Unit
Four - Script Analysis
Module 4: Directing
Lesson 4- Directing Assignment
Introduction:
The purpose of this lesson is to summarize the assignment
and provide the opportunity to polish work.
Objectives:
- to
understand the relationship between script and performance.
- to demonstrate the ability to direct a short scene or short
episode
- to work cooperatively in groups of all sizes to plan and participate
in drama experiences.
- to practice leadership of small and large groups
- to accept the leadership of others in small and large groups
Resources:
Play chosen by the class, director's binder, props/set/costumes
as needed.
CELs:
COM, CCT, CL, PSVS
Components:
Creative/Productive, Critical/Responsive
|
If
you can't find a suitable script,
a possible script resource has been included:
"Angels" by 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.
|
Activities:
Activity
1 - The Directing Assignment:
• focuses on teaching basic directing and cooperative
skills
• works through a series of stages that directs use including:
first reading, blocking, rehearsal and problem solving
• this
project will take anywhere form 4 days to as much as two weeks
depending on the length of scenes assigned
 |
Start
each day of the scene work with a 10 to 15 minute warm-up.
Include vocal and physical elements so that you can approach
your scenes with energy. Alternate who leads the warm-up activities. |
| Step
One:
The Reading the Script |
•
choose script
• choose roles and director
• read script
• make decisions about style
• do character biographies or start the director's
book
|
| Step
Two:
Stumbling Through |
•
set deadlines, including the line deadline
• block the scene
• rehearse the scene
• discuss goals
|
| Step
Three:
Problem Solving |
see
problem solving lesson |
What
is the role of the teacher?
During a student directed project, the role of the teacher
is to provide feedback and evaluation. While observations may
be formal or informal, they should be relatively consistent, and
students should be provided regular, daily feedback. Groups which
are struggling will require more intensive teacher involvement,
but at this stage of the course, need to feel the consequences
of their choices. Teacher intervention should only be immediate
when the trust in the classroom is being rapidly eroded by the
interactions of a group.
Activity
2 - Polishing the scene
The
students will need to spend several days polishing the scene following
the stumble through process. The amount of time teachers assign
for polishing will depend upon the complexity and length of the
chosen script.
Instructional
Strategies: Discussion, Role play
Evaluation:
This a sample version of evaluation which will require adaptation
by the teacher depending on the complexity and length of the scenes
chosen. If a set of related scenes are chosen (for example in
Departures and Arrivals or in Seven Stories), then additional
time at the end to coordinate and rehearse scenes together must
be given.
| Use
of class time |
5 marks
per day |
| leadership |
15 marks |
| cooperation
and problem solving |
15 marks |
| blocking |
20 marks |
| memorization |
20 marks |
| style |
10 marks |
| final
product |
30 marks |
On-line
Activity Alternatives: Students can learn about blocking and
many of the elements related to directing by using the program
Stage Struck. Go to the Stage Struck alternative lessons.
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