Objective: Students will demonstrate their understanding of the 9 elements of viewpoints and responding to stimuli by work shopping group compositions.
Materials:
Large area (stage or orchestra room)
Preparation:
Have a student sweep off the stage and check for any loose screws.
Have another student turn on the sound board/CD player so that the groups previewing today can set up their music. Have this student run sound for the previews.
Hook: While taking role pass around a sign-up sheet for previews. Let them know that we hope to get to everyone today but we may have to do a couple groups next time. Have the last group to sign up bring the signup sheet back to you. Take the class into the auditorium (or orchestra room if the auditorium is not available). Communicate to the group to get into a circle and take off their socks and shoes. Once they are in the circle and quiet, ready to go, start with the following exercise.
Instruction:
The Viewpoints Book(pg. 27)
“Form a very wide circle facing inward and begin running in place. One person can at any moment initiate a run into the center of the space (make sure that feet are not stepped on). In that split second of initiation everyone should run toward the center together in such a way that someone watching would not be able to tell who initiated. After everyone has run to the center everyone should run backward to reestablish the wide circumference of the circle.
After some repetition of this exercise, each participant will experience firsthand that anything can happen at any time and that s/he needs to be completely present in the moment ready to move in response to stimuli.
Repeat this exercise until the group is successfully communicating moment to moment.”
Remind them to practice the following during the exercise:
Vulnerability
Focus (no talking or laughing)
Unity
Being completely present
End the activity by instructing them to keep the same quietness and focus demonstrated in the exercise and to work on responding to stimuli rather than performing a set plot as they preview their compositions.
Practice: Instruct the class to watch each preview in order to help the group performing improve and work on specific viewpoint principles:
Tempo
Duration
Kinesthetic Response
Repetition
Shape
Gesture
Architecture
Spacial Relationship
Topography
Inform the class that we will give feedback to each group—telling them what principles they explored very well and others that they can explore more and expound upon.
Teach them the phrases, “I wonder if…” and “What if…” for giving feedback and critique.
Workshop each group on the viewpoint element(s) decided by the class. Feel free to use exercises in The Viewpoints Bookand exercises used in class.
Assessment: Have each group preview and assess the performers and the commentators on their knowledge and understanding of the 9 viewpoint principles as well as their ability to respond to stimuli on the spot. Jot down notes for your personal record on how to adjust your future lessons based on their level of understanding.
In the last 5 minutes of class ask them what they learned about performing Viewpoints by both previewing and observing.
Invite them to continue to practice and implement the principles mentioned by the class.
