This lesson is a continuation of the creation in the space for the Site Specific Theatre piece.  It was the second full visit to the space and time spent creating in the space. 

Lesson Overview  - There was only 50 minutes available due to the travel time required to get to and from the museum.

Learning Goals:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of Site Specific Theatre
  • Understand the devising process
  • Interpret and reflect on visual art and be able to articulate those feelings to a group of peers
  • Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for chosen pieces of art in the space
  • Gain a better understanding of movement and Physical Vocabulary

Terminology:

  • Site Specific Theatre
  • Devised theatre or Devising
  • Collective Creation
  • Physical Vocabulary
  • Stylized Movement

Materials:

  • The paintings and the museum
  • A device to find and play music
  • Space to move and create

Minds On

The students engaged in a physical warm up in the space.

  • Super 7 Shakedown
  • Walk As…
  • Statues

Note - We finished the warm up, sat in a circle and recapped what happened during Lesson #2 and how it connected to the Devised Collective Creation process.

Action

The students engaged in a quick example of a Physical Vocabulary and the characteristics of/criteria for creating a Physical Vocabulary. Click here for an example of a Physical Vocabulary. 

  • Each group is assigned a painting or piece of artwork.
  • After careful analysis and discussion, they need to agree upon one lesson, moral or theme that they learn from observing the piece.
  • Based on that lesson or theme, they need to search for a song that encapsulates the theme or lesson.
  • They need to analyse the lyrics to the song, identify words and phrases that they want to work with, then physically interpret the word or phrase. Through the analysis they put together a Dance Phrase (or Physical Vocabulary). 
  • Walk through the Physical Vocabulary as a group (PDF #3) 

Note - The exploration of the Dance Phrase or Physical Vocabulary carried into a second 75 minute session in execution.  

Consolidation

Gather the students together in a debrief Talking Circle.  Lead a debrief discussion using the guiding questions:

  • What worked? What didn’t work?  What are your next steps?
  • What song did you choose?  How does it fit? 

Accommodations:

  • Alternative to movement or Physical Vocabulary where necessary.
  • Use an Exit Card as a Final Consolidation discussion if necessary.

Assessment as Learning:

  • Working through the collaborative and creative process with peers
  • Minds on warm up allows for building group mind and working on collaborative skills
  • Participating in the Consolidating Talking Circle

Assessment of Learning: 

  • Talking Circle contributions
  • Physical Vocabulary stylized scene