Drama is a collaborative effort at its core which is why each class starts with ensemble building exercises. A class favorite was the Props Game. Groups of 4-5 students were given a set a props and about 20 minutes to come up with a scene where characters would reasonably use the items given. Students then presented their scenes to the class.

We also played other games like Family Portraits, Count to 10, and Body Sculpture Olympics. Each game uses elements of improv and collaboration. 

At the start of trimester two, students learned about the difference between a monologue and a soliloquy. Students then chose a prompt about which they would like to write a soliloquy (performed alone on stage). To spread a little extra Christmas cheer, the prompts had more to do with the giving nature of Christmas rather than the material items we ask for from Santa. We also learned about character development, objectives, motivations, and tactics. Below you will find a few examples of stories written and performed by our fourth grade students. 

"Acting is reacting." One of the biggest cliches in theater, but also incredibly true! As actors we are constantly making choices and reacting to what other people are doing on stage. Learning how to do this effectively can be easier when there's just one other person you are reacting to. With a partner, students chose a serious and a comedic scene to develop our skills in telling a variety of stories. Since many of the scenes had vague or nonexistent character descriptions, they were tasked with filling in the blanks and developing a reasonable character. They then rehearsed with their partners and some even came up with a few little ad libs for their scenes. Below you will find a few of the short scenes we performed. 

Many plays are adaptations of books and stories. Playwrights often take a novel or narrative and use it as inspiration for the stage. Fourth grade students were put into groups and given a myth from Japan, Greece, Ghana, Hawaii, or Indigenous Nations. They were then tasked with dissecting the myth, casting and developing characters, writing a script, creating a backdrop, gathering props, and performing for the class. 

To the left, students are seen working with their groups to create backdrops. 

Below are a few selections of the scenes that were performed.