Fifth graders have begun to think about their characters for “Lewis and Clark” We discussed that they must walk and talk like when they become their character.  We started to try some things in class to see if it felt right depending on the character one was playing. We practiced  posture, rhythm of speaking , body language,mannerisms  and actions to see how we were going to make our characters look and act differently then ourselves.  We also talked about “stage business” and what that means to the actor. Just because a character isn’t speaking on stage doesn’t mean one stops acting.  “Acting is Doing” so it is the students responsibility to “show” the audience through actions and activities on stage what it is they want the audience to know. During our warm-up this week students articulated and projected a Halloween tongue twister for me. Physically students followed my choreography/movement to music. I wanted to see how well they followed directions and how well they could move! They all did great! Happy Halloween!

Sixth and Seventh graders have been working on characterization the last couple of weeks.  Students were supposed to think about how their character speaks, dresses, walks, and moves.  They had to write down their characters personality traits, mannerisms, behaviors and come up with  a little history . Where were they born, how old is their character, is it a modern day scene or from a different time period?  Students also must be off- book (memorized) this week.  We only have a  few more class periods before scene night so please make sure you children are meeting outside of class with their scene partners and rehearsing.

Now that my students have a description of what their character looks like; it is time for costumes and props! Students are able to check out costumes an props during class. Many students will already have their costume at home. A great way to find a costume that is not very expensive is thrift stores!! I don’t want anyone spending a lot of money on scene night costumes.  We can always find something at home, in the costume room or create it!  

I have expressed to all of my students that I don’t want them wearing what they wore to school that day for a costume during scene night.   It is important the feel like they are becoming someone else, their character, and changing costume/clothes can help with this.  Make-up is not mandatory. It is a choice and should be done at home beforehand.  

Call time for 6th and 7th graders on November 11th is 5:15 pm.  I like to have everyone come at the same time so that they can check their set pieces and props. Students will also make sure they are in costume and talk to their scene partner(s) about any last things they may want to share.  I will also do a brief warm-up to get everyone ready mentally, vocally and physically! Happy Halloween!

Eighth graders have continued to perform their freeze walks as well as participate in their classmates freeze walks! It has been wonderful seeing every ones different  interpretations and how well they are listening to each other.