Hi Micki,
I don't have the same class structure, but I am having similar questions. My immediate response to you is don't cancel the class. I am sure plenty of organizations are going to come up with lots of virtual ways to compete in a wide variety of things, including speech. I have been pretty impressed with the invitations to create over the last two months. I bet it will continue.
Like I said, I don't have a competition class, but I am having to rethink classes too. I'll share my thoughts.
If we have face to face instruction in the fall, that might the only chance my students have to rehearse together, because I am guessing that afterschool ensembles will be a "no." I don't traditionally produce shows in my classes. I draw a pretty distinct line between the classroom program and the after school program. Our after school program produces all of the public performances and my class instruction is really about skill building, performing for each other, performing for other classes, and occasionally elementary classrooms/special groups.
So I am trying to think of how to most effectively use class time and have performances with those students from class. Here are some things I am thinking.
1) Having each class devise a piece. Devised theatre can respond in real time and to changing circumstances. I think I could use the devising process to teach the skills specific to each class.
2) I have been struck by how important films, TV, YouTube, streaming services, etc. have been since we have been inside. If we continue to have limited contact in the Fall, these will still be important. So I think my acting/writing/producing skills might transfer to doing those things for screens instead of a live audience. It's not something I usually do more than touch on, but I think now is the time.
3) "One person show" development. I am currently developing a "just in case" unit for 20-21 school year that focuses on the idea that we all have a show inside of us.
I'd love to hear what you decide or keep talking it out.
Harvey
------------------------------
J. Harvey Stone
Teacher/Director
Williamsburg VA
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-12-2020 10:40
From: Micki McMillan
Subject: Performance-based classes for next year
Hi All,
While I have been in good spirits, those good vibes have been rapidly deteriorating as more and more events far in the future have already determined to go virtual. This brings me to the planning of my own classes, so I am coming to all of you to see what you are doing.
While I know it is optimal to plan for every situation, and I am to the best of my ability, like many of your schools, my school puts out our academic bulletin now and students are picking classes for the fall term. I teach a class called Advanced Acting for Competition, which is exactly what the title suggests. The class prepares students to compete in Speech events at Speech and Debate competitions, and there are various local competitions. Of course, our big event would be to produce a one-act for our state chapter festival, but now that won't happen because the festival will be virtual.
Here's my question...do I keep the class and hope there are some opportunities to compete, even with social distancing, etc. or do I alter it to become something that can be completed online totally, like Playwriting? I have to make a decision and stick with it. I would much prefer to have the advanced acting class, and would regret it if I shelved the competition class unnecessarily.
What are you all doing?
--
Micki Kaplan McMillanChair, Theater Department
Solebury School
6832 Phillips Mill Road
New Hope, PA 18938
215-862-5261 x101