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  • 1.  end of year project

    Posted 04-28-2025 13:28

    Hi all,

    Would like pick some brains out there.... I am looking for an end of the year project for my small drama class.  My seniors last day is next week and then I have about 2 weeks left with a handful of underclassmen.  Would like to keep them busy, and don't have enough for regular class games etc.  Any great ideas you can pass along?  

    Many thanks!



    ------------------------------
    Karin Neal
    Theatre Director
    Trinity Catholic High School
    KS
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: end of year project

    Posted 04-28-2025 13:55

    Hey Karin,

    Honestly my best advice falls into one of two categories: 

    1) Cleaning & Organization. We have them propose an area to clean, or give us a breakdown of an improvement to make to our theatre. Then we have them clean it. It's a nice way to re-set before the end of the year, and is very task-oriented. It's clear to see progress, how things are done, and can be ongoing. 

    2) Reflection: Have them reflect on the year, fill out a course eval, or be involved somehow with the planning for next year. Are you still deciding on shows? Great! Have them read through the script and brainstorm a design.

    Our third, back pocket grab is having them create some sort of final showcase-a performance, a tech portfolio, etc. that exhibits them as a person and their work. This can be very talent-show esque, but does create a good community, and is also ongoing. 

    Hopefully these help!



    ------------------------------
    Bryan Lucchesi
    CO
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: end of year project

    Posted 04-29-2025 09:00

    Hi Karin,

    I run into the same scheduling challenging after my seniors leave. I always pull out or design a mini unit, based on their interests (I ask in class or post a discussion/poll on Canvas). I've done Melodrama & Soap Operas, Acting Comedy, Playwriting, and this year we're devising a mini musical. I've also offered topics such as story theatre/TYA, technical theatre, or socially responsive theatre. 

    Bryan's suggestion to have them help with cleaning and organization is a good one. I also use this time to have them read potential scripts for next year, because I love to get their input on what shows we do. They tend to have really great insights!

    Happy end of the year!



    ------------------------------
    Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
    Theatre, Film, and Communications Instructor
    Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
    Fishersville, VA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: end of year project

    Posted 04-29-2025 09:14

    Lip sync battle! Choose two to three minutes each of two contrasting songs. Add either choreography or movement. Everyone in the group needs to lip sync at least part of the song and everyone needs to be involved in the choreo or movement.



    ------------------------------
    Ken Buswell
    Drama Teacher
    Peachtree City, GA
    http://mcintoshtheater.org/

    Theater kills ignorance
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: end of year project

    Posted 04-29-2025 10:07

    I have my students do research on a Broadway Musical, then present.  They can dress in costume or perform a song for bonus!  Will attach my assignment here.  It's not awesome; I'm not good at worksheets or rubrics :)



    ------------------------------
    Amber Hugus
    Seneca Valley High School
    PA
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    Attachment(s)

    docx
    List of Musicals.docx   13 KB 1 version
    docx
    Musical Presentation Rubric.docx   59 KB 1 version
    docx
    Musical Research.docx   15 KB 1 version
    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: end of year project

    Posted 04-29-2025 10:49
    Here's what my students will do:  research and plan next year's theatre season. You can have them do it individually or in groups. Give them links/catalogs/resources and have them plan whatever you do, such as:
    • At least one play.
    • At least one musical.
    • At least one other piece that could be performed at school and produced relatively easily without adding too much stress to the calendar, performers and director. This is where you can really be creative.
    • One production that could be done digitally. 
    They create a paper and a presentation where they pitch their ideas. If they're in groups, you could have them read a scene from the play as well. They really enjoy the creativity, and it involves research, writing, oral presentation and perhaps a bit of performance.

    James Thomas Bailey
    Director of Theatre Arts • Chair, Visual & Performing Arts
    Past President, CA Educational Theatre Association
    He /Him /His



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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: end of year project

    Posted 04-29-2025 10:49
    What is their final exam? Could they select (or be assigned) a short monologue, & you can teach them how to slate, analyze, memorize, & perform it for their final?

    Peace,
    Jacquie Thompson-Mercer


    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: end of year project

    Posted 04-29-2025 12:22

    All great ideas!  thank you everyone!  



    ------------------------------
    Karin Neal
    Theatre Director
    Trinity Catholic High School
    KS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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