Open Forum

Hello!

I am teaching theatre specialist at an alternative school this year. There are a variety of sections that are required to take my theatre/dance/singing class. They've never had any performing arts at this school before. There are a lot of resources working with autistic students and I have a lot of experience with adaptable theatre activities but am always trying to learn more. The trick is that with all these classes they are not choosing this and the class sizes are all 6 or less students!!!

The biggest hurdle I predict is the EBD Middle school sections I have to teach. According to the other teachers these small classes are mostly boys that are very violent and have focus and learning disabilities.. Will probably be resistant to theatre and not wanting to do anything "gay!" 

Really want to meet people where they are at. Being reasonable, understanding that they will probably not sing with me right away but maybe find something they will like that isn't just Disney princess adjacent.

Has anyone ever done stage combat before with younger people. Would keep it pretty low-key. I know it's obviously risky but maybe giving them the trust and skills will bring them in to take things more seriously.

Open to any and all ideas and experiences from everyone!!

Thank you!

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Wesley Hortenbach
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It doesn't help with the dance or singing, but for theatre activities linking to things that are more familiar can sometimes work well with reluctant groups.  Advertising, or talk shows/interviews with characters from books or video games, for example.  These also work well with small groups, and are fairly adaptable for different needs.

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Kristin Hall
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Drama Director
Lincoln MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-24-2024 16:38
From: Wesley Hortenbach
Subject: Teaching EBD Middle Schoolers

Hello!

I am teaching theatre specialist at an alternative school this year. There are a variety of sections that are required to take my theatre/dance/singing class. They've never had any performing arts at this school before. There are a lot of resources working with autistic students and I have a lot of experience with adaptable theatre activities but am always trying to learn more. The trick is that with all these classes they are not choosing this and the class sizes are all 6 or less students!!!

The biggest hurdle I predict is the EBD Middle school sections I have to teach. According to the other teachers these small classes are mostly boys that are very violent and have focus and learning disabilities.. Will probably be resistant to theatre and not wanting to do anything "gay!" 

Really want to meet people where they are at. Being reasonable, understanding that they will probably not sing with me right away but maybe find something they will like that isn't just Disney princess adjacent.

Has anyone ever done stage combat before with younger people. Would keep it pretty low-key. I know it's obviously risky but maybe giving them the trust and skills will bring them in to take things more seriously.

Open to any and all ideas and experiences from everyone!!

Thank you!

------------------------------
Wesley Hortenbach
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