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  • 1.  Fresh Ideas for HS Intro to Drama

    Posted 01-03-2025 14:40
    Edited by Jolyne Sampley 01-03-2025 14:41

    Once a year, I teach an Intro to Drama semester-long course at the HS level - students don't elect to have this course, they are assigned to it. So, I've had a survey style course where students are introduced to the concepts of theatre, acting, etc. along with studying plays that are currently having school day shows in our area. It has provided a wonderful tie-in for students when they study a play and then see it staged. This year, however, our go-to theatres have closed down permanently (very sadly), and the other has opted to not have school day shows. So, unfortunately, providing a live theatre opportunity is out for us this spring semester. So, I'm writing for ideas - perhaps something that can be viewed online (as in recorded live play) so that they can "see" a professional production. 

    I'm writing here for ideas and options so as to refresh my standards that I could of course go with, but would love to find something else... ideas are very much welcome! (I'm excited it's a small group - just 18 students - really ideal!)



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    Jolyne Sampley
    Theatre and History Educator
    CA
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  • 2.  RE: Fresh Ideas for HS Intro to Drama

    Posted 01-04-2025 08:57

    Maybe check out https://www.broadwayhd.com/?



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    Jessica Shaw
    MVHS Theatre Arts Teacher & Director
    Mount Vernon High School
    VA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Fresh Ideas for HS Intro to Drama

    Posted 01-05-2025 15:29

    The comedia Taming of the Shrew done at ACT (in San Francisco) during the Bill Ball rotating rep years.  1976, with an absolutely amazing courtship scene.  The Taming of the Shrew. American Conservatory Theater. Subtitles: ENG.

    YouTube remove preview
    The Taming of the Shrew. American Conservatory Theater. Subtitles: ENG.
    Subtitles: English. The Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare (aka Sir Henry Neville, or perhaps the 17th Earl of Oxford). By the American Conservatory Theater (1976). An extraordinary production, in a uniquely spontaneous and particularly joyful "Commedia dell'Arte" manner. Great actresses/actors. In the main roles: Fredi Olster and Marc Singer.
    View this on YouTube >

     



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    Ellen Koivisto
    CA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Fresh Ideas for HS Intro to Drama

    Posted 01-04-2025 12:03
    I don't have any full-length plays I love to show, but here are some other videos I do show:

    There is a 10 minute version of The Play That Goes Wrong here that is awesome.  If you wanted to show their full-length version of Peter Pan Goes Wrong, that is on YouTube.  You'll want to watch it and check for appropriateness.

    There are also lots of short videos of sets and costumes -- like Wicked and the Lion King if you google that.

    Broadway or Bust on PBS.  This is a three part series showing students working in the Jimmy Awards. (The awards for top high school performer in the country)  I usually start on episode two.

    Giving Voice on Netflix.  This is a documentary about students auditioning for the August Wilson monologue competition.  It's a great video to show as students are working on monologues.

    There are a ton of short videos on National Theater at Home.  
    I love this one for ensemble work.  We use it and do it.
    I often use this one and others as we talk about devising.
    I use this one when we talk about Greek theater

    So... not exactly what you were looking for, but some good stuff there that has always been interesting for my Acting I students.









    Original Message


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