March 19, 2026
Building Confidence, Creativity, and Communication Skills Through Theatre
Drama at BASIS Independent Bothell plays an important role in developing confident, creative, and expressive students. Through structured theatre education, students build public speaking, collaboration, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence skills, all while engaging their imaginations and having fun.
Drama classes are offered across primary and middle school grades, giving students multiple opportunities to grow on stage and beyond the classroom.
Building Student Confidence Through Theatre
According to Lia Harper, Drama and Music Teaching Fellow for Kindergarten – Grade 1 (pictured left), drama is one of the most powerful tools for building confidence in young learners.
“What I love most about teaching drama is the way it is able to build a child’s confidence both on and off stage. Students develop public speaking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while expressing themselves and creating stories.”
As students rehearse, perform, and work collaboratively, they learn to take creative risks and present themselves with confidence. Skills that support success across academic subjects and in everyday life.
“I am most proud of seeing my students. growing confidence on stage and putting themselves out there. I am very much looking forward to our Spring Showcase, where students will show off all they’ve learned this year.”
A Safe and Supportive Space for Creative Expression
Kathryn Carter, Theatre Subject Expert Teacher for Grades 2–7 (pictured left), emphasizes that drama provides students with a rare opportunity to explore emotions and ideas in a safe, supportive environment.
“Children are innately less inhibited and more willing to try on emotions and character traits. This freedom of expression allows students to find joy, humor, and surprising emotional depth in their work.”
Her drama classroom is intentionally designed to foster trust, kindness, and collaboration. Students participate in group warm-ups to build camaraderie, small-group collaboration, and individual speaking and performance opportunities.
These experiences support language development, imagination, cooperation, and social-emotional growth, making drama an essential part of a well-rounded education.
Primary School Drama Program
Students in primary school explore a wide range of theatre styles and skills, including, improvisation and theatre games, theatre for social justice, and Reader’s theatre and monologues.
This work culminated in Winter Festival reader’s theatre performances for each grade level. Students are now preparing for Spring Musicals.
These productions incorporate acting, dancing, and singing, allowing students to experience a full performing arts process.
Middle School Theater Program
Middle School students participate in drama as a five-day-per-week elective, enabling deeper skill development and more advanced productions.
This year, students staged a 30-minute production of A Christmas Carol complete with costumes, props and set design, lighting, and sound.
Students are currently rehearsing a 30-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, scheduled to be performed in May. This is an impressive accomplishment for our middle school performers.
Why Performing Arts Matter in Education
Drama at BASIS Independent Bothell helps students build confidence and resilience, develop communication and leadership skills, practice empathy and collaboration, and express creativity in meaningful ways.
“Nurturing student growth is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing students accomplish things they once believed were impossible.” – Ms. Carter
Experience Performing Arts at BASIS Independent Bothell
From imaginative storytelling in primary school to full theatrical productions in middle school, the Drama Program at BASIS Independent Bothell empowers students to grow academically, socially, and creatively.
Families are encouraged to attend upcoming performances and experience firsthand how theatre enriches student learning and confidence.
Learn More About our Programs
