Developing Activities by Discipline

Developing Activities by Discipline - Theater

ACTIVITIES FOR STAGE PRODUCTIONS: PLAYS, PUPPET THEATRE, STORYTELLERS, MIMES
Cognitive Level I

Read the story (or play) your field trip performance is based on.
Name the main character.
List all the characters.
Identify the setting.
List the story events in the order they happened.

Describe a character (or setting)
Explain the problem (or conflict) in the story.
Explain how the actors used stage props to tell the story (or develop characterization).
Discuss how the blocking, or positioning of the actors on stage, affected the performance.
Discuss how unusual technical elements (light, shadow, sound, etc.) were used in the performance.
Retell the story in your own words.

Draw a picture of a character.
Illustrate or make a diorama of a scene from the performance.
Draw a poster to advertise the performance.
Work with other students to act out a scene.
Demonstrate how an actor used facial expression to show emotion.
Write a narrative story to summarize the plot of the performance story.
Use a map and/or timeline to locate the setting of the story.
Make a mobile showing events in the story.

ACTIVITIES FOR STAGE PRODUCTIONS: PLAYS, PUPPET THEATRE, STORYTELLERS, MIMES
Cognitive Level II

Would the main character make a good friend? Write an expository essay explaining why or why not
Create a graph that records performance data such as: female characters, male characters, animal characters or number of characters in each scene, etc.
Compare/contrast a character to someone you know or compare/contrast the setting to a different location or time.
Solve a special effects mystery. Use words or pictures to explain how "special effects" (lighting, smoke, sound effects) were created.

Imagine the story in a different time or place. Design sets or costumes for the new setting.
You're the director. Plan the performance of a scene in your classroom. Include the cast of characters, staging area, and ideas for costumes, scenery, and props in your plan.
Create a new ending to the story.

Did you enjoy the performance? Write a persuasive essay convincing a friend to go see this production.
Write a letter to the production company nominating a performer for a "Best Actor Award." Explain why your nominee should win the award.
Create a rubric to rate the performance. Decide on criteria for judging: Sets, Costumes, Acting, Lighting, Special Effects, Overall Performance, etc.