Dan is right--make it seem as if they aren't doing 'theatre' and are instead, doing something that resonates with them. If the students are in an elective course, but don't want to be there...the bigger problem is talking with your school deans and counselors about they students are allowed to take the course. Eventually, things will weed out, but until then, you need to make it through:
1. Film is a great way to do this, as Dan mentioned. Rather than ask them to bring in films, though, which they may not do based on what you've said, put together a bunch of clips and have them edit them to make their own, new film. Be sure that there is a variety to choose from, and remind them they do not need to use all of them; that way the films are each unique. This can work in small groups (pro and con to that: some groups will not work, but then, they don't interfere with the progress of others), pairs or even individually. Tell them to use sound tracks from Audacity or Garage Band, SFX with Adobe Pro or whatever the heck you've got access to at your school. This can be something anyone can do as a sub for you--it's a matter of managing them to use their time, is all.
2. Another option: design. Give them a piece of text and let them design it in all the various ways. Some have to costume, some set design, others market it, others light it...whatever floats their boat. They can work in groups (with each having a distinct role to fill) or individually. If the former, they can be a production company; if the latter, then that's fine, too. Have an exhibition display where the audience is their peers--an Open House during the class period, and invite other teachers to bring their classes to critique. Might raise the completion bar for some of them if their mates are going to get a look in.
3. Is there any money available for a guest teacher? Someone who could really get them physical through theatre games? I have found that even the most obstinate students end up participating when they forget they are 'doing' a class. In my current Introductory class of 9 - 12th graders, nine of whom are SPED, the physical theatre games played end up either enticing all to join in...or at least watch.
Remember, though, like a painful gallstone, this too shall pass.
------------------------------
Lori Constable
Teacher; director of Drama
Independent District 112
Chanhassen MN
Original Message:
Sent: 12-30-2015 11:04
From: Daniel Stowell
Subject: Kids who don't wanna...
Trick 'em... don't tell them they are performing... so, if these kids are like any of my non-try-ers, think about doing lots of simpler/funner experiences. get em hooked first with things they might perceive as FILM... cuz few kids think FILM is uncool, right.
Have them bring in favorite music videos and then explain what is "good" or "bad" acting. Have them createtheir own music videos with poems and background music they pick. Have them show fav moments from films then they can act them out. how bout poetry slam? (you got any budding rappers?) Maybe have them work and present for smaller groups rather than the whole room - maybe that would open some of them up...
the one thing I know about grades - they seem to never work as a punitive thing. Seems like kids never make the connection between NO"T trying and the letter grade (sorry - not the best time maybe for you to hear that:()
sorry I rambled, but the big take away is to get them on your side.
breakaleg
------------------------------
[Drama] [Dan] []
[Drama Teacher/Director]
[Dublin Coffman HS]
[Dublin] [Ohio]