Drama helps prepare students for life’s journey!
I was recently reading some “old” articles that my fellow theatre compatriots had forwarded to me (if you consider 2012 already…old), and was greatly encouraged by a particular article entitled “10 Ways Being a Theatre Major Prepared Me for Success.” The main content of the article spoke of the different ways particular exercises, concepts, thinking and the actual “doing” will help prepare the student for life’s journey. For example, how IMPROVISATION teaches you how to listen, focus and think quickly. Or grasping the concept of HARD WORK/perseverance – doing something even though it is hard to do. UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN CONDITION through observation and reflecting on emotions and expressing them. Developing PRESENTATION SKILLS that encourage confidence and clear communication. All “things” we do in the drama room at Quest… and more! If you’d like to read the whole article – click on:
10 Ways Being a Theatre Major Prepared Me for Success
The 4th graders OWLS AND GECKOS have been using class time to “block” their play. Blocking is the drama term that means… the director usually, but not always, determines where the actors move on stage to tell help tell the story in an interesting and effective way. Some of the students have almost memorized their lines completely. This frees them up to fully engage in developing their characters. The Owls are working on their play entitled: How Stars Got their Twinkle and the Geckos play is: Why People Can’t Fly.
The 3rd graders WOLVES AND TREEFROGS are also blocking their individual plays. The 3rd and 4th grade Drama and Music Presentation is called JUST SO Stories. It will be presented on Wednesday, May 25th at 6:30pm on the Gym Stage. The stories are about why things are the way they are. Not necessarily based in real truth but purely in fun and imagination, the Wolves will be presenting – Why People have Two Eyes, the TreeFrogs will share Why People See in Color. You don’t want to miss it! Mark your calendars…
The 2nd graders TIGERS AND BEARS are focusing on expressing emotions and communicating them clearly through short phrases, movement only and creating their own stories. They are working toward developing a deeper understanding of story and truthful behavior that is believable. One of their recent warm-up exercises is called “FREEZE.” Two actors create an imagined scene together in the moment. They keep it physical so that it creates interest and connection. When the word “Freeze” is shouted out, the actors stop and hold their position. Another student enters the scene and taps out one of the actors, then assumes that physical position and begins the scene but brings in a new scene idea based on the physicalization of the actors. It takes the students awhile to move out of the silly and into really listening and relating to one another. We are making progress!
The Pre-School students OTTERS AND LEMURS watched and listened to the story Stone Soup and then we acted it out. I have no doubt the children know the story, and some jumped right into playing the parts. Others were more timid about re-enacting the characters, even though they wanted an opportunity to open the door, stir the soup or put on a costume. We will continue to share emotions and use our creativity to explore characters and express simple dialogue.
1st graders BELUGAS AND JELLYFISH we are working on Clear communication. Part of the actor’s job is learning how to express feelings, actions, a story clearly whether with words or without.
The Kindergartens DOLPHINS AND MANATEES have been stretching their imaginative thinking by using simple objects in ways that they would not be normally used for. The students fully enjoy this exercise and come up with many ideas for the same object. They love to watch and figure out what their fellow classmates are going to do.