Back to the beginning In response to Adesola Akinlaye’s blog 28/01/2019
It is a very good place to start...
Looking back at last term, I agree with what Adesola says in that 'since we are distance learners we may feel like nothing has really happened when the course begins', or maybe we feel a lack of pressure to begin, as no one is asking us for pieces, asking for reports. But I know now, that if I do not begin to write, begin to comment, begin to ask questions ( and I am a firm believer, in that if I have a particular question, then there will be others with the same question, just afraid to ask themselves) then I have not began and will not be involved or heard.
This term I am trying to chase my tutor and ask all the stuff I was afraid to ask before, and ask them before its too late, because by then, it really will be too late!
I don't think I have a problem with beginning, but definitely going off on another route and not quite getting to the end would be something I learnt last term.
Getting back to the question about beginnings of where performances really begin.
A show I work on every year, is a High School Musical, one on a scale I have never seen before in a High School.
All singing, all dancing, live music, an art exhibition, awards, sponsors, cocktails, gift bags ( made by the IB Art Students) ...It is literally like an opening night in the West End!!! Except the Artists are High School students....every part of the Live show down to the job of lighting, is taken on by the students.
We begin as their teachers looking at a theme, one that will speak to the students ( our foundation wants an original show not a rep piece every year ) We try to find a story, looking at histories of countries, peoples, events, what music was relevant then and then can the student orchestra play this music live ? Can they sing it live and dance it live. This as teachers is our beginning...
We start to audition students, we are looking for those who have experience in musical theatre, play an instrument, a passion for drama, great singing voice, or just passion and a natural talent.
After the Drama, Music and Dance Departments have held our individual auditions, we look at which students would not only be good for us, but what we could do for the students, by speaking to their Deans, teachers and counselors. Personally, emotionally, socially or academically, could this student benefit by being involved in such a big project, counting towards their grade, or would it affect them academically, or cause them social anxiety.
Once we have made our decisions we speak to some students individually about any fears and answer any questions, much better to do this right from the beginning.
On Saturday and Sunday, we started at 9am and finished at 530. School was closed, it was just us and the cast for the first time spending a whole day together interrupted. ( usual practice times are about an hour or so after School ) We finally felt like the actual beginning of 'a' show had started to come together and see the students bonding.
The opening of the show I have decided to have all the students on stage passing by and crossing the city in a street scene, with help from the physical theatre teacher. It just looks like Oxford Street in rush hour :)
Not a particularly over rehearsed scene, but to let them dip their toes in the water, just to feel the audience, enjoy those first waves of nervous excitement, rather than waiting in the wings nervously for their turn feeling physically ill!!!
It is my tried and tested way for High School students to begin a successful performance where everyone is included, and creates great excitement and a sense of belonging right from the beginning.
Looking back at last term, I agree with what Adesola says in that 'since we are distance learners we may feel like nothing has really happened when the course begins', or maybe we feel a lack of pressure to begin, as no one is asking us for pieces, asking for reports. But I know now, that if I do not begin to write, begin to comment, begin to ask questions ( and I am a firm believer, in that if I have a particular question, then there will be others with the same question, just afraid to ask themselves) then I have not began and will not be involved or heard.
This term I am trying to chase my tutor and ask all the stuff I was afraid to ask before, and ask them before its too late, because by then, it really will be too late!
I don't think I have a problem with beginning, but definitely going off on another route and not quite getting to the end would be something I learnt last term.
Getting back to the question about beginnings of where performances really begin.
A show I work on every year, is a High School Musical, one on a scale I have never seen before in a High School.
All singing, all dancing, live music, an art exhibition, awards, sponsors, cocktails, gift bags ( made by the IB Art Students) ...It is literally like an opening night in the West End!!! Except the Artists are High School students....every part of the Live show down to the job of lighting, is taken on by the students.
We begin as their teachers looking at a theme, one that will speak to the students ( our foundation wants an original show not a rep piece every year ) We try to find a story, looking at histories of countries, peoples, events, what music was relevant then and then can the student orchestra play this music live ? Can they sing it live and dance it live. This as teachers is our beginning...
We start to audition students, we are looking for those who have experience in musical theatre, play an instrument, a passion for drama, great singing voice, or just passion and a natural talent.
After the Drama, Music and Dance Departments have held our individual auditions, we look at which students would not only be good for us, but what we could do for the students, by speaking to their Deans, teachers and counselors. Personally, emotionally, socially or academically, could this student benefit by being involved in such a big project, counting towards their grade, or would it affect them academically, or cause them social anxiety.
Once we have made our decisions we speak to some students individually about any fears and answer any questions, much better to do this right from the beginning.
On Saturday and Sunday, we started at 9am and finished at 530. School was closed, it was just us and the cast for the first time spending a whole day together interrupted. ( usual practice times are about an hour or so after School ) We finally felt like the actual beginning of 'a' show had started to come together and see the students bonding.
The opening of the show I have decided to have all the students on stage passing by and crossing the city in a street scene, with help from the physical theatre teacher. It just looks like Oxford Street in rush hour :)
Not a particularly over rehearsed scene, but to let them dip their toes in the water, just to feel the audience, enjoy those first waves of nervous excitement, rather than waiting in the wings nervously for their turn feeling physically ill!!!
It is my tried and tested way for High School students to begin a successful performance where everyone is included, and creates great excitement and a sense of belonging right from the beginning.
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