Theater Elective

Teacher Background:

I always liked the theater when I was younger but I was never going to be a professional actress. In high school, I was involved in drama club. I took both dance and drama classes for my arts electives. I enjoyed working with the props and the sets. In fact, I spent more time behind the scenes with the sound and lights than actually acting. I worked in the technical theater department in college part time. I worked as a front of hour manager for a professional theater for several years. I have also volunteered at several theaters as an usher.

I love the process of creating a play or musical. I am often enthralled by the local theater and musical performances in the city. My appreciation has grown over the years and I think it all began back in middle school when I was part of the chorus. The band and chorus directors were both so positive and encouraging that it made me feel welcome.

Overview of the Class:

I am hoping that a few of you develop an appreciation for the theater while taking this class. In my mind, the theater elective is designed for middle school students to have practice speaking to an audience. The main focus is on trying new techniques that you can incorporate into your daily lives.

If you truly think about it, you pretend and act in many different places. When people interact with each other acting techniques (tone, volume, and clarity) can have an impact on the conversation. I hope that you see this class as a place to try new vocal and memory techniques that can fit into your life.

Questions to ponder:

Where do you pretend? How often do you change your voice to answer another person? Do you take on new roles in your video games? Have you ever tried a role playing game? Would it help you to feel more confident talking to a group of people? Do you plan to interview for a new school or job?

Class structure:

The focus in quarter one is to have fun with trying different vocal and physical techniques that can help an actor or you to present information more clearly or precisely. The techniques will be applicable to your daily lives.

The second quarter focuses on putting together a production in the true sense of a theater production. It will be a small scale production but everyone will have some parts to play both on and off stage.

Announcements for Parents:

• Parents who are interested in volunteering for theater, please let me know through e-mail.
• E-mail: soconnor@madisoned.org
• I do not know the name of the big fall production or the dates. There will be hours to help with costumes, sets, and props.