I hope all of you have a safe and wonderful spring break!

In fifth grade we worked on our imaginations . I played relaxing music with the sounds of the ocean in the background . I asked students to get in touch with their senses. What did they hear? feel? smell? taste? see? We shared with each other what each students thought were during this exercise . Imagination is a very important part of drama and some more than others need to work at this a little more.  Often times my students are told what to think and when they have the freedom to do so it can be a challenge. Imagination helps with thinking outside of the box with no limitations.  I wanted the students to relax and have a brain recess and this exercise helped with that.

Sixth grade took their vocabulary quiz this week. We also talked about the seventh grade production of “Twelfth Night”. We gave constructive criticism and talked about the things they did well and things the seventh graders could improve on .  Especially because next year they will be performing Shakespeare! We also reviewed the importance of being a good audience member.

Seventh graders I am so proud of you. Thank you to those who were able to come and watch the performance ! I was very proud of how well they did and more importantly their process and how much they improved. Way to go! Bravo!

In eight grade we continued our character work, crew work and choreography .  Students should be off book today during our 3:30-6:00 pm rehearsal. This will not allow them to connect emotion and their characterization.  Please note that we have changed our Saturday performance, April 30th to 12:00 noon instead of 2:00 PM. Call time for students will be 10:30.    Thank you for your understanding.  After spring break you should be able to go to eventbrite.com and purchase tickets for $12.00. We have a lot to get done before that but are excited for all of the work we have yet to accomplish together.

 

 

In fifth grade we have been continuing our ensemble work.  Students have been playing some team building games. We talked about the importance of sharing the spotlight when on and off stage.  Students learned to work together and compromise to make a final decision .  For some it was challenging because they were used to always using their idea.  I talked about how everyone deserves a chance to bring their idea to the table.  Everyone respected each other and came up with a creative end result to add to the game. Ask your kids about “Bipitty Bipitty Bop” !

In Sixth grade students performed their final mime project.  I am hoping that many of you were able to watch their telephone booth mime because they were asked to practice at home.   Everyone was given specific tasks to accomplish during their mime . At the same time I was looking for creative solutions and individuality when performing.  Everyone had to come up with a way to get out of the telephone booth when they discovered it was jammed. It was great fun to watch them problem solve and find a way out! Later in the week we did a relaxing exercise that included diaphragm breathing and using our imaginations. I played relaxing music with the sounds of ocean waves rolling in.  I thought that the kids could use a day to relax.  They were all working so hard to finish up all of their second trimester projects.  

In Seventh grade we have continued to rehearse “Twelfth Night”.  Our field trip to Navy Pier was spectacular! Everyone seemed to enjoy watching professional actors put on the same play and see what their interpretation was. I think a lot of kids got a better understanding of the play and got some character ideas. I am looking forward to seeing you all this coming Thursday morning to watch our production and adapted play of “Twelfth Night”! I would strongly suggest that you ask your children what “Twelfth Night” is about so that you have a better understanding of the play before you watch.  Since this is a Shakespeare project their will be some students sharing roles. This allows every one to get an opportunity to speak and act in “Twelfth Night”.

In Eighth grade students have been working on characterization.  They were asked to fill out specific questions about their characters past, present and future.  The eighth  graders have also been working on their script analysis.  We also have continued to choreograph ” Under the Sea” group number. Everyone is doing a great job :). Designs for crews were due as well. We now have all of our designs and can start building and creating. Please remember there is rehearsal this Sunday, from 11:00 am -3:00. Please remember that day light savings begins 🙂 Spring is near!!!! Please have your children bring a snack and a water bottle! 

Hope to see you at the auction on Saturday.  Have a great weekend!