NOTE: This “lesson” is a combination of all rehearsal and preparation days leading to the final performance in the site for Reconciling the Future.
Lesson Overview - 12-15, 75-minute periods (PDF 5 - Example Monthly Project Schedule)
NOTE: Days on the schedule where they met the rehearse at “A Path Forward” allowed for 50 minute sessions to account for travel to and from the venue.
Learning Goals:
- Effectively be able to co-create stylized pieces of drama and theatre with diverse groups of peers
- Understand the Creative Process and the necessity of rehearsal, revision and polishing throughout the process
- Demonstrate an understanding of all elements of drama, such as tableau, choral speaking, storytelling and movement
- Work through and gain a greater respect and appreciation for the rehearsal process
- Critical and creative thinking
- Understand the question and answer model and be able to articulate answers to questions about their work and choices
- Complete the final product that will be performed publicly at “A Path Forward”
Readiness:
The students have created all of the raw materials necessary to work through the rehearsal process, and are able to revise and refine their work to complete the public performance. The building blocks for creation were all established during the first three lessons.
Terminology:
- Rehearsal
- Creative Process
- Tableau
- Choral Reading/Speaking
- Physical Vocabulary and Dance Phrase
- Reconciliation
- Decolonization
- Q and A
Materials:
- The space (in this case, “A Path Forward”)
- Any props required for performance
- Laptop, speakers, etc., for sound effects and music
- Costume (for Reconciling the Future, students wore orange shirts and black pants/jeans)
- Chairs and benches for observers
Minds On
Each day students will recap the day before and warm up physically and vocally.
Example:
Action
Each day at this point will be a little different (please see PDF #5), but will lead to full rehearsals of the entire Collective Creation in the classroom, before doing two full dress rehearsals in the space.
It is important to note that every aspect of the Creative Process, as articulated and highlighted on the CODE website, will be utilized in a variety of different and diverse ways. Students will need to experiment, reflect, discuss, and work through a revision and refining process toward their collectively created final product. It is through this process where the deepest thinking on the subject will take place, and where student voice(s) is heard and fully incorporated.
Consider the Critical Analysis Process. At different points throughout the rehearsal process, have students present rough drafts of their work for other small groups as well as the whole class when it is appropriate. Peer and Self evaluations, as well as educator observational feedback, are crucial throughout this step in the process.
If you look at PDF #5 - Example Monthly Project Schedule, you can see what the Reconciling the Future project students did each day to prepare for the final performance.
Consolidation
- Debrief Talking Circle - Have the students sit in a circle and debrief the day using the following questions:
- What worked? What didn’t work?
- What are the barriers to fully refining your scene?
- What are your next steps?
- As a class, come up with the three things that we need to accomplish the next day.
Accommodations:
- Physical accommodations for use of space or the need for a chair, etc.
- A computer in place of writing utensil and paper (or scribe/conversation)
Assessment as Learning:
- Rehearsals
- Warm Ups
- Debrief discussions
Assessment for Learning:
- Discussions and Questions
- Rehearsals and Teacher Observations
Assessment of Learning:
- Teacher observations of each scene
- Observing incorporating feedback from teacher and peers
- Exit Cards and Self Evaluations
