Pantomime Acting in Grades 3-5

Students in grades 3-5 have been studying the art of pantomime acting in drama classes this month. Pantomime is defined as a performance that communicates an idea or action without using dialogue. Actors must use gesture, expression and energy to be successful at pantomime. Pantomime is one of the most difficult facets of the theater, however, by removing dialogue, voice projection and the use of props students can fully concentrate on their developing stage skills and confidence on the stage.

Students in the third grade have had an introduction to pantomime focusing on the basic qualities of good pantomime: consistency, exaggerated resistance, expression and gesture, keeping the storyline simple while still telling a story and being fantastic! We spent a good deal of time working on different ways to communicate character, place, idea or object without speaking.

In the fourth and fifth grade classes we have been practicing more advanced pantomime acting techniques. Students have spent more time working in groups and creating more involved scenes while still attempting to communicate character, setting and plot. Emphasis has been placed on working with imaginary props and making them appear real through consistency and exaggeration.

Third grade students will soon begin practicing for their upcoming performance. Students in fourth grade will continue to develop their pantomime acting chops and fifth grade students will move on to a unit involving the use of masks in the theater.

-Lisa

Second Grade Explores Electricity Through Drama!

Students in the second grade have been studying electricity in science classes this year. In drama class we have been exploring this concept in a different way!

The students had a chance to create electrical circuits that connected a "button" to a "doorbell" using only their bodies in a game called Ring that Doorbell!

Next, they thought about different inventions that require electricity and used their classmates to build these inventions. We ended up with some amazing human sculptures representing a variety of electrical items, from light bulbs to computers.

Finally, the students had to use their critical thinking skills and powers of persuasion in a game called, Why do we need Electricity? Each student chose a particular electrical item and made their body look like the item. Then I pretended to be the owner of all of the items and I was ready to clean house and throw away all of my old junk! As I approached each electrical item (student) to throw it away, the student would tell me why it was so important that I couldn't throw it away. For example, one student said, "No You can't take me! If you throw me away your floors will be covered in dirt!" I responded, "That's okay, I don't mind a little dirt." The student then said, "But if your floors are covered in dirt no one will want to come and visit you." To which I replied, "Oh, you're right vacuum cleaner. I had better keep you around." The students came up with great reasons for me to keep each of them around and I was able to guess what they all were. This game is a lot of fun, but it also helps kids to understand how reliant we are on electricity in modern life.

One of the ten major goals of the drama program is to show students the connections between drama and the core curriculum. This unit is an example of how that is done.

-Lisa

Drama & Movement Program Information

I am so sorry I missed Specialist's Night! I was home with a bad cold and I didn't want to spread my germs to all of you. I've posted general information about both the drama and movement programs in the column on the left hand side of the blog. Please check it out and let me know if you have any questions.

Lisa

Peter Pan Rehearsals Are Underway!

Rehearsals for the first OWS Players production of the year, Peter Pan, began last week. We have a cast and crew of 27 students in grades 3-8 who meet twice a week after school to create every aspect of the performance.

The actors auditioned on Friday, September 11th and we announced the cast on Wednesday the 16th. The actors began working with me on their blocking almost immediately while Ms. Dunlap and the backstage crew began planning the sets, props and costumes and even creating wooden bows and arrows for the lost boys!

The performance of Peter Pan will be on Wednesday, November 18th at 7:00 pm. All are welcome!

Stay tuned for information about The OWS Players upcoming productions for students in all grade levels!

-Lisa

Back in the swing of things...

It has been such fun to see all of students back at school and ready for another great year! I want to share with you the different units we are starting at each grade level in drama and movement classes.

Kindergarten and first grade students are learning all about dramatic movement in drama class. We are beginning with games and activities that reinforce the concept of body awareness and then moving on to rhythmic and energetic movement games. The goal is for students to be in control of their bodies and be able to use them to express character, emotion and energy to the audience.

Students in the second grade are beginning a unit on perception and expression. The first focus is on observation, concentration and memory. The games and activities are designed to develop a new kind of sensory awareness, one in which the actor's bodies make visible for the audience what is not visible.

Third, fourth and fifth grade students are practicing the art of pantomime acting; acting without speaking or using any props. Students in the third grade are learning the basic skills of pantomime, while the fourth and fifth graders are practicing more advanced techniques. Pantomime is one of the most difficult styles of acting to master, but it provides students with the means to develop confidence and stage skills without worrying about dialogue, projection and the use of hand props.

In movement class we have kicked off a unit called Perceptual Power! This unit helps to establish the class environment and behavioral expectations while teaching motor development concepts such as body and spatial awareness, non-loco motor and loco motor skills, directionality, levels and rates of movement.

As always if you have any questions about the drama or movement program at Open Window School, don't hesitate to contact me at lisae@ows.org.

Enjoy the second week back at school!

Lisa

Welcome back!

Welcome back to another year at Open Window School! I am so excited to be returning for my fifth year at OWS. This year I will not only be teaching drama to kindergarten through fifth grade students, I will also be teaching movement to kindergarten and first grade students.

As we get ready for the new school year to begin I am busy planning many fun new activities for both drama and movement classes. I am also working with the homeroom teachers to gather material for all of the grade level performances. We have some exciting new shows in the works for this year!

I am also very pleased to announce that the OWS Players will be back this year with not one, but three performances! Our first show will be Peter Pan and rehearsals begin the first week of school. This show is open to interested students in grades 3-8. Rehearsals are Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30-5:00. Sign ups are available in the main office. In the winter be will be putting on a musical with students in grades K-2 and in the spring we'll be back with a musical for students in grades 3-8. This will be the second year of the OWS Players and we are looking forward to many more quality productions in the future!

Keep checking my blog for updates about drama and movement classes and the OWS Players!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

Lisa Edwards