Students will demonstrate an understanding of dramaturgical lobby displays by designing and creating a display with at least 5 specific details from their chosen production.
Standards:
TH:Re9.1.III.a. Research and synthesize cultural and historical information related to a drama/theatre work to support or evaluate artistic choices.
TH:Cn11.2.III.b. Present and support an opinion about the social, cultural, and historical understandings of a drama/theatre work, based on critical research.
Begin class by watching the Buzz Lightyear Ride Video from 0:00-1:45 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tT6ZZPbuHQ). Ask students why they think Disney creates these experiences before the people even get on the ride.
“Today we are going to start looking at my favorite part of being a dramaturg, lobby displays. Who is familiar with what a lobby display is?” Let students answer.
“A lobby display might look a little bit different on the intention of the person who put it up, but they all hold the same purpose, to draw the audience into the play before it even begins. It includes details and information about the play so the audience can begin learning about the show. It is also a really fun way to interact with the show. This is exactly what they are doing at Disneyland, in the video we just watched. As you stand in line there is so much happening around you and sometimes it’s just as fun as the ride.This is your chance to make something just as fun as the play.”
“Let’s look at an example of a lobby display from Little Shop of Horrors.”
Pull up PowerPoint.
“What are some things you notice from this display? How does it relate to the story?”
“This display clearly has a focus on skidrow. Let’s look at another example of a lobby display for Little Shop.”
Move to the next slide.
“How does it compare to this other display? How do they both relate to the story?”
“Fun fact about this display, these displays were actually designed by the same dramaturg for the same production of Little Shop of Horrors. With that knowledge, is there anything else you notice about the lobby displays that join them together?”
“There are lots of fun details you can play with when creating a lobby display. To get some practice at creating one I would like to brainstorm with a partner some things you could do to create a lobby display for. Together pick a show and create a list of props, designs, and other ideas you can use to create a lobby display for the show you picked.”
Give students 10-15 minutes to create a list of ideas for their lobby display.
Bring the class together.
Invite the students to share their shows and ideas with the rest of the class.
“Lobby Displays are really where our creativity gets to run wild as we think of how to engage our audience the moment they walk through the theatre doors.”
“We are going to design a lobby display for your production. Today we will start brainstorming. Pull out your glossary and research and find what aspects of the play can you pull to create a lobby display for your show. There is paper in the back that you can use to sketch or create a list of ideas of what you want the display to look like. You will need to make sure there are at least 5 specific details that refer back to the play. Next time we will be putting the displays up to see what they would actually look like. There are tons of props that you can use here but you can also bring things from home if you would like.”
“Make sure to spend your time efficiently today so you can put up and create your lobby display next time. I will be going around checking in on progress, if anyone needs help getting started let me know and I will be happy to brainstorm with you.”
Give students the rest of the time to brainstorm their lobby displays. Rove around the class and help as needed.
