Playbuilding and Devised Theatre - Drama Classes For Kids

Description

This course aims to build on the skills developed in the Intro to Impro course (although students can enroll in this course without prior study).

By the end of this course students will have devised a short ensemble piece using improvisation, storytelling, movement, mime and music, simple costumes/props – This showing will incorporate elements of drama such as – focus & tension, contrast, time & space, mood & symbol, timing, and structure.

To assist the development of the idea or topic students may choose to use stimulus materials that may include art works; stories such as legends, myths and science fiction; music; documents such as reports, autobiographies, interviews and documentaries.

The focus of the course is on 'making' Drama (although the course will culminate in Performing the devised piece). Making involves workshopping concepts, ideas and experiences through enquiry, research, analysis, and experimentation. Students have fun and learn experientially. The skills developed though making, performing and critically studying drama and theatre are valuable 21st century skills.

This course is suitable for older children with some prior experience in Drama but all classes will be tailored to the needs and skill level of the participants.

Learning Goal

In Devised Theatre, students learn to collaborate in devising original presentations using dramatic elements, structures, and performance styles.
Students learn how to use acting skills and performance spaces appropriate to style and purpose.
Students learn how to edit and refine their work through rehearsal and evaluation.
Students learn to use production elements such as costume, sound, and lighting.

Language Conducted

English

Requirement

Comfortable clothes and some space to move.

Home Work

Students will be required to find and research stimulus materials for their devised pieces (that may include art works; stories such as legends, myths and science fiction; music; documents such as reports, autobiographies, interviews and documentaries).

Time Commitment

5 x 100 minute sessions. A small amount of outside class time may be required for preparation and homework.

Outcome

By the end of this course students will have devised a short ensemble piece using improvisation, storytelling, movement, mime and music, simple costumes/props – This showing will incorporate elements of drama such as – focus & tension, contrast, time & space, mood & symbol, timing, and structure.
Playbuilding can lead to students learning to transform work into scripted form using appropriate conventions and directions.

Supply list

As we explore elements of drama such as symbol and character, participants will be required to find items from home to use as props or to create sounds.

Meet Course teacher

SHANNON

19 COURSES

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My name is Shannon and I am a qualified Drama and English teacher from Australia. In 2017 my family and I (my husband and two teenage sons), sold everything we owned to travel the world and learn from all that it has to offer. We are currently based in Vietnam and I am teaching English online.
I graduated university with a Bachelor of Creative Arts Honours in Theatre 1994 and since that time have been working as a professional actor, director and teacher. I also hold a Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching (Secondary) as well as a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. I have both an Advanced and Professional TESOL Certificate and hold an International English Teaching Licence as well as an Australian teaching license.
In 2004 I started my own Theatre school called TheatreMax, offering drama classes and productions for ages 3 through to adults and my background in Theatre translates into my English teaching style. My teaching focus is very much student led and interest driven with a focus on creativity, storytelling and confidence building. I also homeschool (or worldschool as we are travelling!) my two boys and believe in people following their passions, trying, failing and then trying again.
I have extensive experience working with students with both physical and intellectual disabilities and have worked as a classroom teacher in Australian high school mainstream and support units. Fun fact, in the 90’s I used to travel around Australia dressed up as a purple fluffy creature called Tickle the Doodat for a children’s group called The Hooley Dooleys. I am an accomplished script writer and have been commissioned to create productions for community groups around such issues as pollution and bullying. I have worked with many community and school groups of various ages and nationalities and in various countries to devise performances for cultural and arts festivals.
No matter what class of mine you choose you will develop your creativity and confidence and have fun!
Please note that all my classes require a minimum of three students to run and can be scheduled at a time to suit you. Contact me to arrange a class today!

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Parent Reviews

Steph on Aug 23 about Intro to Impro

I think the other learners should expect lots of fun and games, with education too. Parents should be happy to know that this is a very creative and impro-ish class that will boost their kids' creativity. Kids who are looking to improve their emotion-acting skills will benefit most. From Summer '10 :D