January 14, 2027

Cast 1 (Period 1 Performs) 6:30 PM

January 15, 2027

Cast 2 (Period 2 Performs) 6:30

IMPORTANT: LOOK FOR WHERE YOUR SCENES ARE SCHEDULED FOR BLOCKING AND STAGE RUN THROUGHS - Do your best to have preliminary memorization to facilitate scenes.

You will need to practice A LOT. Make copies of your lines - post them on your bathroom mirror. Practice them in the car. Read them over breakfast. Channel your inner Cat in the Hat with his Green Eggs and Ham as you practice your lines:

I can read them in the car;

I can read them near or far.

I can read them here or there;

I can read them ANYWHERE!!!

Live and breathe these lines so your performance will come easily.

YOU CAN DO THIS! OUR PLAY WILL BE AMAZING!!!

Preliminary Scene Plan:

Scene 1. Town Hall Freakout
Scene 2. Help Me, Siri
Scene 3. Like It!
Scene 4. Not So Anonymous
Scene 5. Tok Support
Scene 6. The Unusual Suspects
Scene 7. Checkout
Bonus Scene 1. Special Delivery (Period 2 ONLY
Scene 8. Bum. Bum. Bum. (Optional intermission when lights go out)

Scene 8. Bum. Bum. Bum. (Continues after *Optional intermission*)
Bonus Scene 2. Break the Chain
Scene 9. Watching, Always Watching
Scene 10. Zoom is Down
Scene 11. Tweet Tweet
Scene 12. Customer Service
Scene 13. Another Roundup
Scene 14. Connection
Scene 15. And the Internet Killer Is …

Production Preparation Guide

✅ 1. Cold Read

Read the scene aloud once with no acting.
Identify who is in the scene and what is happening.
Identify any confusing words or references - you need to know what your lines are actually saying! Make sure you can PRONOUNCE all of the words in your lines!

✅ 2. Character Dissection - Connect to your character!

What does my character want?
What is in the way?
What tactics does my character use?
What are the stakes?
Break the scene into key moments (beats).

✅ 3. Expression

Write what your character is really saying under each line.
Try saying the line with different emotional intentions. Which way seems to fit the context of the scene best?

✅ 4. Stage Blocking (see diagram)

Mark where you start.
Plan your crosses, sits, stands, and interactions.
Check sightlines (can the audience see you? Have a classmate view from the audience's perspective).
Connect movement to intention (“I move away because I feel hurt”). Should your character move with hesitation, urgency, etc?

Stage Blocking Planning Sheet

drama-blocking-and-stage-direction-mat.pdf

✅ 5. Memorization

Memorize lines beat by beat.
Practice cue pickup (respond quickly when your partner finishes).
Run lines with a partner / other scene members.

✅ 6. Rehearsal

Walk through the scene slowly.
Add blocking.
Add emotional choices.
Adjust pacing, volume, and clarity.
Practice transitions between beats.

✅ 7. Refinement

Check vocal clarity.
Check physical choices (gestures, posture).
Check emotional consistency.
Check relationship dynamics (eye contact, proximity).

✅ 8. Performance Readiness

Run the scene off‑book (this means NO SCRIPT IN HAND) with full blocking.
Add props or simple costume pieces.
Practice entrances/exits.
Practice recovering from mistakes.

✅ 9. Reflection

What worked well?
What changed during rehearsal?
What would you do differently next time?
What did your partner do that helped the scene?

✅ 10. Dress Rehearsals

Rehearse as if it is performance night.

Practice: constume changes, lights, curtains, transitions, scenery movement, etc.

Class Sessions Leading up to the BIG PRODUCTION:

Thursday, October 22

Scene Analysis (six groups - 2 scenes each) & AUDITIONS PART 2

Key roles
Costumes
Props
Scenery
Transition to next scene (lights / curtains / what will need to be moved?

***COMING UP: Monday scenes 1-3 - MEMORIZE LINES!

Friday, October 23 - NO SCHOOL

Scene Planner

Performance Planning Sheet

Murder Mystery IMPROV

Monday, October 26th

Scenes 1-3

Scene blocking: Scenes 1-3
Scenes 1-3 run through on stage

Other actors:

FIRST: Scene Analysis: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Then: Halloween plays in small groups
OR Line practice

Block Day, October 27 & 28

Part 1:

Scene blocking: Scenes 4-6
Scenes 4-6 run through on stage
Other actors: Halloween plays in small groups / line practice
TO DO: COSTUME DOC (Be careful editing!!!) - I am only making this form live IN CLASS! If you don't have a chance to fill it out today, have your ideas/links ready to add on Thursday.

Part 2:

Murder Mystery Improv Prep: Assign teams and roles

Thursday, October 29

Murder Mystery Team 1: Once Upon a Murder
Scene blocking: Bonus Scene 1 (2nd Period only)
Bonus Scene 1 run though on stage (2nd only)
Other actors: Halloween plays in small groups / line practice

Friday, October 30

1) Murder Mystery Team 2: Area 51

2) Halloween Drama Games:

Spider Race
Pumpkins Walk the Plank
Cyclops is Hungry
Bouncing Eyeballs
2-headed Monster

Adjusted Schedule:

Period 1: 8:00 - 8:48 (48 min)

Period 2: 8:51 - 9:39 (48 min)

Monday, November 2

Murder Mystery Team 3: Murder Under the Big Top
Scene blocking: Scene 13
Bonus Scene 1 run though on stage

Block Day, November 3 & 4

Special effects makeup practice - 3 Groups

1) WHOLE CLASS: NOTES

2) Group Rotations:

1: Scene blocking: Scenes 7-9; run through on stage (1st period, Bonus 2; 2nd Period, Scene 14)
2: Scene blocking: Scenes 10-12 (1st Period Scene 14; 2nd Period, Bonus 2)
3: SFX Make-up trial

Thursday, 11/5 &

Those who blocked previously --> Stage Rehearsals
SFX Group 2
Other students: Run Lines, Make Advertisement posters, flyer, protest signs for town meeting

Friday, 11/6

Stage Rehearsals
SFX Group 3
Other students: Run Lines, Make Advertisement posters, flyer, protest signs for town meeting

11/9 - 11/20 FOCUS: Scenes 1-6; Bonus 1

(Non-performing students make mini skits for Performance night; work on Scenery / Props)

Props: Sheriff Dept. Signs (NOT ALL BLACK - too much toner!)

Scene 6:

Nina: Stalking & Trespassing
Derek: Harrassment & Disturbing the Peace
Buck: Theft & Illegal Duck Selling

Scene 13: (see image)

Sandra
Boss
Vicky

Monday, November 9

Scene Distribution (TWO COPIES - One for you, One for the teacher

Google Form --> Extras and unfilled roles

Props --> Master List

Scene: 15 blocking

Other students:

Rehearsal
Signs
Photo booth planning group
Police Sign - One person
GIANT H & M Sign
Mug Shot signs (Canva - not too dark!)

Tuesday, November 10 (REGULAR SCHEDULE)

Wednesday, November 11: VETERAN'S DAY - NO SCHOOL

Thursday, November 12

Friday, November 13

Monday, November 16

BLOCK DAY, November 17-18

Thursday, November 19

Friday, November 20 (MINIMUM DAY)

11/30 - 12/11 FOCUS: Scenes 7-10; Bonus 2

(Non-performing students make mini skits for Performance night; work on Scenery / Props)

Monday, November 30

BLOCK DAY, December 1& 2

Thursday, December 3

Friday, December 4

Monday, December 7

BLOCK DAY, December 8& 9

Thursday, December 10

Friday, December 11 (MINIMUM DAY)

12-14 - 12/18 FOCUS: Full play Run Throughs ALL WEEK

(Non-performing students will practice moving scenery, lights, etc. We will also do rehearsal reflections)

Monday, December 14

BLOCK DAY, December 15 & 16

Thursday, December 17

Friday, December 18

KEEP RUNNING LINES OVER BREAK!

Get family members to run lines with you! Go over your scene once a day. If you are in multiple scenes, run though at least one scene a day.

IT IS VITAL TO KEEP YOUR LINES FRESH!

1/4 - 1/8 FOCUS: Full play Run Throughs ALL WEEK

(Non-performing students will practice moving scenery, lights, etc. We will also do rehearsal reflections)

Monday, January 4

BLOCK DAY, January 5 & 6

Thursday, January 7

Friday, January 8

1/11-1/14 FOCUS: Full play Run Throughs WITH DRESS REHEARSALS ALL WEEK

(Non-performing students will practice moving scenery, lights, etc. We will also do rehearsal reflections)

Monday, January 11

BLOCK DAY, January 12 & 13

Thursday, January 14

Cast 1 (Period 1) Performs TONIGHT!!!!

FINAL REHEARSALS!!! Cast 2: Please come and support, if possible!

Friday, January 15

Cast 1 (Period 1) Party
Cast 2 Dress Rehearsals (Cast Party TBD)

Vinyl Banners

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