, irrespective of their chosen career paths.

We strive to create authentic learning experiences by exposing students to classic as well as contemporary movements in theater, attending live performances and workshops with professionals, and presenting student work to the community as often as possible.

At CIS, we value our multicultural nature, and the theater classroom provides a safe space to learn about and explore cultural differences in a personal and practical way. Theater classes at CIS are designed to combine academic rigour with creative expression in a way that allows students to grow intellectually while deriving joy from the process.

Middle School Drama

In Grades 6-8, CIS students learn the fundamental tools of drama.

  • Character
  • Ensemble Performance
  • Gestures
  • Performance Skills
  • Stage Presence
  • Spatial Awareness
  • Voice Modulation

The culminating projects vary between in-class and mainstage productions. By the end of Grade 8, CIS drama students are well-equipped to enroll in IGCSE Drama if they choose.

IB Theatre

Grade 11 and 12 students who choose IB Theatre engage practically in a variety of theatre practices, traditions, plays and theories. 

Grade 11 and 12 students

  • Students learn how to think and work as creators, designers, directors and performers of theatre.
  • Creative projects are approached collaboratively as well as individually.
  • Lesson formats include workshops, close readings of text, group discussions, independent research, creative experimentation, and student presentations.
  • Students keep a journal in which they document their artistic explorations, reflections, and conclusions.

Rich in Tradition 

Being in India allows us access to the rich, diverse performing arts of the region. Theater at CIS provides unique and authentic learning opportunities. We strive to connect students to theater experiences within Bangalore, to help them understand the dynamic nature of this art form, and the impact it can have on the world. CIS students have consistently earned high marks in IGCSE Drama and IB Theater. In 2014-15, a CIS student earned the highest score in India for IGCSE Drama. IB students have consistently scored well above the world average. But numbers aside, the quality of work produced by the CIS Theater Program speaks for itself with a reputation of quality and integrity.

Programme Structure 

This school year, CIS puts on an MS and HS theatre production at the end of February.

  • Middle School: 2 classes per cycle
  • Grade 9 and 10: 4 classes per cycle
  • IB: 6 classes per cycle

Highlights from our latest IGCSE/IBDP Play