A unique drama class at Waterford District High School is turning heads and changing how students experience the arts.
Teacher Jason Mayo has introduced a first-of-its-kind specialized drama course built around Dungeons & Dragons, blending acting, storytelling, teamwork, and creative design into one immersive semester-long experience.
Mayo says the idea started with a bit of professional jealousy. While other physical education teachers offered specialized courses like hockey and soccer, he wondered why drama could not do the same. He add the school already had a Dungeons & Dragons club up and running.
The result was a full-credit drama course where students spend the semester developing original characters, creating costumes and props, writing scripts, and performing short scenes inspired by moments from their games. The course filled up very quickly, and Mayo said he was not surprised to see a wide range of students enrol, noting that this diversity has always been part of the game’s appeal.
Mayo assigned the groups for the classroom’s three campaigns and teamwork became one of the strongest outcomes.
Students regularly peer-evaluated each other, offering daily feedback on performance, collaboration, and creativity. Mayo says those reflections helped students better understand themselves and others.
The course has proven to be incredibly engaging for students. Mayo recalled one moment that stood out near the end of the semester. During a climactic battle, the students’ characters faced down a powerful villain, with the outcome coming down to a single roll of the dice.
Academically, Mayo calls it the most productive drama class he has ever taught. Students showed strong commitment because every project tied directly back to their characters and their stories.
The course will return next year, with plans to refine and expand it. Mayo hopes to eventually bring in guest speakers from the D&D community and explore partnerships with creators and performers.
For Waterford District High School, the experiment has proven that imagination, inclusion, and creativity can be a winning roll.
Written by Jeremy Hall