One of the goals of my tech class, in addition to learning about construction and theatrical design, is to create art from uncommon items, influencing students to observe their surroundings. So, here are a few non-tool oriented projects that are safe and effective with large classes:
1) We just completed a spray paint stencil unit, inspired by graffiti street art. Students cut their own stencils, painted backgrounds, and then put the stencil on top of it. There are lots of tutorials on youtube, and many potential outcomes. They're also learning about color theory, mixing, teamwork, etc.
2) One of my favorites is duct tape design. A roll of duct tape is on their required materials list at the beginning of the year. The first day, I teach everyone how to make a duct tape bow tie. Then, they can make anything they want as long as it's substantial (so no individual flowers, but perhaps a bouquet of duct tape flowers in a duct tape vase). They research images and templates if they want, make a colored rendering of their design, use colored duct tape swatches, and then create their design. So they're going through the entire costume design process too :)
3) To introduce the importance of design with telling stories onstage, I gather a variety of props, costumes, and pictures of makeup designs. In groups, students are randomly assigned one of each, and make stories of a character who incorporates all three - the more different the items are, the more interesting the stories become.
4) For costumes, students choose a specific time period or cultural tradition. Then they collaborate on 1-2 designs inspired by their research, make colored renderings, and build the costumes using only tape and recycled materials they bring in: cereal boxes, aluminum foil, shopping bags, etc.
One of the biggest projects of the year, lasting 3 months, is studying, researching, designing, and then creating pieces for our musical. I design the main pieces of the set, and then choose specific items that cater to the students' interests and strengths, which we will collaborate on. So there are opportunities in construction, painting, costumes, and props that the students can take on. Spending so much time on this also helps to ensure there is time for mistakes to occur, allows me time to dialogue and asses each student's progress, and to really pay attention to the details. It's been great so far!
Good luck!
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Abra Chusid
Theatre Director
Buffalo Grove IL
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-10-2014 06:30
From: Janet Rhoads
Subject: Need tech theatre ideas
I 'm looking for tech theatre ideas for my very large theatre class - 29 students - and a mix of no experience to fairly experienced. I have no text book and I'm returning to teaching theatre after being away from it for 25 years. I'm looking for projects that would keep everyone involved but I can still supervise on my own.
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Janet Rhoads
Drama Teacher
Andale KS
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