More Class Lessons for WebQuests 1999

Anne Frank: Theater Production Manual Summary: Students using the internet as a guide, pre-production research into timeperiod, characters, costumes, sets; students "link" to professional models of set, etc. On Broadway link Grade Level: 8,9,10,11,12 Curricular Area: Language Arts/ Theatre Arts Class Time Required: 6 weeks (Estimated)

Standards: Theater Production Historical and cultural context of specific work Consistent characterization Improvisation use in production | top | Learning and Teaching Activities: Each student team will produce something that will be USED in a production. The task isn't made-up; paying audience members will really see their promotional video props, sets, lights, costumes, acting, etc. | top | Outcomes and Assessment: Produce a play, design set based on a real event, design costumes from a real time period, recreate characters based on real people, produce a program, stay within a budget. Rubric part of assignment. | top | Materials Needed: Computer, internet connection, printer. Some performance space, some lighting equipment,simple costumes, arts and crafts supplies (cardboard, paper, glue, scissors). This assignment could create a sophisticated production, or be used with a very simple production. The process is what is most important. | top | Procedure Opening: Show first 3 pages. Go over "Process" with students so that they can decide what team they want to be on. They then apply or audition for that team. Development: Students do web search, research and create their designs and first projects. Then the play process begins -- rehearsal, production, etc. Closing: Students reflect on their experience, recording their final thoughts, write thank you letters to those that helped them, and submit them to the director to be kept in the production manual -- a complete archive documenting the 6 weeks and production. It all becomes part of the history of the theater now. And each student contributed in a real way. | top | Ideas for extending the lesson: Teachers can use the Production Manual as a beginning to produce their own specific show. Students or teachers can provide web sites that will specifically inform an individual show. The idea is to get enthusiastic "Drama kids" also enthusiastic about technology. How can performers and designers use technology? As a tool. And so much in theater stagecraft requires knowledge of computers, CAD, etc., it just makes sense to get them started in the show that they're doing right now. There also exists so many wonderful websites about theater history, acting, stagecraft that I have not included. Students could be encouraged to bring in 3 websites that they discover on their own. Students can email students from other high schools or universities that have played the same part, or designed something for the same show. | top |