Lesson Objective: Students will demonstrate acting fundamentals (character development, objectives, tactics, motivation, blocking) by performing a musical theatre mash up scene, writing a critique on the work of their peers, and doing a self-reflection.
Materials: White Board/Markers, Final Performance Rubrics (one for each student), A/V Sound Hook Ups
Prior to Class: On the white board, list the performances remaining in the order determined last class period.
Hook:
Have students stand. Lead them through another quick physical and vocal warm up. (a tongue twister with actions would work fine). Have students stretch, do a couple jumping jacks, then shake everything out.
After the exercise give students several minutes to get out the materials they’ll need for the day. Students who still need to perform should get out their props/costumes. All students should also take out their notebooks and a writing utensil to continue the performance critiques they started last class period.
Transition:
If needed, briefly review the procedure for performances:
Performances will go according the order on the white board.
For each scene performance, students will write a brief critique answering the following questions:
What elements of the scene have improved the most since previews? (be specific)
What elements could still use some work? (again, be specific)
Once a scene finishes, the folks on deck will get their space/music set up while the class finishes any last minute notes about the scene. To help these transitions run smoothly, encourage students to stay in “audience mode” (focusing on the performers & on their own work, not talking, etc…)
Performances:
Go through the line-up listed on the board, having each group perform their scene. Fill out a rubric for each student.
Transition:
When all performances have finished, take a moment as a class to applaud each other. Express gratitude for all of students’ great work, focus, and respect for each other—especially during the final performances.
Have students then take out a separate sheet of paper.
Self-Reflection:
On their note taking paper, have students do a self-reflection on their experience through this unit. (prompt students to be specific in their answers, use details from their experiences/from the elements of acting they’ve studied through the unit)
Generally, what did the class do well with in their final performances?
Generally, what could the class have improved in the final performances?
In my final performance, I am most proud of…
If I could perform my scene again, I would specifically improve…
The most valuable thing I’ve learned from this whole experience is…
Invite students to share their responses. Discuss as a class. Point out areas that you saw growth in for the class and areas that they can keep working on. Highlight the idea that frequent, honest self-reflection can help an actor improve future performances.
Wrap Up:
Have students turn in their self-reflections, and performance critique notes.
If there is time at the end of class, play a group game.
Assessment: Students will be assessed on their performance through the rubric. Students will also be given points for their self-reflection.
