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Practical Uses of the Alexander Technique

by Ruthie Tutterow

Students will go over some practical uses of the Alexander Technique. They will be asked to demonstrate an everyday activity to show their understanding of how to incorporate Alexander principles into their movements.

# Acting

Close Reading Analysis of Monologue: Not Again

by Quincy Young

Close reading requires students to analyze a text more thoroughly then they might naturally be inclined to, and because of this, students will be required to read the text three times. The first reading focuses on what the text says, the second reading focuses on how the text works, and the third engages students in evaluating the text, comparing it with other texts, or thinking about its implications in their lives in relation to the text. This lesson applies the close reading technique to analyze a BIPOC-centred theatrical text.

# Analysis # bipoc # monologue

# Stage Management & Technical Theatre

Links for Design Expert Slideshows

by Lea Marshall

These links are only needed if you wish to edit the 'Design Expert' slideshows that are embedded within the main hyperdoc. They will prompt you to make a copy. You will need to redo those links on your own copy of the main hyperdoc before you share with your students.

Attachments

The History of Blackface in Theatre

by Quincy Young

Students will read an article about the history of blackface in American Theatre and use critical thinking skills to annotate the article. Students will then produce a written reflection on why the use of blackface was and continues to be a problematic issue in American Theatre.

# Analysis # bipoc # analysis # reflection

What is an Idea? Where do I Look?

by Lindsay Price

Lesson 1 introduces the unit and the importance of warm-up exercises. Students will learn a new definition for what an idea is and apply that definition to the first topic area.

Attachments

The Idea Process

by Lindsay Price

In Lesson 2, students learn and apply two topic areas to generate ideas

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What Makes an Idea Theatrical?

by Lindsay Price

In Lesson 3, students continue practicing the process for generating ideas, formalize and apply the definition of theatricality.

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Writing a Scene

by Lindsay Price

In Lesson 4, students practice the process and apply it to a longer scene.

Attachments

Introduction to Character Creation

by Lindsay Price

Students start with a name exercise and a non-human personification exercise as an introduction to character creation. The purpose is to show students some of the details that go into creating an interesting dynamic character—in action and in writing.

Attachments

Superhero Character Creation

by Lindsay Price

Students apply what they learned about physical and vocal qualities in a character. They complete a character profile for an original superhero, then experiment with creating physical and vocal attributes before writing a monologue.

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Adding Support with a Super Sidekick

by Lindsay Price

Students continue work by completing a character profile for a superhero sidekick, then experiment with creating physical and vocal attributes before writing a monologue.

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Creating Conflict with the Supervillain

by Lindsay Price

Students continue work by completing a character profile for a supervillain, then experiment with creating physical and vocal attributes before writing a monologue.

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Monologues, Scenes, and More

by Lindsay Price

Students will spend this lesson writing for their three characters (superhero, sidekick, villain) before choosing one for their culminating assignment. This lesson provides a number of options in terms of scene writing, design, and improv for you to choose from

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Culminating Assignment

by Lindsay Price

Using their chosen character, students write an original monologue for this character, design a costume and a prop/tool, and perform their monologue with specific physical and vocal quality choices.

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# Analysis # bipoc # analysis # play analysis guides

Play Analysis of The Post Office by Rabindranath Tagore

by Quincy Young

Students will begin the lesson by applying research skills to produce a mini-project presentation on author Rabindranath Tagore, his work as a playwright, and themes explored in his play The Post Office. Students will read the play with an analytical eye and rehearse a scene to perform as a staged reading.

Attachments

The Post Office Script

Introduction to Origin Stories

by Allison Green

The first 3 lessons introduce origin stories. Students research an Indigenous origin story in small groups. They will create a plot graph and share in a class discussion.

# Group Activities

Retelling a Story

by Allison Green

Student will use the research they completed on days 1-3 to retell an origin story to the class.

# Group Activities

Abenaki Creation Story

by Allison Green

Students listen to the Abenaki Creation Story and explore through plot graphing and recreating.

Attachments

# Group Activities

# Musical Theatre # musical theatre

Improv a Musical

by Ed Reggi

In this lesson, students will explore how to make their own Broadway musical through improvisation. Broadway musicals like The Book of Mormon, Urinetown, and Forbidden Broadway were developed from improvised work. Students will learn how to improvise an original musical in front of an audience. There are excellent opportunities for both the singer and non-singer who wants to explore improv like never before. This is also a great opportunity for singers to become far more confident with their performances. There are hands-on activities for students at all levels.