Open Forum

I'm currently designing a prolonged unit for my eighth graders that will culminate in a production ofA Midsummer Night's Dream.  The unit will have a strong focus on theatrical design.  I have always found Shakespeare's works to be a rich context in which modern theatre-makers can explore design, in large part due to the fact that his use of of setting is so open and loose (it's always struck me that Shakespeare's genius, which is undeniably prodigious, has more to do with language and character than setting or plot).  Of course, each of his plays nominally take place in a specific setting, these are actually broad canvases for the play's action.  AMND specifically provides the added challenge of designing multiple worlds (High Athens, Mechanicals, Magical Forest) that, theoretically co-exist in the same universe.  (To say nothing of the bonus of designing for magical and non-magical characters alike.)  I'm especially keen on getting students to see the connection between theatrical design and textual interpretation, i.e. the design should flow naturally from what we want the play to "say."

I've directed AMND for community theatre, and, of course, there are many professional examples online that provide potent inspiration.  (I've also done AMND-related projects several times over the years with my middle schoolers, but have done a woefully poor job of documenting them with photos).  I'd love to also provide my students with school examples.  Anyone got anything I can use?  I'm hoping so, as I know from the annual survey in Dramatics that this is a much produced play in schools.

Thanks.

------------------------------
Ryan Moore
Theatre Teacher and Forensics Coach
Ferndale MI
------------------------------

I'm currently designing a prolonged unit for my eighth graders that will culminate in a production ofA Midsummer Night's Dream.  The unit will have a strong focus on theatrical design.  I have always found Shakespeare's works to be a rich context in which modern theatre-makers can explore design, in large part due to the fact that his use of of setting is so open and loose (it's always struck me that Shakespeare's genius, which is undeniably prodigious, has more to do with language and character than setting or plot).  Of course, each of his plays nominally take place in a specific setting, these are actually broad canvases for the play's action.  AMND specifically provides the added challenge of designing multiple worlds (High Athens, Mechanicals, Magical Forest) that, theoretically co-exist in the same universe.  (To say nothing of the bonus of designing for magical and non-magical characters alike.)  I'm especially keen on getting students to see the connection between theatrical design and textual interpretation, i.e. the design should flow naturally from what we want the play to "say."

I've directed AMND for community theatre, and, of course, there are many professional examples online that provide potent inspiration.  (I've also done AMND-related projects several times over the years with my middle schoolers, but have done a woefully poor job of documenting them with photos).  I'd love to also provide my students with school examples.  Anyone got anything I can use?  I'm hoping so, as I know from the annual survey in Dramatics that this is a much produced play in schools.

Thanks.

------------------------------
Ryan Moore
Theatre Teacher and Forensics Coach
Ferndale MI
------------------------------

I'm currently designing a prolonged unit for my eighth graders that will culminate in a production ofA Midsummer Night's Dream.  The unit will have a strong focus on theatrical design.  I have always found Shakespeare's works to be a rich context in which modern theatre-makers can explore design, in large part due to the fact that his use of of setting is so open and loose (it's always struck me that Shakespeare's genius, which is undeniably prodigious, has more to do with language and character than setting or plot).  Of course, each of his plays nominally take place in a specific setting, these are actually broad canvases for the play's action.  AMND specifically provides the added challenge of designing multiple worlds (High Athens, Mechanicals, Magical Forest) that, theoretically co-exist in the same universe.  (To say nothing of the bonus of designing for magical and non-magical characters alike.)  I'm especially keen on getting students to see the connection between theatrical design and textual interpretation, i.e. the design should flow naturally from what we want the play to "say."

I've directed AMND for community theatre, and, of course, there are many professional examples online that provide potent inspiration.  (I've also done AMND-related projects several times over the years with my middle schoolers, but have done a woefully poor job of documenting them with photos).  I'd love to also provide my students with school examples.  Anyone got anything I can use?  I'm hoping so, as I know from the annual survey in Dramatics that this is a much produced play in schools.

Thanks.

------------------------------
Ryan Moore
Theatre Teacher and Forensics Coach
Ferndale MI
------------------------------

I'm currently designing a prolonged unit for my eighth graders that will culminate in a production ofA Midsummer Night's Dream.  The unit will have a strong focus on theatrical design.  I have always found Shakespeare's works to be a rich context in which modern theatre-makers can explore design, in large part due to the fact that his use of of setting is so open and loose (it's always struck me that Shakespeare's genius, which is undeniably prodigious, has more to do with language and character than setting or plot).  Of course, each of his plays nominally take place in a specific setting, these are actually broad canvases for the play's action.  AMND specifically provides the added challenge of designing multiple worlds (High Athens, Mechanicals, Magical Forest) that, theoretically co-exist in the same universe.  (To say nothing of the bonus of designing for magical and non-magical characters alike.)  I'm especially keen on getting students to see the connection between theatrical design and textual interpretation, i.e. the design should flow naturally from what we want the play to "say."

I've directed AMND for community theatre, and, of course, there are many professional examples online that provide potent inspiration.  (I've also done AMND-related projects several times over the years with my middle schoolers, but have done a woefully poor job of documenting them with photos).  I'd love to also provide my students with school examples.  Anyone got anything I can use?  I'm hoping so, as I know from the annual survey in Dramatics that this is a much produced play in schools.

Thanks.

------------------------------
Ryan Moore
Theatre Teacher and Forensics Coach
Ferndale MI
------------------------------

I'm currently designing a prolonged unit for my eighth graders that will culminate in a production ofA Midsummer Night's Dream.  The unit will have a strong focus on theatrical design.  I have always found Shakespeare's works to be a rich context in which modern theatre-makers can explore design, in large part due to the fact that his use of of setting is so open and loose (it's always struck me that Shakespeare's genius, which is undeniably prodigious, has more to do with language and character than setting or plot).  Of course, each of his plays nominally take place in a specific setting, these are actually broad canvases for the play's action.  AMND specifically provides the added challenge of designing multiple worlds (High Athens, Mechanicals, Magical Forest) that, theoretically co-exist in the same universe.  (To say nothing of the bonus of designing for magical and non-magical characters alike.)  I'm especially keen on getting students to see the connection between theatrical design and textual interpretation, i.e. the design should flow naturally from what we want the play to "say."

I've directed AMND for community theatre, and, of course, there are many professional examples online that provide potent inspiration.  (I've also done AMND-related projects several times over the years with my middle schoolers, but have done a woefully poor job of documenting them with photos).  I'd love to also provide my students with school examples.  Anyone got anything I can use?  I'm hoping so, as I know from the annual survey in Dramatics that this is a much produced play in schools.

Thanks.

------------------------------
Ryan Moore
Theatre Teacher and Forensics Coach
Ferndale MI
------------------------------

I'm currently designing a prolonged unit for my eighth graders that will culminate in a production ofA Midsummer Night's Dream.  The unit will have a strong focus on theatrical design.  I have always found Shakespeare's works to be a rich context in which modern theatre-makers can explore design, in large part due to the fact that his use of of setting is so open and loose (it's always struck me that Shakespeare's genius, which is undeniably prodigious, has more to do with language and character than setting or plot).  Of course, each of his plays nominally take place in a specific setting, these are actually broad canvases for the play's action.  AMND specifically provides the added challenge of designing multiple worlds (High Athens, Mechanicals, Magical Forest) that, theoretically co-exist in the same universe.  (To say nothing of the bonus of designing for magical and non-magical characters alike.)  I'm especially keen on getting students to see the connection between theatrical design and textual interpretation, i.e. the design should flow naturally from what we want the play to "say."

I've directed AMND for community theatre, and, of course, there are many professional examples online that provide potent inspiration.  (I've also done AMND-related projects several times over the years with my middle schoolers, but have done a woefully poor job of documenting them with photos).  I'd love to also provide my students with school examples.  Anyone got anything I can use?  I'm hoping so, as I know from the annual survey in Dramatics that this is a much produced play in schools.

Thanks.

------------------------------
Ryan Moore
Theatre Teacher and Forensics Coach
Ferndale MI
------------------------------

I'm currently designing a prolonged unit for my eighth graders that will culminate in a production ofA Midsummer Night's Dream.  The unit will have a strong focus on theatrical design.  I have always found Shakespeare's works to be a rich context in which modern theatre-makers can explore design, in large part due to the fact that his use of of setting is so open and loose (it's always struck me that Shakespeare's genius, which is undeniably prodigious, has more to do with language and character than setting or plot).  Of course, each of his plays nominally take place in a specific setting, these are actually broad canvases for the play's action.  AMND specifically provides the added challenge of designing multiple worlds (High Athens, Mechanicals, Magical Forest) that, theoretically co-exist in the same universe.  (To say nothing of the bonus of designing for magical and non-magical characters alike.)  I'm especially keen on getting students to see the connection between theatrical design and textual interpretation, i.e. the design should flow naturally from what we want the play to "say."

I've directed AMND for community theatre, and, of course, there are many professional examples online that provide potent inspiration.  (I've also done AMND-related projects several times over the years with my middle schoolers, but have done a woefully poor job of documenting them with photos).  I'd love to also provide my students with school examples.  Anyone got anything I can use?  I'm hoping so, as I know from the annual survey in Dramatics that this is a much produced play in schools.

Thanks.

------------------------------
Ryan Moore
Theatre Teacher and Forensics Coach
Ferndale MI
------------------------------

I'm currently designing a prolonged unit for my eighth graders that will culminate in a production ofA Midsummer Night's Dream.  The unit will have a strong focus on theatrical design.  I have always found Shakespeare's works to be a rich context in which modern theatre-makers can explore design, in large part due to the fact that his use of of setting is so open and loose (it's always struck me that Shakespeare's genius, which is undeniably prodigious, has more to do with language and character than setting or plot).  Of course, each of his plays nominally take place in a specific setting, these are actually broad canvases for the play's action.  AMND specifically provides the added challenge of designing multiple worlds (High Athens, Mechanicals, Magical Forest) that, theoretically co-exist in the same universe.  (To say nothing of the bonus of designing for magical and non-magical characters alike.)  I'm especially keen on getting students to see the connection between theatrical design and textual interpretation, i.e. the design should flow naturally from what we want the play to "say."

I've directed AMND for community theatre, and, of course, there are many professional examples online that provide potent inspiration.  (I've also done AMND-related projects several times over the years with my middle schoolers, but have done a woefully poor job of documenting them with photos).  I'd love to also provide my students with school examples.  Anyone got anything I can use?  I'm hoping so, as I know from the annual survey in Dramatics that this is a much produced play in schools.

Thanks.

------------------------------
Ryan Moore
Theatre Teacher and Forensics Coach
Ferndale MI
------------------------------