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Activities for Collective Writing, Rehearsal and Performance

The activities suggested here take the form of notes to the teacher. They are not specifically structured because a collective is an organic entity that defies a rigid "first this, then this" structure. Every time a teacher works with a class to create a collective, the procedure and the end result will be different.

6) Story Development
Invite a playwright/writer/storyteller (sometimes any outside observer can help) to sit in on a session and ask for direction on the story development.
Discuss sequencing.

TIP: try writing the ideas down on small cards and pin them on a bulletin board. The cards can be moved, added to or even deleted as the group sees fit.

This can be a formal script or an outline for "planned and improvised" scenes.
Assign several students to work on the script, they are responsible for making sure it is clear, legible and leaves room for blocking notes. It must be clear that all scripts are open to revision.

7) Rehearsal
Assign a Rehearsal Director (or perhaps the teacher) and a Stage Manager to run the rehearsals and keep it running smoothly.
Depending on the demands of the play, the group may wish to assign other technical roles as well: assistant stage manager, lighting, sound, props and scenery.
Read the script and assign roles.
Read the play and walk through entrances and exits.
"Block" the play (use notes on the script to indicate where people move, use of props, costume, lights, or sound).
Possibly videotape some rehearsals for discussion.


8) Perform
Small or big, the audience is important to the culmination of the process as it validates the work and gives meaning to the experience.
The group should decide how they wish to share their collective.
Perhaps invite another class to view the play.
This may be an opportunity to invite in parents or possibly board members.
If they do not wish to show it to outsiders they can consider filming the performance so that they can watch it for themselves.