DRAMA ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

Social Studies and Language: Two Situations to Act Out

Situation One: Tourists in Our Town

A group of tourists have arrived at the local tourist information centre in your town. They do not know what the town has to offer but are keen to explore.

Two members of each group become the on-duty receptionists at the local tourist information centre. The remainder of the group form a group of tourists visiting the town. They ask the receptionists to recommend what they should see and do during their day-long visit.

Change the receptionists but this time, every tourist has different interests, eg art gallery, architecture, fishing …

TIP: Before acting out, have groups brainstorm and list all the special tourist attractions of your local area.

Situation Two: Improving Our Town

One group becomes a committee of the local Council which is charged with sprucing up the town to attract more tourists. They are to report back enthusiastically to the full Council (another group) with their ideas.

When they report back they find that the other mem- bers of the Council have other ideas which they think are more important such as improving the water quality, better public transport etc. It must be resolved so that everyone is reasonably happy with the outcome.

TIP: Allow both groups time for discussion and planning their arguments before dramatisation begins.

INVOLVING EVERYONE WITH DRAMA

An important concept for your class to understand is that there is much more to drama or putting on a play than just the actors on the stage. Everyone can become involved and it can become a major centre of interest for your class.

LIGHTING & STAGEHANDS

Make one group responsible for planning, designing and working the lighting. This need not be complex but even simple lighting gives a mood to particular scenes

A group should be responsible for ensuring that all correct props and sets are on stage in the right place at the correct time.

SOUND AND MUSIC

Discuss the importance of music and sound in film and TV drama, eg how do they know when something ‘scary’ is going to happen? Consider the following …

Sound pictures can be composed and recorded and played at appropriate times

Musicians and singers used on stage or in front of stage.

BACKGROUNDS, SCENERY & PROPS

Paint large murals as backgrounds

Props can be made and collected. If borrowed, ensure they are well looked after and returned when finished. This group is also responsible for repairing the set if necessary.

COSTUMES AND MAKE-UP

Many students can be involved in gathering together or making and designing costumes and masks etc.

Actors may need stage makeup and makeup maintenence during a performance.

PUBLICITY AND IN-HOUSE

Designing and distibuting posters around the school and local district, letters to the local paper

Designing invitational flyers for parents and friends

Designing and distributing programmes to the audience including cast and acknowledgement of backstage crew.

NB. Don’t forget ushers, understudies and prompts!