| Block Name |
Description |
"Bug Pleasing”
(Responding block)
 |
Students listen to a short radio play called Bug Pleasing. They analyze the radio play, applying their knowledge of theatre elements such as character, set, and sound. In addition to writing responses, they are asked to draw costumes for a selected character in the radio play.
Note: This exercise contains audio. See the Help section for assistance. |
"Camping”
(Creating/Performing block)
 |
Four students are assigned roles, and are asked to improvise a short scene about a strange noise they hear on a camping trip. After a brief preparation time, they are asked to perform their improvisation for a video camera. Students then answer a series of questions about the choices they made in their own performances.
|
"McCullers”
(Responding block)
 |
Students read a portion of Carson McCullers' play, The Member of the Wedding. They analyze the script, applying their knowledge of theatre elements such as character, set, and lighting. They are asked to think like directors and make directorial choices for a selected character. In addition to writing responses, they are asked to draw a stage set for a production of the script. |
"1,000 Cranes”
(Responding block)
 |
Students listen to a short play called 1000 Cranes, set in Japan. After analyzing the characters in the play, they are asked to write an alternative ending to the piece, and then to critique their own artistic choices. |
"Jezebel”
(Responding block)
 |
Students watch a short scene from the movie Jezebel, both without and with sound. They are asked to consider how characters use movements and gesture to convey meaning, and how sound adds to the scene. They also are asked to compare the composition of the film with that of a play. Students then view a small portion of the film Meet Me In St. Louis, and are asked about set, genre, character, and sound. |
"Chocolate”
(Creating/Performing block)
 |
Two students are asked to do a cold reading of a short script about two siblings and a box of chocolate. After a brief preparation time, during which they read the script and rehearse quickly with one another, they are asked to perform their reading for a video camera. Students then answer a series of questions about the choices they made in their own performances. |
"Improv/Props”
(Creating/Performing block)
 |
Three students are given a short, non-linear script, and are asked to create a short scene using the script. After a brief preparation time, during which they read the script and rehearse quickly with one another, they are asked to perform their scene for a video camera. Students then answer a series of questions about the choices they made in their own performances. |
