Extend the learning experience after the school assemblies with follow up workshops that focus on specific aspects of the play. Hands-on, Minds-on Workshops are available to boost imagination, creative thinking skills and self-confidence, while helping teachers reinforce core curriculum standards and help prepare students for tests.
In addition to classroom settings, Act!vated Workshops are suitable for libraries, conventions and family groups.
Using the performance as a launching pad, either Dennis the performer/playwright or Kimberly the performer/director, will answer questions about putting together a show, performing on stage and the stories from the show. The performers Act!vate each workshop to promote learning. They draw upon extensive experience as performer/educators to make the activities fun, memorable and stimulating. Because children learn better when their senses are engaged, each workshop incorporates tangible objects and physical activity whenever possible.
- Workshops are 30-45 minutes or 1 class period
- Limited to 30 participants or one class
- There are two workshop leaders, so two workshops may be scheduled during the same time period
- On occasion workshops may be scheduled at venues not hosting shows. Please check the itinerary for availability in your area.
- Workshops are included with residency programs
- Deaf, Hearing-Impaired and students with other disabilities are welcome to participate.
PLEASE NOTE: A half-hour pre-show acting workshop for up to 12 participants is included with each show at no additional charge.
Workshops Options:
Writing
3rd grade - Junior High
The playwright demonstrates methods for expository and/or narrative writing; focusing on priming the pump of the imagination and freeing it from self-criticism, and discovering the magic of words as dynamic tools of self-exploration.
During the session the students will learn
How to brainstorm ideas and collaborate on writing scripted scenes
Improvise to promote creativity and imagination in writing
the process for turning a story into a script
Addressess the following Core Curriculum Standards for Writing: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3a, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3b, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3e
K-8 Theatre Standard: Script writing by planning and recording improvisations based on personal experience and heritage, imagination, literature, and history
Performance Art
Preschool - Jr. High
The students participate in physical comedy exercises helping them build self-expression, self-esteem and teamwork skills. P.E. and literature arts all in one class.
Mathew Reason, author of The Young Audience, identifies the central problem facing theatre for young audiences as being "that children tend to feel disconnected from theatre: it is an aspect of cultural production that, unlike music or television, for example, is divorced from the context of their daily lives."
Though the Performance Arts workshop(s) students foster a connection to theatre, thereby developing a sense of ownership and elevating the importance theatre plays in their lives.
By the end of the workshop participants will be able to
- Explore the world of theatre and storytelling as both audience and performer
- Play a variety of theatre games that encourage creative expression
Addressess the following Reading: Literature, Foundational Skills, Speaking and Listening Core Curriculum Standards: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.1b, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.1d, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.3a, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.4, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.7
K-4 Theatre Standard 2: Acting by assuming roles and interacting in improvisations
5-8 Theatre Standard 2: Acting by developing basic acting skills to portray characters who interact in improvised and scripted scenes
Storytelling
2nd grade - Middle School
Explore the elements of presenting a narrative in a lively, memorable fashion to an admiring audience. Learn speech and delivery techniques to keep your audience engaged.
American Sign Language - "Hand Play"
Recommended for mixed ages: Toddler - Adult
A fun, very hands-on introduction to communicating with your hands. Students quickly learn some useful signs and the basic principles of American Sign Language by means of fun stories, songs and games.
By the end of the session, students will be able to
- Understand a simple story presented in sign language
- Retell a familiar story including key details
- Identify characters, settings, and major events in a story
- Know and be able to use at least ten signs
- Be able to follow simple instructions in sign language
- Have a better understanding of and appreciation for people who commonly use sign language such as the Deaf and Hearing-Impaired
Addressess the following Reading: Literature, Foundational Skills, Speaking and Listening Core Curriculum Standards: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.1b, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.1d, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.3a, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.4, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.7
History and Culture
3rd - 8th Grade
Students will examine the culture and background behind the folktales they have seen staged. Includes history, geography, culture, music, dance, art and theatre.
In "Follow the Buzz" students will learn
- About traditional Japanese masks used in Kyogen and Noh style theatre
- Steps from Bon Odori a traditional Japanese dance
- Key phrases in Japanese
K-4 Theatre Standard 5: Researching by finding information to support classroom dramatizations
5-8 Theatre Standard 5: Researching by using cultural and historical information to support improvised and scripted scenes
Across the USA
4th grade - adult
The performers have stories to share - not just folktales, but personal accounts of history, sights, experiences and adventures of non-stop travel across America.
Arts and Crafts
Pre-school - Middle School
The actors visit the classroom to discuss the stories and give the students the opportunity to create a craft related to one of the stories. Such activities may include: mask or puppet making, prop building or set design. Performers will make use of art supplies on hand, an additional supply fee may apply.
In "Aesop Fables and Mask Making" sudents explore:
- The origins of theatre
- Traditional Greek Theatre
- Comedy and Tragedy masks
- Aesop stories