60-Minute Workshops for Stage 3
In Character
In Character teaches the fundamentals of characterisation in a series of hands-on, group activities designed to get students thinking, speaking and moving in creative ways. We explore the way characters of opposing status relate to one another and consider how stereotypes can be subverted in our representational choices. In small groups, students rehearse and perform a chorus chant in character taking inspiration from sports team theme songs, school war cries, and Macbeth’s three witches.
In Character addresses outcomes DRAS3.1, DRAS3.2, DRAS3.3 and DRAS3.4.
Improv Hacks
Improv Hacks explores improvisation in a variety of individual, group and teacher-in-role contexts. Led by experienced improvisors, students follow a fun and practical approach to improvisation that focuses on the importance of team work. Students work with each other to interpret a range of sticky situations and compelling characters. They practice making and accepting offers, while listening and responding to their classmates. We discuss the way each performer’s ideas contribute to the dramatic action before creating improvised scenes in small groups.
Improv Hacks address outcomes DRAS3.2 and DRAS3.3.
Designing Drama
In Designing Drama, students examine how the elements of drama are used to shape meaning. We work together to recreate a series of key moments from iconic movie plots using Playroom’s collection of props and costumes. Our Teaching Artists guide students to consider how space, focus, symbol and tension can be used to convey meaning alongside the resources provided. Each movie moment is captured using an instant polaroid camera and compiled into a book for the class to keep. We use the prints to reflect on our success in capturing the dramatic action of the plot.
Designing Drama addresses outcomes DRAS3.2, DRAS3.3 and DRAS3.4.
How Stories Work
How Stories Work is our masterclass in constructing effective stories in drama and creative writing. To be a great storyteller means being a great problem solver! Using Jack Heath’s collection of short stories, 10 Minutes of Danger, we observe the way the writer constructs the narrative following patterns of problem and solution. Students interpret the text in performance, devising and performing alternate solutions to the perilous problems faced by the characters in the book. We discuss problems and solutions in relation to the elements of drama, observing the connection between contrast, tension and mood.
How Stories Work addresses outcomes DRAS3.2, DRAS3.3 and EN3-UARL-01.