Hi there...Mr. Ryan--I'm Lauri and I teach 6-12 grade Theater--sometimes all grade levels mixed--I've been working to keep them separate, and it seems like I'm succeeding finally. 2024-2025 I added the Improv/Acting Class as the HS Theater option--thought it might change things up a bit--and it did. I have had a lot of fun with it---in the Fall I did a lot of Improv, but in the Spring took it more towards script based. Used the Improv activities and games to help students to get through stage fright and fears. I'm leaning more towards Improv this Fall...
I'm sharing my lesson plans that I did with my Middle School Theater Class--the reason I'm sharing is that this is not the first time I've done this activity, but the way I did it this time, I got some of the best scripts and skits that I've ever gotten from my students. I really spent the time making sure they understood the elements that should be in their skits--they did a lot of writing and re-writing as I kept adding more layers to their project---I didn't share everything at once. I think it frustrated some, but it kept it interesting and in the end, they were solid skits.
I'm in FL, so the standards maybe different for you, and I might have loosely interpreted the standard.... I hope it helps.
I also used this activity as a way to get the Dressing Room emptied and organized--also seeing kids who wanna 'act tough' and think they're being 'cool' when they come into class suddenly get to play dress up---is so funny to watch and see their defenses drop.
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Lauri Quick, Theater & Debate (Spring)Teacher
Somerset College Preparatory Academy
Port Saint Lucie, FL
O. 772-343-7028 ext 276
F. 772-343-7029
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-28-2025 11:10
From: Ryan Moore
Subject: Curriculum that blends improv and writing scripts
I need to develop a new class to fill a space in my schedule. What I've settled on as filling the needs of the students most is a class that I'm (at least temporarily in my head) thinking of as "story making" that would include some improv and some scripting of original dramatic work. Wondering if anyone has taught a class with this particular mix. Last year in the same school I taught a class that was solely improv and theatre games (semester-long, once a week), but I felt like it lacked a certain heft, which is why I'd like to fold in some scripting. Would love suggestions about resources, syllabus, pacing guides, etc. from anyone who's endeavored similarly. Thanks
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Ryan Moore
Theatre Teacher and Forensics Coach
MI
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