Open Forum

Good morning,

After teaching theatre for over 20 years to students from a mostly homogenous culture and exposure level, and a high interest in performing, I am now at a school teaching students who have little to no exposure to theatre, little to no interest in performing, and they all come from a variety of different backgrounds (variety of cultures, ethnicities, races, genders, religious faiths and belief systems). Most are academically low, and have no real interest in any part of theatre.  After spending the first 9 weeks forming relationships, I think if I could find a way for them to relate to theatre, I could hook some of them.

At first, I thought maybe I just needed to start at a lower, simpler level. But, then I realized, they weren't interested because they were finding all of the material and info unrelatable. I gave them monologues that I thought would be easy to work on. In the character analysis I had them to do, many described their characters as white...then I understood that I was asking them to play characters they could not recognize or relate to. I want to give them material they can relate to.  But, this middle-aged, well-meaning, theatre-loving, white lady is feeling at a loss for the first time. It's like everything I've done successfully for my whole career isn't working. And, I really want them to walk away with some appreciation for theatre, and maybe even an interest. I'm open to any materials, resources, ideas, and encouragement you can give me. 

Thanks,

Cherie FIrmin

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Cherie Ducote Firmin
Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy
Theatre/Speech/Fine Arts Survey Teacher
La. State Thespian Co-Chapter Director
Cherie.Firmin@discoveryhsf.org
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How about reaching into the bag of Agusto Boal, have the students do the original form of theater, story telling, they can create personal material be it an event, family story, or other item personal to them, have them craft the presentation to a minimum and maximum amount of time, then present it in a communal circle(I would use a fake fire in the center)

Just a thought to get them inspired and sharing 

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Jerry Onik
V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
Heartland Scenic Studio
NE
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Hey!  My biggest success has been creating project-based units that center my students voices.  They create what they perform.  I've got a lot of resources that I think are exactly what you are looking for.  I can share a google drive folder if you PM an email?

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Jessica Shaw
MVHS Theatre Arts Teacher & Director
Mount Vernon High School
VA
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Hi, Cherie--

Consider puppetry as an option! It's great for those who don't immediately identify as performers, as it allows them to "hide" and transfer performing to and through the puppet. It also allows lots of cultures to be represented and students to be SEEN--from shadows of China to body puppets of Africa to rod puppets of Indonesia (and many many more)--the HUGE variety of origins and styles of puppets really allows for broad connections. It includes all types of art-makers--those who like to write, draw, build, perform, stage manage, costume, light or sound design-to find a fit.

When introducing puppetry to non-theatre students (or even sometimes young theatre-makers), be ready to demystify it as only kids' stuff right away: e.g. it's primarily adult theatre in most places in the world (except for U.S.), it's challenging, it's all around us in pop culture and a great tool for your tool kit (Star Wars, Little Shop of Horrors, Jurassic Park, She Kills Monsters, Avenue Q, Chucky films, Coraline, Nightmare Before Christmas, Terry Fator/Darcy Lynn, etc. etc.). Don't need to dwell on it or apologize for it or justify it but rather make sure to frame it right away as "more than Sesame Street). 

Reach out of you need resources!

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Aretta Baumgartner
Education and Advocacy Director
Center for Puppetry Arts
Teaching Artist Alliance
Atlanta, GA
www.puppet.org
www.teachingartistalliance.com
arettabaumgartner@puppet.org
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