List of Contributions

Michael Johnson

Teacher,
Trinity High School

Contact Details

Teacher,
Trinity High School
Platinum Member

My Content

1 to 20 of 50+ total

RE: Sound Cue Program

Posted By Michael Johnson 03-27-2024 10:18
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We use a program called Sound Plant and Audacity as an editor. ------------------------------ Michael Johnson Teacher Trinity High School NC ------------------------------

RE: Emergency Sub Plans

Posted By Michael Johnson 03-13-2024 10:45
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Making a board game in teams of 2 is a pretty good assignment. Students can model their game after a popular example and use theater terms as the basis for winning a turn. This can take up to two days and students can play a couple of the games upon your return. ------------------------------ Michael ...

RE: Plays with singing that aren't musicals

Posted By Michael Johnson 02-20-2024 09:45
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Somethings Afoot. Perhaps, Peter and the Starcatcher ------------------------------ Michael Johnson Teacher Trinity High School NC ------------------------------

RE: Broadway (fabric) flats

Posted By Michael Johnson 02-18-2024 12:10
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I used to use Broadway flats almost exclusively for anything and everything I could think of, but since then, Luan has become relatively inexpensive and when I balance the care and impact muslin can take with the long life of a hardcovered flat, I've tended to work in that direction as of late. I know ...

Looking for recommendations for a small cast musical

Posted By Michael Johnson 02-09-2024 14:13
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I am looking for some recommendations and ideas for small cast musicals. We have a smaller ensemble this year with 15 students and approximately 6 strong singers. Any ideas? I really like Songs for a New World, and am looking for some other ideas. Let me know if you can think of something. ------- ...

RE: Memorization

Posted By Michael Johnson 02-07-2024 09:06
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A tactic that we discovered this year and have had some fun and luck with is to-- read over the lines at least three times, ask yourself some questions about word choice, rhythm, etc; then write the first letter of each line on a piece of paper-- working in sections or beats, of course. Next use the ...

RE: checkerboard floor help

Posted By Michael Johnson 01-26-2024 15:04
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Tape together sheets of 1/4 inch Masonite or tempered hardboard using gaff tape and paint. You might have to tape the edges to your floor. But in my experience, the whole thing becomes relatively monolithic and does not move. Ground cloths are another alternative but they can be rather pricey. Masonite ...

RE: Ideas to use AI for the Theatre Teacher

Posted By Michael Johnson 11-16-2023 10:52
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I would be encouraged that teachers are using the tool in the classroom in an appropriate way as part of a larger discussion with regard to copyright, royalties, and original work; the need for playwrights to be compensated; for collaborative work; for research tools. For example, a few weeks ago, we ...

RE: Ideas to use AI for the Theatre Teacher

Posted By Michael Johnson 11-10-2023 11:22
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I use AI all the time to generate ideas, write short plays or scenarios and help students develop dialogue by coming up with starters. I think the important take away-- is that we use the tool to help us generate ideas and or improve our work product flow by having an extra set of hands so to speak. ...

RE: Stepping on Floor Mics

Posted By Michael Johnson 11-06-2023 10:51
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Thanks for the thorough response. Lots of things for me to consider. I think a temporary shield is probably the best option. It could be in place for outside users and then removed during theatrical rehearsal or performance. ------------------------------ Michael Johnson Teacher Trinity High ...

Stepping on Floor Mics

Posted By Michael Johnson 11-03-2023 10:57
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Dear Folks Am wondering if anyone has come up with a good way to protect floor mics. I am thinking of creating a sort of "footlights" sheild to place behind them. Other solutions? Thanks for your thoughts ------------------------------ Michael Johnson Teacher Trinity High School NC ----------- ...

RE: Follow Spot

Posted By Michael Johnson 09-13-2023 12:36
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In addition to Jerry's recommendations, I often turn to Full Compass or the stage lighting store for ideas. I'm sure there are other regional suppliers as well such as Theatre House or PNTA. Hope that helps ------------------------------ Michael Johnson Teacher Trinity High School NC ----------- ...

RE: What do do, all I have are handheld mics?

Posted By Michael Johnson 06-02-2023 10:59
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In the past, I had pretty good results with what I would refer to as "zone mic-ing" Basically, position microphones in strategic locations throughout the set-- in vases, behind trees, etc. Choral microphones work best, however, something like a Shure SM-58 or a dynamic vocal mic will work as well. A ...

RE: Light for Shadow Play

Posted By Michael Johnson 05-04-2023 11:51
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You can really use any light source for this project-- from and elipsodial to a flashlight. I think it would be cool to let your students decide what works best for their group, perhaps have various options available to them and see what they select. That would be a cool process for them. -------- ...

RE: Rain petals when you can't hang snow bag

Posted By Michael Johnson 04-09-2023 12:09
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If you do not want to hang something-- I think I would simply have an actor or technician dress in all black or appropriate ensemble wear for the scene and simply have them drop, spread, deploy-- etc the petals in a way that might be in keeping with the scene. One of my favorite moments in Into the Woods ...

RE: Teaching spaces

Posted By Michael Johnson 12-22-2022 11:02
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I teach in the theater that yes often gets used for class meetings and the like. My admin is very supportive however and.tries to schedule them during my office hours. If you can move the desks around the outside walls of a classroom or create a thrust environment that can work pretty well. I have ...

RE: Dialect in The Crucible

Posted By Michael Johnson 11-07-2022 07:47
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When I directed The Crucible, we tried to present the work in Standard American Dialect with period costumes and a very simple setting. It is a very effective work for minimalism. ------------------------------ Michael Johnson Trinity High School NC ------------------------------

Favorite "Winter Play"

Posted By Michael Johnson 10-15-2022 14:47
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What is your favorite "Winter Play"? -- takes place in winter or produceed in the winter seasion-- ------------------------------ Michael Johnson Trinity High School NC ------------------------------

RE: Acoustic Shell?

Posted By Michael Johnson 09-03-2022 11:49
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This is a very difficult problem to sove and I would hate to see you and your colleagues search after solutions through trial and error as this can be very time consuming and frustrating, and in the short and long term, might not make a difference. That being said, some things that might help-- and without ...

RE: closet racks?

Posted By Michael Johnson 08-21-2022 20:41
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CJ's idea to see if you can work with a professional theater company would be great and a great experience for your students to see the work of a professional carpenter and or to work with them if possible. We build these when we have leftover materials. It is just a cabinet base box without doors. ...