Activities
for Collective Process if you did not complete Lesson 1
The
activities suggested here take the form of notes. They are not
specifically structured because a collective is an organic entity
that defies a rigid "first this, then this" structure.
Every time a class works to create a collective, the procedure
and the end result will be different.
1)
Brainstorm
Provide inspirations, thought provoking questions, dilemnas.
Create idea webs.
Refine and reduce the ideas.
Group ideas into possible themes.
 |
Journal:
Write about your personal connection to the theme, determine
your strengths, identify risks, and set a personal goal. |
2) Exploring
Ideas
Involve all of the senses through exploration (warm ups, games,
meditation).
Improvise situations and conflicts related to the theme.
Ask the group to complete "what if... ? questions.
Reflect on and share personal stories.
Turn the idea upside down, look at it from various angles and
points of view (How would an alien/bug/mother/police officer see
it?).
Create metaphors.
3) Research
Discuss all ideas and determine areas for further research.
Decide on a course of action for your research and the outcome
expected.
Research can take many forms: - in the library - talking to people
- looking at artwork or films - conducting a survey - listening
to music - recording dreams - guest speakers - guest artists -
watching other plays - searching the web, etc.
To consider: are there possible actors/dramatists/writers or related
experts who may become involved in the process?
Share your findings with the group.
4) Explore Some More
The teacher/facilitator may need to assist by grouping ideas,
finding common ground and helping to provide some direction.
(This is the point in the process where some groups may flounder
for awhile – it is also usually the turning point, group
loyalty increases and commitment to the idea solidifies. Be sure
to continue using warm ups and games which require group trust
and cooperation.)
Use improvisation exercises to change the context or to take an
idea even further.
Look for framing devices, ie: talk show, diaries, gibberish language,
fairy tale.
Work on character development, "Who am I?"
Try the improv game called "Hot Seat" in which the character
is interviewed and must give spontaneous answers, in character,
to all questions.
Focus on certain situations and conflict.
Group discussion and feedback on ideas – journal personal
reflection, consider the original goal set – should it change?
|
Journal:
Where do we go from here? What is interesting at this point?
What do we wish to discard? (Ideas which appeared humorous
at first may now seem superficial) |
5) Using the Arts
Create costumes, props, sets – consider various styles and
materials.
Make masks or headpieces.
Explore face painting, body painting.
Try out various kinds of lighting from unusual sources (lamps,
flashlights, overheads, video or slides).
Create a soundtrack, a soundscape, a new composition.
Choreograph movement to indicate the emotions of the play - communicate
the entire play without words.
Write poetry to explore the imagery and the metaphor.
Take photographs to document ideas.
Create a promotional video – "a Trailer" for the
play.
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