Creature Creations

7th and 8th Grade / Semester
Recommended Prerequisites or concurrent classes: Art 1A, Ceramics and Sculpture, Creative Writing, Drama 1A, Multimedia Art, or Video Production 

Creature Creations students will study the work of notable creature creators of stage and film such as Ray Harryhausen, Jim Henson, and Julie Taymor. Applying “old-school” methods like puppetry, masks, and stop-motion filmmaking, students will design and build creatures to be filmed and performed in class. They will apply art skills and creative writing to projects centered around unique building materials and performance techniques. Collaboration is a key component as creature creators apply prior learning to class projects (see recommended prerequisites or concurrent classes). Students can showcase some of their work for families and friends at the end of the semester.

Chris Mahle worked as a freelance director, actor, and special makeup FX artist in the Bay Area theatre and film scene for ten years before transitioning to teaching. After teaching high school theatre, speech, English, digital photography, and filmmaking, he made his way to JLS Middle School, where he finds the energy and creativity of the younger students much more engaging.

In his time at PAUSD, Mr. Mahle has expanded the Drama Program and helped pioneer the All-Middle School Musical with the help of his theatre colleagues at the other middle schools. His students are showcasing work from the Creature Creations class, in which students create masks, puppets, and special makeup FX using techniques utilized by industry professionals.

Check out what our students are up to!