The High School Acting class learned about different theatrical movements from 1800-2012 this week in preparation of reading “The Caucasian Chalk Circle,” a ‘Epic Theater’ play, by Bertolt Brecht. Here is a link to the Prezi that contains the information they were given on Monday. Theater Movements of the 19th and 20th Centuries
The Tech/Drama class lesson plans are available here for your convenience: Tech/Drama Lesson Plans
This quarter, the 7th and 8th grade Drama/Tech students will be learning about shooting video and acting for the camera. We are beginning this week, writing short scenes based on personal interviews that the students are doing with each other. Here is a link to the basic interview form that they are using to begin this project. Interview Worksheet
The 7/8th graders have been exploring their impulsive sides and getting a few laughs in as well. We have spend the time since our Puppet Plays working on comedy improv, which can be challenging but also rewarding. They will be moving on to a movie making unit for the fourth quarter, which is exciting because we will be combining forces with Computer Tech to create a variety of videos. I can’t wait to see what they come up with and hope to post them here when they are done.
The Stagecraft class has been plugging along building flats (painted backgrounds), platforms, rose bushes and more for the upcoming play, Alice in Wonderland. They have had the opportunity to learn how to use electric and battery-powered drills, a router, electric sanders, and even a miter (chop) saw. And the only causalities are a some of Ms. Palmer’s clothing- she can’t stay away from that red paint! I am amazed on a daily basis how willing and able this fine crew is working and can’t wait to see how the set, props and costumes all turn out!
The High School Acting class has been hard at work on learning/memorizing monologues and applying a wide variety of dialects to them. We have a Hamlet with a Boston dialect, a few British sounding students, an Irish fella with a problem at the DMV and another one with some pretty tough memories of a work camp during WWII. I am trying to convince the students to perform these for the Arts Showcase, so families, please encourage your students to step up and share their hard work with the audience on April 27th!
There are few more renowned and amazing feats of theater technology than the stage version of “The Lion King.” Here is a great behind the scenes look at how this production was achieved. Behind the Scenes: The Lion King Part 2 Part 3 The Theater Stagecraft students are beginning to design the set for “Alice in Wonderland,” and finding inspiration is an important part of this process. They will view this short documentary Wed, 2/15.
Here are two Prezis (presentations) about 1.) Theater Architecture and 2.) Four Main Types of Theaters.
- Always say “YES,” Never say “NO.” (Accept the suggestion)
- Avoid questions.
- Make your partner look good.
- Don’t try to be funny.
- Tell a story. (3 W’s= a strong foundation for a scene)
Here are the weekly lesson plans for Acting.
Here is a link to the weekly lesson plans for Theater Stagecraft.