My wi-fi is off and on and I am on hold with Telus (have been for a looooong time) so I am trying to get these in before I'm out again!
Grade 8: Whose speech did you like the best? Explain why.
Grade 9/10: Think about the character you described in your last journal. Is there a role for him/her in your comedia play? Explain. Describe how you plan to incorporate romance and money into your plot. What assets do you bring to the group? How can you improve as a group member?
Theatre Production: Write your comments about the Vitruvian man drawing design for Macbeth? Write your thoughts on the poster mockup.
Senior Drama: Why are "reality" shows so popular? What aspects of high school are you going to focus on in your show? What do outsiders need to know about what high school is like? What misconceptions do people on the outside have about high school?
Thursday 27 October 2016
Instructions for Comedia Del'Arte
These are the components for the Drama 9/10; Theatre Production 11/12 comedia del'arte project:
at least 10 jokes incorporated in the play's plot
a dynamite start and NO DULL MOMENTS IN THE ENTIRE (less than 10 minutes) PLAY
stock characters (you can use a mixture of traditional and modern stock characters)
physical comedy (pratfalls, spit takes, etc.)
current events spoof
romance and money plot
3 sound effects
at least one spotlight
one projection
Have fun! Remember, you must have a lot of energy and must project your voice clearly in order to perform well.
at least 10 jokes incorporated in the play's plot
a dynamite start and NO DULL MOMENTS IN THE ENTIRE (less than 10 minutes) PLAY
stock characters (you can use a mixture of traditional and modern stock characters)
physical comedy (pratfalls, spit takes, etc.)
current events spoof
romance and money plot
3 sound effects
at least one spotlight
one projection
Have fun! Remember, you must have a lot of energy and must project your voice clearly in order to perform well.
Saturday 22 October 2016
The pen is mightier than the sword!
Yesterday was the province-wide professional day for teachers and it seems like thousands of us attended the Writers Festival on Granville Island. It is a great event for readers like me -- sometimes you get to see writers who you've loved forever (like years ago, I saw the poet Al Purdy, who was wonderful) or you discover writers that you will love in the future (like this woman yesterday, whose book I obviously haven't read yet, but who was really interesting -- her name was Yaa Gyasi and her debut novel is Homegoing about two sisters in Ghana).
The first session I saw was called "Conceit" and the theme was that writers get the seed of an idea which they can extend throughout a huge work, like Andre Alexis, whose book Fifteen Dogs tells the story of a group of dogs who receive human intelligence. I didn't like the book very much -- I thought the conceit was interesting and some of the ideas (like the conflict between the dog's nature and its new-found intelligence) were thought-provoking, but the book seemed cold, in a way. Except right at the beginning, it was very upsetting, which, of course, many animal stories are. I am not saying that a book shouldn't be upsetting, and in fact, I think the beginning of the book was the only part that I thought was great. The only one of the authors whose book I would want to read is Catherine Leroux, whose book, The Party Wall, has four stories about family relationships which ultimately interconnect. But the conversation about how writers get an idea and where they go with it was exciting. And I got an idea during the conversation about our next play -- I thought it would be fun to try to write a play about Shakespeare's early life, like when he was caught poaching on a local noble's property and his parents, John and Mary Shakespeare (Mary was apparently from a higher social strata than John) and his first meeting with Anne Hathaway and why he ran off to London to seek his fortune. I'd like to have him meet Christopher Marlowe because Christopher Marlowe is such a wild and crazy guy! I'm going to try to write it by next semester and maybe we can do it for the spring show.
The afternoon session was called "Grand and Monumental" and the four writers had chosen epic times in world history, Peter Behrens -- from Edwardian England to the Second World War, Madeline Thien -- the modern history of China, including Tiananmen Square, Colson Whitehead -- the Underground Railroad, and Yaa Gyasi -- three hundred years of the African slave trade. I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, which is more something I might listen to in the car as an audio book, but I might try Gyasi's book, just because I don't know much about Africa. Madeline Thien made a remark that stuck with us -- she said traditionally in Chinese culture, people live their lives facing the past and she contrasted it with Western culture, which she says seems to face the future. I have been wondering about that remark ever since and trying to figure out what it means.
Now, the weekend is upon us -- today, we're out to Delta for soccer (hope it doesn't rain) and then I plan to spend some quality time with Armand Gamache (the detective in the book I'm reading) in Three Pines, Quebec.
The first session I saw was called "Conceit" and the theme was that writers get the seed of an idea which they can extend throughout a huge work, like Andre Alexis, whose book Fifteen Dogs tells the story of a group of dogs who receive human intelligence. I didn't like the book very much -- I thought the conceit was interesting and some of the ideas (like the conflict between the dog's nature and its new-found intelligence) were thought-provoking, but the book seemed cold, in a way. Except right at the beginning, it was very upsetting, which, of course, many animal stories are. I am not saying that a book shouldn't be upsetting, and in fact, I think the beginning of the book was the only part that I thought was great. The only one of the authors whose book I would want to read is Catherine Leroux, whose book, The Party Wall, has four stories about family relationships which ultimately interconnect. But the conversation about how writers get an idea and where they go with it was exciting. And I got an idea during the conversation about our next play -- I thought it would be fun to try to write a play about Shakespeare's early life, like when he was caught poaching on a local noble's property and his parents, John and Mary Shakespeare (Mary was apparently from a higher social strata than John) and his first meeting with Anne Hathaway and why he ran off to London to seek his fortune. I'd like to have him meet Christopher Marlowe because Christopher Marlowe is such a wild and crazy guy! I'm going to try to write it by next semester and maybe we can do it for the spring show.
The afternoon session was called "Grand and Monumental" and the four writers had chosen epic times in world history, Peter Behrens -- from Edwardian England to the Second World War, Madeline Thien -- the modern history of China, including Tiananmen Square, Colson Whitehead -- the Underground Railroad, and Yaa Gyasi -- three hundred years of the African slave trade. I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, which is more something I might listen to in the car as an audio book, but I might try Gyasi's book, just because I don't know much about Africa. Madeline Thien made a remark that stuck with us -- she said traditionally in Chinese culture, people live their lives facing the past and she contrasted it with Western culture, which she says seems to face the future. I have been wondering about that remark ever since and trying to figure out what it means.
Now, the weekend is upon us -- today, we're out to Delta for soccer (hope it doesn't rain) and then I plan to spend some quality time with Armand Gamache (the detective in the book I'm reading) in Three Pines, Quebec.
Friday 14 October 2016
In The Dark
The journal this week is about the play we saw on Tuesday. Same for everybody! Answer all the questions.
What was the play about?
What did you learn from seeing the play?
What was your favourite thing about the play? What didn't you like about it? (Think of something for each.)
Write about one of the symbols from the play (the darkness, the light, the finger puppet routine, the chairs, their costumes) and what it meant to you?
What was the play about?
What did you learn from seeing the play?
What was your favourite thing about the play? What didn't you like about it? (Think of something for each.)
Write about one of the symbols from the play (the darkness, the light, the finger puppet routine, the chairs, their costumes) and what it meant to you?
Monday 10 October 2016
Reminder about the field trip!
Okay, everybody . . . we can't forget this important thing! You MUST have your signed form for me tomorrow morning!! Without your parents' permission, we cannot let you go on the field trip. You can pay me later, but you can't forget your form!! If you didn't get your form signed by your teacher, make sure you do that as well.
It is very important to understand the value of proper audience behaviour at a professional performance. You don't get up to throw out things or go to the bathroom or wander around or talk or stare at your phone. Obviously, you can laugh and enjoy the performance and when I saw "Two for Tea" (their Fringe show), James and Jamesy chose people from the audience to participate, so if that happens, volunteer!
After the show, I believe there will be a bit of time for questions and answers, so if you have any questions about how they got started in theatre, or how they thought of the show, or anything like that, make sure you ask.
We will leave at about 10 and return at around lunch time. I think we will be back before the end of lunch, so you might be able to eat then. You can't eat in the theatre, and I don't think you are allowed to eat on the school bus either.
DON'T FORGET YOUR FORMS! (If you lost your form, just get your mom or dad to sign a note that says you can go on the trip.)
It is very important to understand the value of proper audience behaviour at a professional performance. You don't get up to throw out things or go to the bathroom or wander around or talk or stare at your phone. Obviously, you can laugh and enjoy the performance and when I saw "Two for Tea" (their Fringe show), James and Jamesy chose people from the audience to participate, so if that happens, volunteer!
After the show, I believe there will be a bit of time for questions and answers, so if you have any questions about how they got started in theatre, or how they thought of the show, or anything like that, make sure you ask.
We will leave at about 10 and return at around lunch time. I think we will be back before the end of lunch, so you might be able to eat then. You can't eat in the theatre, and I don't think you are allowed to eat on the school bus either.
DON'T FORGET YOUR FORMS! (If you lost your form, just get your mom or dad to sign a note that says you can go on the trip.)
Thursday 6 October 2016
Write out your thoughts . . .
Don't forget your money and your signed form for Tuesday's field trip. You will need the form to be able to go on the trip!
Journal #3 (Drama 8)
Write about how your fairy tale mime/tableau performance went. What was the best thing about it? What needed to be improved? Did any group member particularly help with your progress towards performance? Did anyone hinder the group's progress?
Drama 9/10
Describe a character you think you could play. Give the character a name (that is believable) and provide details about the character, like age, physical attributes, personality traits, job, family situation. (Make sure to include all five.)
Theatre Production:
In commedia del'arte, there are a number of "stock characters" that the audience would have recognized in the 15th century (il dotore, il capitano, Pantalone, Columbina). Describe how you would dress each of these characters in order for the audience to identify them. You can draw and label each costume.
Acting 11/12:
Imagine a scene in which you are in love with the other character on stage. Using emotional memory, describe how you would play the scene.
Then imagine a scene in which the other character is in love with you. You do not reciprocate the feeling. Describe how that scene would play out.
Directing/Scriptwriting: What emotion is the strongest in Lord Randall? Describe your dream cast. Explain why you choose the way you do.
Journal #3 (Drama 8)
Write about how your fairy tale mime/tableau performance went. What was the best thing about it? What needed to be improved? Did any group member particularly help with your progress towards performance? Did anyone hinder the group's progress?
Drama 9/10
Describe a character you think you could play. Give the character a name (that is believable) and provide details about the character, like age, physical attributes, personality traits, job, family situation. (Make sure to include all five.)
Theatre Production:
In commedia del'arte, there are a number of "stock characters" that the audience would have recognized in the 15th century (il dotore, il capitano, Pantalone, Columbina). Describe how you would dress each of these characters in order for the audience to identify them. You can draw and label each costume.
Acting 11/12:
Imagine a scene in which you are in love with the other character on stage. Using emotional memory, describe how you would play the scene.
Then imagine a scene in which the other character is in love with you. You do not reciprocate the feeling. Describe how that scene would play out.
Directing/Scriptwriting: What emotion is the strongest in Lord Randall? Describe your dream cast. Explain why you choose the way you do.
Wednesday 5 October 2016
James and Jamesy "In The Dark"
Performed in the dark, lit by the performers themselves, it’s like a “painting come to life.” With masterful physicality and quick-witted wordplay, James & Jamesy conjure answers to the age-old questions ‘Who are we?’ and ‘Why are we here?’. The result is laugh-out-loud hilarious and surprisingly illuminating.
"Hilarious theatre with fearless players."
London Free Press
Drama students from all the drama classes at Steveston-London are getting a great opportunity to see a command performance of professional actors and comedians, James and Jamesy, in their latest show, "In The Dark", presented at the Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island on October 11, 2016. The performance will be followed by a question and answer session with the creators of the show. We will take a school bus to the theatre, leaving the school at 10 a.m. and then returning to the school at 1:30 p.m. Students will miss B and C Blocks. Cost of the trip is $18.00 which will pay for the theatre ticket and the return bus trip. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Kosar.
"Hilarious theatre with fearless players."
London Free Press
Drama students from all the drama classes at Steveston-London are getting a great opportunity to see a command performance of professional actors and comedians, James and Jamesy, in their latest show, "In The Dark", presented at the Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island on October 11, 2016. The performance will be followed by a question and answer session with the creators of the show. We will take a school bus to the theatre, leaving the school at 10 a.m. and then returning to the school at 1:30 p.m. Students will miss B and C Blocks. Cost of the trip is $18.00 which will pay for the theatre ticket and the return bus trip. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Kosar.
Tuesday 4 October 2016
Instructions for Show and Tell
Drama 8:
Here are your instructions for the "Show and Tell" presentation. We will be presenting these speeches in the first week of November.
1. Choose an item that is able to generate two minutes of engaging, interesting material. Tell a story that relates to the item (something like when you tell stories for the question of the day). The story should be something that the audience can relate to. If you are interested and enthusiastic about the item, the audience will catch your enthusiasm and enjoy your speech. Any item that is acceptable at school is fine for your speech. If you would like to speak about a pet or about something valuable and you don't feel comfortable bringing it to school, a photograph or a drawing is fine.
2. Start with a question ("Have you ever been lost in a foreign city?") or a quote ("neither a borrower nor a lender be") or a joke ("when a frog's car breaks down, it gets 'toad' away") to get the audience's attention. End with a conclusion -- this is the lesson you learned, or why you decided to share the story, or what you would like the audience to take away from your speech. Do not start your speech with "so". Do not end with "yeah". You don't need to introduce yourself. We know you.
3. When you are planning and practicing your speech, make sure you have two minutes of material. It should not be less than two minutes and should not be a lot longer than two minutes.
4. When you are practicing, make sure you speak clearly and project your voice. Ask someone to listen to your speech and tell you honestly if they can hear and understand you. Do not speak too quickly and think about being still -- do not move unless you have planned it. Pacing and repetitive gestures can be distracting to your audience.
5. When you are presenting your speech, be sure to make eye contact with the audience. It is fine to have notes or cue cards to help you stay on track, but you need to look at the people in the crowd from time to time to make them feel like you are sharing something important to them. Let us see that you are enjoying telling us your story.
Any questions? Let me know. Kristian can really help you, too.
Here are your instructions for the "Show and Tell" presentation. We will be presenting these speeches in the first week of November.
1. Choose an item that is able to generate two minutes of engaging, interesting material. Tell a story that relates to the item (something like when you tell stories for the question of the day). The story should be something that the audience can relate to. If you are interested and enthusiastic about the item, the audience will catch your enthusiasm and enjoy your speech. Any item that is acceptable at school is fine for your speech. If you would like to speak about a pet or about something valuable and you don't feel comfortable bringing it to school, a photograph or a drawing is fine.
2. Start with a question ("Have you ever been lost in a foreign city?") or a quote ("neither a borrower nor a lender be") or a joke ("when a frog's car breaks down, it gets 'toad' away") to get the audience's attention. End with a conclusion -- this is the lesson you learned, or why you decided to share the story, or what you would like the audience to take away from your speech. Do not start your speech with "so". Do not end with "yeah". You don't need to introduce yourself. We know you.
3. When you are planning and practicing your speech, make sure you have two minutes of material. It should not be less than two minutes and should not be a lot longer than two minutes.
4. When you are practicing, make sure you speak clearly and project your voice. Ask someone to listen to your speech and tell you honestly if they can hear and understand you. Do not speak too quickly and think about being still -- do not move unless you have planned it. Pacing and repetitive gestures can be distracting to your audience.
5. When you are presenting your speech, be sure to make eye contact with the audience. It is fine to have notes or cue cards to help you stay on track, but you need to look at the people in the crowd from time to time to make them feel like you are sharing something important to them. Let us see that you are enjoying telling us your story.
Any questions? Let me know. Kristian can really help you, too.
Sunday 2 October 2016
Early to rise
There are benefits to getting up early in the morning. I didn't want to get up this morning at 6:55, but I have to walk Daisy AS SOON AS I GET UP (her capitals) and Will had soccer pictures at 9, so up I got. We walked down to the park as we always do on the weekend, and what a sky! When we started out, it was brilliant red and as we went along, it turned golden and then blue with pinky-peach clouds. The tide was in and the water was like glass and the trees are turning colours and it was really lovely.
Yesterday, Ant and I joined the Lower Mainland Green Team to pull out invasive ivy in Rocky Point Park. It was a good day. We worked hard but everyone was in good spirits and we helped the trees. It felt good to peel off that sneaky ivy from a tree trunk and imagine the tree breathing a sigh of relief. Ivy can kill a tree within ten years.
I am reading this mystery series by Louise Penny featuring a detective with the Quebec Surete (I can't get the right accents -- I hope you know what I mean) called Armand Gamache. I discovered it by listening to one of her books in the car -- The Beautiful Mystery -- about a murder in a monastery. I am now reading the first book in the series -- Still Life. In the intro, she thanks a whole gamut of people -- friends, family, book club members, her editors, other writers. I was reading it and thinking, "gee, she has a lot of friends" and feeling a bit envious. Then at the end of the intro, she says, "I went through a period in my life when I had no friends, when the phone never rang, when I thought I would die from loneliness. I know that the real blessing here isn't that I have a book published, but that I have so many people to thank". It's like she read my mind!
Yesterday, Ant and I joined the Lower Mainland Green Team to pull out invasive ivy in Rocky Point Park. It was a good day. We worked hard but everyone was in good spirits and we helped the trees. It felt good to peel off that sneaky ivy from a tree trunk and imagine the tree breathing a sigh of relief. Ivy can kill a tree within ten years.
I am reading this mystery series by Louise Penny featuring a detective with the Quebec Surete (I can't get the right accents -- I hope you know what I mean) called Armand Gamache. I discovered it by listening to one of her books in the car -- The Beautiful Mystery -- about a murder in a monastery. I am now reading the first book in the series -- Still Life. In the intro, she thanks a whole gamut of people -- friends, family, book club members, her editors, other writers. I was reading it and thinking, "gee, she has a lot of friends" and feeling a bit envious. Then at the end of the intro, she says, "I went through a period in my life when I had no friends, when the phone never rang, when I thought I would die from loneliness. I know that the real blessing here isn't that I have a book published, but that I have so many people to thank". It's like she read my mind!
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