I'm in the same boat. I have Drama III and IV working on the same projects and several of my Theatre Arts Students (acting/performance) work on Tech Theatre projects. To give the more advanced students more challenging and standards-based activities, here are some projects they do as Independent Study projects that can involve the Intermediate students in the same classes:
- Writer's Room: Sketch comedy and short dramatic scenes that they write, direct, and produce for public performance
- Holiday Shows: Short, original plays and musicals that we perform for our area feeder schools and the general public.
- Dramaturgy: they research and give an oral presentation on plays/musicals that we should consider for our spring musical, one-act play, or other events.
- Marketing: individuals help develop a marketing plan for our shows to increase awareness in the community and aide in fundraising
- Improv Comedy Team: the students organize, plan, promote and advertise our improv shows in the winter and spring.
All of these projects are extra-curricular AND part of daily classwork.
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Josh Ruben, M. Ed.
Fine Arts Head
Northwest Whitfield HS (dba, The Northwest Theatre Co.)
Tunnel Hill, GA
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-12-2022 10:38
From: CJ Breland
Subject: Independent Study Plan
Does this combined class do a production? Or do you have an extracurricular production this semester?
If either is true, you can have the more advanced students take leadership roles in dramaturgical research, costumes, props, sets and scenery, sound, lighting, and/or publicity. The Thespys guidelines would be helpful in setting assignment parameters and grading criteria.
I often had students design posters for other events at school, such as food and clothing drives, choral concerts, and club events. Because they had to have the design approved by me before making copies, I was able to help them refine their skills.
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CJ Breland
Retired Theatre Arts Educator
NC
Original Message:
Sent: 11-11-2022 08:51
From: Amber Hugus
Subject: Independent Study Plan
I am currently teaching Advance Theater and Advanced Theater Experience during the same class period. I am looking for some sort of independent study/independent improvement survey or planning worksheet to give my second- and third-year students. Does anyone have anything like this?
I have a number of units that I do every year but I would like to try to gear some activities towards what my most advanced students would like to focus on and try to incorporate some more independent or collaborative activities.
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Amber Hugus
Seneca Valley High School
PA
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