Activities:

The Preparation Process

Step 1 - Think about your personal goals for this class:
1. What do you really wish to accomplish?
2. How can you improve your skills and challenge yourself?

Step 2 - Choosing a topic and project:
1. Think about your interests and talents
2. Look through the list of possible topics and projects.
3. Select a topic

Step 3 - Choose a collaborative group only if you must
1. Your “Theatre History Project” may be done individually or with a group (You may choose to work with others only if it is relevant to the topic).
2. Each person is responsible for a specific area of study and yet the presentation is done as a group.

*Suggested time of 10 classes to complete the project and you will need to complete some of the work outside of class time.

Possible General Topics:

Ancient and Classical Theatre Greek Roman Choral Speaking, Chants Ritual Masks Dionysus Acropolis, Ancient Theatres Egyptian African Asian Mythology Middle Ages and Renaissance Commedia del Arte Travelling Troupes Morality plays, Satires Costumes Puppets Elizabethan Shakespeare Marlowe, Jonson Globe Theatre Neo-Classical 18th Century & 19th Century Victorian Edwardian Restoration Theatre Drawing Room drama

Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw Upper Class Issues Modern and Contemporary Irish Theatre - Synge, Behan, Joyce Abbey Theatre - W.B. Yeats Realism - Ibsen, Chekov, Strindberg Political - Brecht, Arthur Miller Absurd - Beckett, Ionesco, Havel Theatre of the Oppressed - Boal Modern - Pinter, Albee American Theatre - Tennessee Williams, Sheppard, O’Neill, Miller Living Theatre - McClure Theatre of Revolt Avant Garde - Wooster, Robert LePage Multi Media - Laurie Anderson, Spalding Gray Clown - Mump & Smoot Collectives - Passe Mureille, Paper Wheat National, Regional Theatre Puppet, Marionette Musicals, Broadway World Theatre Kno Theatre Indonesian Shadow Puppets Africa China "Beijing Opera" India Brazil "Theatre of the Oppressed"

Possible Projects

For example:

• perform a scene (or monologue) from a specific play; include script analysis showing "objectives" and "beats".

• create a maquette for the set for a specific play; explain the reasons for choice of colour, texture, placement; is it realistic, minimal or symbolic; possibly build or paint a set piece.

• direct a video as a movie trailer for a specific play; capture highlights from various scenes, build interest in the plot, create an effect.

• film a documentary on the era.

• mix two eras to create a new scene

design costumes for a specific play; create one costume piece; recreate a period piece.

• build a prop piece for a specific play (or a set of connected props); research the proper material to be most effective.

• create a music composition for a specific play; if possible, play or record the music; explain the significance of the music.

• create a lighting plan for a specific play; explain choice of colour, placement and effect. If possible, show the lights on a stage - or, if not available, draw the plan and make a cue by cue.

• create makeup (possibly hair and clothing), for a specific character; design on paper first, then create it on a model; explain choices for colour, textures, etc.

• draw a story board for a play; create each scene in a drawn (cartoon) panel - you can use stick figures with written detail if drawing is not a strength.

• design a web site.

• film or stage a talk show with famous people from theatre as guests.

• write a research paper.

• write and illustrate a children’s book on theatre history.

• create a puppet show.

• create a model of the Globe Theatre or the Acropolis.

• design and create masks for a specific play.

Part 1 -Submit an Outline: (If you are working in a group, each member must still submit his or her own outline.)

Include the following in your outline (due at the end of your second work day):
1. Describe the project in detail.

2. Describe the role (duties & responsibilities) of each person involved.

3. What are expected outcomes with regards to performance, display, video, demonstration, costume, set, etc.?

4. How will it be presented?
(Attach drawings, designs, images, scripts as needed for marking.)

5. Create a timeline to indicate work expected for class and homework.

6. Summary Notes
(Keep point form notes on your topic and ideas that come to you as you complete your research. Number each point as you need a minimum of 50 points. Attach pages as needed.)

Part 2 - Work on the Project:

1. The process will be monitored and evaluated daily (for example: attendance, daily effort, responsibility for own work, initiative, staying on task without prompting from me.)

2. The teacher’s role is as facilitator and guide; to offer advice, instruction and critical feedback as required. As on any independent project, you must be careful to keep yourself on task.

3. You have a total of 10 days, 8 of which will be dedicated to working on this project.

Part 3 - Present your Project:

1. Your final day of work time should be used to practice your presentation. Remember that a portion of your project mark is allocated for how you present.

2. Project presentation times will be scheduled following the 10 days of work periods.

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Evaluation: You will be evaluated on your project outline (including description), drawings, timeline and summary notes. You will also be evaluated on your project presentation.

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