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Theater: A Mini Unit
The performing arts are a fantastic medium for exploring self-expression and an outlet for abundant energy. Here is a very basic unit on Theater.
1. Read a play. After reading the play, choose a character and tell:
-- who this character is
-- how she/he fits into the play
-- what motivates this character
-- what her/his objective is
2. Take a trip to a make up center or to a place where theatrical makeup is sold. Watch a demonstration. If you don’t have access to a fieldtrip like this, try locating books and/or videos on theatrical makeup and its application.
3. Make up one complete face, using makeup, for a special character (i.e., an older person, a clown, an animal, etc.).
4. Using basic materials (pieces of fabric, yarn, newspapers, sheets, old clothes, etc.) design your own costume and props for a performance.
5. Attend a play, theatrical performance, a children’s theater, a puppet show, a dinner theater, or a community production. Try and talk to the performers about the show (a prescheduled appointment is best).
6. Find out about choral reading and choose a piece to rehearse. Perform this for a small group if possible.
7. Create some puppets, a shadowgraph, or marionettes and prepare for them appropriate stage sets and lighting. You might make up an original play for them, act out a folktale, or act out a story that is on a recording. Put on your performance for another group.
8. Do mirror mimic with someone else. Take turns being the leader. Don’t talk. Try to express a feeling.
9. Use a sentence such as “I did it.” and say it five times expressing different emotions: pride, guilt, fear, happiness, surprise, horror, etc.
10. Create a pantomime based on a reaction to something: taste something sweet/sour, touch something hot/cold, see something beautiful/horrible, smell something fragrant/foul.
11. Do an improvisation with a small group based on suggestions from your audience.
12. Choose a familiar story. Make a list of the important events in the story. Decide which events you’ll show in a scene and how many scenes you’ll have. List the character(s). Make up the dialogue, movements, voices, and gestures that suit the character(s). When you are ready to act out your story scenes use simple costumes. This is also a good activity for a small group to work on together.
13. Prepare a pantomime performance using costumes, make up and/or props.
14. Produce a play with a small group. Each person involved should do at least two of the following:
-- Learn and perform the part of one character
-- Be the play director, stage manager, or the prompter.
-- Draw a model of the stage set
-- Create the stage set with backgrounds, furniture, etc.
-- Create props to be used in the play
-- Prepare the costumes
-- Do the make up
-- Design and make the programs, invitations, posters, or flyers for the play.
15. Find out about theater, puppetry, or dramatic events/pageants in history. You can write a report, make a presentation, or make a booklet to share what you have learned.
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