- 9th Grade: Intro to Theatre
- 10th Grade: Intro to Comedy Acting
- 11th Grade: Acting, Directing & Playwriting
9th Grade Drama: Intro to Theatre
In this class, students engage in an experiential investigation into the art of theatre-making. Emphasis is placed on communication through voice and movement, vocal projection and articulation, stage presence, expression and gesture. For the culminating project, each student created an original monologue that was performed “live” for the class.
Please note: Some of these performances may contain adult themes and language.
Original Monologues
In Art 10: Introduction to Comedy, students played theater games, studied types and forms of humor, studied clowning and the history of comedy (including the genius of Buster Keaton), explored existing texts and plays, read “Waiting for Godot” and created original pieces based on a theme or prompt. Though physically distanced this trimester, we explored many ways to be together “in the room” through improvisations and dance parties or discussions and debates in breakout rooms. There was always room for a bit of silliness, because, quite frankly, comedy was an important outlet during LREI@Home. It was a total joy to teach these hilarious, talented, generous and brave 10th graders: they created some wonderful work (some of which you will see here) and I look forward to seeing them all next year.
PARODY
ENSEMBLE FIGHT CHALLENGE
COMMEDIA, CLOWNING AND IMPROV
LIP SYNC CHALLENGE
FINAL/INDEPENDENT PROJECTS
PARODY
Students explored how an imitation of a particular personality, topical moment, cultural phenomenon or genre might be mined for comic effect. Each student created their own film and revised/edited their work based on peer and teacher feedback.
ENSEMBLE FIGHT CHALLENGE
Inspired by a number of current video challenges out there right now, the Fight Challenge was a way for students to collaborate across the screen in a fun, creative and physical way, sending and receiving physical “prompts.” Nobody was harmed in making this video.
With Charlotte P., Oliver E., Hudson K., Joe R., Mason R., Rhyus G., and Miles H.
COMMEDIA, CLOWNING AND IMPROV:
Students explored the art of commedia and clowning by watching the streamed live production of “One Man Two Guvnors” as well as the American Theatre Wing mini-documentary on Clowning. Students also dissected three of Buster Keaton’s famous short films and the art of the gag. Students then created a clown character/persona where they could attempt physical feats, make us laugh, juggle or simply interact with household objects in ridiculous and peculiar ways.
“Clown Ensemble Collage” featuring Charlotte P., Hudson K., Joe R., Mason R., Miles H., Oliver E., and Rhyus G.
LIP SYNC CHALLENGE
FINAL/INDEPENDENT PROJECTS
Final Projects were completely student driven and based on interest in types and forms of humor/modes of expression.
11th Grade Drama: Acting, Directing & Playwriting
Please note: Some of these performances may contain adult themes and language.
PLAYWRITING & PERFORMANCE:
Students created Theatrical Stills designing setting, costumes, and make-up, then crafted original monologues, bringing to life their characters.
CHARACTERIZATION
Monologue performances from published plays, musicals, television and film.
Cosima D: “One of those no neck monsters hit me with a hot buttered biscuit so I have t’a change.” Maggie’s opening monologue (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A1S1)
Aidhan A: “I Have That Feeling” Ben Davis’ opening monologue after his release from the sanitarium. (From Ozark S3E1)
Olivia B: “I’m Going to Stop You There” Nora Fanshaw’s monologue about societal pressures on mothers. (Marriage Story)
Marcus M: Lucifer Yells at God. (Lucifer, S1E9)
Sadye R: “You Said You Loved Me” Carrie Bradshaw’s Big Mac break-up with Big (Sex and the City)
Stella P: “I was like you once.” Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme’s monologue (Assassins by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman)
IMPROVS & SCENE WORK
Students worked on a series of in-class improvisations and scenes inspired by the genius of Buster Keaton, The Keystone Kops, Charlie Chaplin, as well as the queens of comedy Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, along with contemporary performers whom we admire for their comedic courage and lasting impact. Here’s an example of an in-class improv from the beginning of the trimester.
In-Class Improv – Family Road Trip: Nuts & Seeds
EMBRACE YOUR INNER CLOWN
BEFORE & AFTER CLOWN:
