Open Forum

When you have your entire class reading/working on the same script, how do you handle the initial read-through? Sometimes we read it together, especially when I think there will be plenty of the things they won't understand/get during the play (like when we read Wit). This also means that half or more of the class will probably just be listening passively or even checking out.

I've also had them break up into small groups to read the play. This can work, but it can also mean that some groups aren't as focused as others, and there might be parts of the play they don't get that we will still have to discuss as a class.

Depending on the class, I might have a quiz on the play, and usually we work on scenes from it. It's just the initial read through that I wonder whether I'm structuring it in the best/most efficient way.

What things do you do when you want the class to read through a play?

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

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

One thing we have tried, which I really liked, was to read the play as a class, popcorn style. Meaning, we did not assign roles, but simply went 'round the room, each student in the circle reading the next line in the script. That way everyone reads and is engaged, and no one is jealous of the classmates who get to be the leads. As a side benefit, sometimes you have the gift of different takes on a character's interpretation, which makes for a fun conversation.

------------------------------
Josh Kauffman
Teacher
Winfield AL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2019 10:00
From: Ken Buswell
Subject: Reading Scripts in Class

When you have your entire class reading/working on the same script, how do you handle the initial read-through? Sometimes we read it together, especially when I think there will be plenty of the things they won't understand/get during the play (like when we read Wit). This also means that half or more of the class will probably just be listening passively or even checking out.

I've also had them break up into small groups to read the play. This can work, but it can also mean that some groups aren't as focused as others, and there might be parts of the play they don't get that we will still have to discuss as a class.

Depending on the class, I might have a quiz on the play, and usually we work on scenes from it. It's just the initial read through that I wonder whether I'm structuring it in the best/most efficient way.

What things do you do when you want the class to read through a play?

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

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

I also often double or even triple the readers of main roles and have them alternate reading aloud. I even have students read the stage directions (and also any sound effects) during a class read-through. Good luck!

------------------------------
Garry Tiller
Theatre Arts Teaching Artist
Sidwell Friends
Washington, DC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2019 10:55
From: Josh Kauffman
Subject: Reading Scripts in Class

One thing we have tried, which I really liked, was to read the play as a class, popcorn style. Meaning, we did not assign roles, but simply went 'round the room, each student in the circle reading the next line in the script. That way everyone reads and is engaged, and no one is jealous of the classmates who get to be the leads. As a side benefit, sometimes you have the gift of different takes on a character's interpretation, which makes for a fun conversation.

------------------------------
Josh Kauffman
Teacher
Winfield AL

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2019 10:00
From: Ken Buswell
Subject: Reading Scripts in Class

When you have your entire class reading/working on the same script, how do you handle the initial read-through? Sometimes we read it together, especially when I think there will be plenty of the things they won't understand/get during the play (like when we read Wit). This also means that half or more of the class will probably just be listening passively or even checking out.

I've also had them break up into small groups to read the play. This can work, but it can also mean that some groups aren't as focused as others, and there might be parts of the play they don't get that we will still have to discuss as a class.

Depending on the class, I might have a quiz on the play, and usually we work on scenes from it. It's just the initial read through that I wonder whether I'm structuring it in the best/most efficient way.

What things do you do when you want the class to read through a play?

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

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

I second Josh's suggestion!  I refer to these as "Circle Read-Thrus".  I also use them when I have cast the ensemble for a show, but have not yet assigned roles from within the ensemble.  It engages every student equally.  One thing to watch for is if you have a struggling reader (or emergent reader, depending on your level), try to plan ahead so they don't have to cold-read a monologue or soliloquy.  Alternatively, you can strategically place them next to a stronger, trusted reader in the circle who can discreetly and positively support them.


------------------------------
Jason Coats
Shawnee Mission Northwest HS
Thespian Troupe #888
Shawnee, KS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2019 10:00
From: Ken Buswell
Subject: Reading Scripts in Class

When you have your entire class reading/working on the same script, how do you handle the initial read-through? Sometimes we read it together, especially when I think there will be plenty of the things they won't understand/get during the play (like when we read Wit). This also means that half or more of the class will probably just be listening passively or even checking out.

I've also had them break up into small groups to read the play. This can work, but it can also mean that some groups aren't as focused as others, and there might be parts of the play they don't get that we will still have to discuss as a class.

Depending on the class, I might have a quiz on the play, and usually we work on scenes from it. It's just the initial read through that I wonder whether I'm structuring it in the best/most efficient way.

What things do you do when you want the class to read through a play?

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

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

When reading through a play the class would produce, I let students volunteer for parts initially, then switched up fairly frequently.  I interrupted the reading to point out specific things in the script, etc.  We held auditions after the initial reading, then did another read-through with the cast in place before beginning rehearsals.

------------------------------
C. J. Breland
Retired Theatre Arts Educator
Asheville NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2019 11:22
From: Jason Coats
Subject: Reading Scripts in Class

I second Josh's suggestion!  I refer to these as "Circle Read-Thrus".  I also use them when I have cast the ensemble for a show, but have not yet assigned roles from within the ensemble.  It engages every student equally.  One thing to watch for is if you have a struggling reader (or emergent reader, depending on your level), try to plan ahead so they don't have to cold-read a monologue or soliloquy.  Alternatively, you can strategically place them next to a stronger, trusted reader in the circle who can discreetly and positively support them.


------------------------------
Jason Coats
Shawnee Mission Northwest HS
Thespian Troupe #888
Shawnee, KS

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2019 10:00
From: Ken Buswell
Subject: Reading Scripts in Class

When you have your entire class reading/working on the same script, how do you handle the initial read-through? Sometimes we read it together, especially when I think there will be plenty of the things they won't understand/get during the play (like when we read Wit). This also means that half or more of the class will probably just be listening passively or even checking out.

I've also had them break up into small groups to read the play. This can work, but it can also mean that some groups aren't as focused as others, and there might be parts of the play they don't get that we will still have to discuss as a class.

Depending on the class, I might have a quiz on the play, and usually we work on scenes from it. It's just the initial read through that I wonder whether I'm structuring it in the best/most efficient way.

What things do you do when you want the class to read through a play?

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

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

I also have each student read the next line.  I do this in class and sometimes even at the first read through for our after school productions. It is a great way to keep them all involved and answer questions as a group. 
Break a leg!

------------------------------
Tina Tutt
Middle School Theatre Teacher
Middle School Theatre Director
Battle Ground Academy
Franklin, TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2019 10:00
From: Ken Buswell
Subject: Reading Scripts in Class

When you have your entire class reading/working on the same script, how do you handle the initial read-through? Sometimes we read it together, especially when I think there will be plenty of the things they won't understand/get during the play (like when we read Wit). This also means that half or more of the class will probably just be listening passively or even checking out.

I've also had them break up into small groups to read the play. This can work, but it can also mean that some groups aren't as focused as others, and there might be parts of the play they don't get that we will still have to discuss as a class.

Depending on the class, I might have a quiz on the play, and usually we work on scenes from it. It's just the initial read through that I wonder whether I'm structuring it in the best/most efficient way.

What things do you do when you want the class to read through a play?

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

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