New Blog Assignment Due Wednesday 9/10/08

Hello my fellow Thespians! Here is your next blogging assignment. Any questions about it, ask me in class.

DRAMA 1
You have had your first experiences performing in front of your class mates. Write a journal entry discussing your fears. Also, discuss what you did right and what you think you could have done better. Be specific.

IB THEATRE
Reflect on the voice and breathe work we have been doing in class. What successess have you had? Frustrations? What is the most difficult thing for you? Remember be specific.

I look forward to reading your posts! Happy Blogging!!!!

A picture from last years production of Antigone

A picture from our last production. A very emotionally intense scene from Antigone. I was so proud of all the hard work my students did on this production. Proof that if you set your standards high your students will always reach up.

A teaser for next years lessons for IB

I have begun to design and plan for the new 08-09 school year and I am getting excited! Here are just a few hints at what is coming:

Voice and Diction
Bunraku
Masks: Actor Traing and character development
The world of "isms"
The One Person Show
Stage and Costume Design
Developing the collective vision

Remember we also have the wonderful workshop weekend coming up October 3rd, 4th, and 5th so don't make any plans for those dates. I will be sending out a letter to the students registered to take IB theatre in 08-09 with specifics and information about costs.

I can't wait! I am ready now, too bad I have to wait till September to begin working with you all again!

Our first blogging assignment

First create your blog using the instruction sheet you were given. Step 2 will be to create two postings.

Posting number 1 will be just a mini bio about you.

Pposting number 2: Write a character analysis on a character from a performance you have seen(yes movies count for this) or from one of your summer readings. Look at it from a performers point of view. What did the actor do to create the character? Look at not just how they spoke but their physicality. How did they create the character and why did they do it that way? If you are working from one of your summer readings, how would you perform this onstage? What would you do vocally and physically? Why? Remember all has to relate back to who the character is not just because you think it would look good. Always think about the why. Remember to write like this is a school assignment. Informal but use standard American English and no l33t speak.

Good luck and I look forward to seeing everyone's post!

And so it begins

This is my first foray into the world of blogging. I want to use this electronic tool to help engage my students and make the process of learning more interesting. Many times I have my students journal and write reflectively on what has happened in class. Sometimes the students find this task tedious and dull. I hope by moving this to an electronic format I will engage those students who absolutely hate writing, encourage those who like writing to write more and eliminate the unnecessary killing of trees. I will also provide lesson plans on here for teachers to use. I will also post information about the happenings in class and with the Drama Club so parents and other students can keep up with what is going on. Also, the students will be able to get information on assignments so they can keep up with things. I don't know yet how often I will make entries as this is still a work in progress.

Some basic information about me: I teach theatre at Sol C Johnson High School and I love every minute of it. As you can see, it's summer and here I am thinking about what I want to do this coming school year. I am the proud mother of two amazing young men ages 19 and 16. I am happily married to my husband who is my tech guru. He helps me tremendously and we often brainstorm together on things I can do in my class involving technology. I am owned by 2 silly cats who rule the roost.

That's it for now. As I figure things out and make plans you will be the first to know!
Thanks for taking the time to read. Feel free to post comments and ideas.