Unit
Four - Script Analysis
Module 3: Blocking
Lesson 4 - Blocking Assignment
Introduction:
Focusing on blocking in a short scene provides a step towards
directing. The concepts that are learned during the module can
all be applied in this final blocking assignment.
Objectives:
- to continue to explore various staging possibilities in their
dramatic presentations
- to evaluate the contributions of themselves and others to projects
undertaken in groups of all sizes
- to become confident in communicating character through movement
and gesture
Resources:
large open space, evaluation sheet (pdf)
CELs:
COM, PSVS, CCT
Components:
Creative/Productive
Activities:
Activity
1 - Scene work:
Students will choose a scene from the play Angels
by Cliff Burns (below). Each scene will be developed with the
following criteria in mind:
• blocking must be suited to the style of the scene
• blocking must use the identified playing space (you may
choose to isolate a section of the stage with set placement
or lights)
• blocking must incorporate levels, variety and pictures
• blocking should make characters easy to see and keep
sight lines open
• movement and stage business must be connected to the
character's objective
(One
hour to prepare, and approx. 30 min performance and evaluation
time.)
Script
Resource:
|
"Angels"
by Saskatchewan writer Cliff Burns, is a 40 minute, 1 act
play (comedy and drama on the theme of body image perceptions,
and the ideal weight, especially those of young women).
You may print and use the script for *classroom exercises.
Certain scenes have been identified for use in various lessons.
If you wish to print an entire script click here for the
PDF (printable) version of "Angels".
If
you only wish to print certain scenes, choose from the ones
below:
- Scene
1: opening scene, 1 female & 1 male, serious
- Scene
4: 3 females, gossiping, 1 walk on female, comedic
- Scene
6: 3 female, performance art, drama
- Scene
7: 2 female, 2 male, at the movies, drama & comedy
- Scene
11:
1 female, drama
- Scene
13: 3 females (2 males& 1 female walk on), comedy
& drama
*
Please note: the author has given permission
for use of the script in class exercises only. If you wish
to have a public performance of the play you must contact
the author for performance permission. Contact information
is on the title page of the script.
|
Activity
2 - Journal:
 |
•
Have students record what things their group did well and
what things needed improvement.
• Students should also discuss what examples of good
blocking they saw in class, and why they believed the blocking
they saw was good. (10 min.) |
Instructional
Strategies: Role Playing
Evaluation:
evaluation sheet (pdf).
Peer-marking is the evaluation style.
On-line
Activity Alternatives: Monologues may be chosen so that blocking
can be practiced by two people. Finished products may be sent
to the teacher on VHS or burned onto CD. Evaluation would be completed
by a teacher, rather than a peer. The journal topic could include
the first part, but not the second.
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