Embedded Files
Mr. Wright's drama class
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Take the online drama test!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Today you had a Drama Test 3:
When an actor is on stage, his _______ foot is usually forward.
When an actor laughs on stage because he's nervous, that is called ______________.
The sides of the stage which aren't visible to the audience are called the ___________.
To move from one part to the stage to another, an actor is said to ______________.
A physical object on stage that an actor can pick up in his hands is called a __________.
The action or the story-line in a play is called the ____________.
The bad guy in a play is called the ___________________.
The list of characters in a play is called the ___________.
A speech an actor gives while speaking to himself is called a ______________.
The two basic kinds of stages are the theater-in-the-round and the __________ stage.
Mumbling at the end of a spoken line is called _________ your final words.
An actor who mumbles needs to improve his _____________ .
How the major problem turns out is called the ____________.
The highest point of interest in the plot is called the ____________.
The area on stage which is to the far left from the view of the audience is called stage _________.
A move in the opposite direction on stage when somebody walks past you is called a ________.
The area on stage that is farthest away from the audience is called ________ stage.
The center of the stage is called _______ stage.
Figuring out where characters are going to be and where they are going to move is called ____.
Acting without speaking is called _____________.
Tomorrow, you'll have Drama Test 4 and there will be about 34 questions instead of 20.
You'll also have a sub, so be nice.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Today we worked out of the Red Level literature book, a continuation of the work you did for the sub yesterday.
1. Read p. 502-515, Grandpa and the Statue by Arthur Miller.
2. Do p. 507, #1-5.
3. Do p. 515-516, #1-10.
Hold on to your work. It will be collected later.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
You had a sub today and you read and answered questions.
1. Read p. 502-515, Grandpa and the Statue by Arthur Miller.
2. Do p. 507, #1-5.
3. Do p. 515-516, #1-10.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Today we watched a recording of Act One of Our Town with Spaulding Gray.
Friday, Oct. 29, 2010
Today we listened to the radio play, Sorry, Wrong Number.
Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010
You can send email to me at Mr.Wright followed by the "at" symbol, which we all know is @, followed by RoomC6 and then dot com.
Some important vocabulary:
act
Acting Company
Actor's Studio
ad lib
antagonist
apron
Aristotle's theory of unities
aside
beat
black out
blocking
breaking character
Broadway
cast
click
climax
clown white
comedy
conflict
counter-cross
cross
cue
dialogue
diction
director
dramatic irony
dramatic monologue
dues ex machina
eating final words
elipsoidal reflector spotlight
encore
enunciation
epilogue
escapism
extemporaneous
farce
film noir
flats
fly area
foil
fourth wall
grease paint
grease paint
Greek chorus
Igor Stanislofsky
improvisation
in character
loaded gun
mark
melodrama
method acting
minor character
monologue
musical
oleo
orchestra pit
ovation
plot
plot twist
producer
prologue
prop
proscenium
protagonist
Punch and Judy
resolution
set
set design
setting
soliloquy
Spoonerism
spots
stage business
stage manager
stage whisper
step on lines
strike
subplot
suspension of disbelief
tragedy
tragic hero
turning point
upstage (as a verb)
upstage, downstage, stage left, stage right, center stage, off stage
villian
wings
dragging
stepping on lines
enunciation
diction
DRAMA TEST 2
When an actor is on stage, his _______ foot is usually forward.
When an actor laughs on stage because he's nervous, that is called ______________.
The sides of the stage which aren't visible to the audience are called the ___________.
To move from one part to the stage to another, an actor is said to ______________.
To make up lines on the spot is to __________.
The invisible wall that the audience looks through to see the action is called the _______ wall.
The edge of the stage closest to the audience is called the ________.
The nicest, most honorable man in the play Julius Caesar was said to be ______________.
Julius Caesar's most loyal supporter was ______________ .
The area between the stage and the audience is called the ____________________.
When a mime sort of snaps his wrist when touching a wall, this is called a __________.
A physical object on stage that an actor can pick up in his hands is called a __________.
The action or the story-line in a play is called the ____________.
The good guy in a play is called the ______________.
When a play is moving too slow it's said to ____________ .
The bad guy in a play is called the ___________________.
The list of characters in a play is called the ___________.
A speech an actor gives while speaking to himself is called a ______________.
The two basic kinds of stages are the theater-in-the-round and the __________ stage.
When and where a play takes place is called the ____________.
Mumbling at the end of a spoken line is called _________ your final words.
When an actor accidentally interrups another actor, he is _________ on his lines.
The major problem that the main character in a play has to deal with is called the ________.
An actor who mumbles needs to improve his _____________ .
How the major problem turns out is called the ____________.
To take down the scenery after a play is over is to ________ the set.
The highest point of interest in the plot is called the ____________.
A person in a play is called a _______________
The area on stage which is to the far left from the view of the audience is called stage _________.
A move in the opposite direction on stage when somebody walks past you is called a ________.
The area on stage that is farthest away from the audience is called ________ stage.
The center of the stage is called _______ stage.
Figuring out where characters are going to be and where they are going to move is called ____.
Acting without speaking is called _____________.
Julius Caesar was written by ____________ .
-----------------
Possible answers:
minor, cast, director,
cross, counter-cross, double cross,
proscenium, apron, orchestra pit, set,
pantomime, eating, drinking, sleeping,
conflict, climax, setting, plot, resolution,
first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh
up, down, right, left, center, middle, wings, inside,
upstage, downstage, centerstage, ad lib, set
click, clack, snap, fizz, soliloquy,drag, diction, prop,
blocking, striking, strike, stepping, sipping, protesting,
stage whisper,
antagonist, protagonist, staying in character, breaking character, character,
Julius Caesar, Shakespeare, Cassius, Brutus, Casca, Marc Antony, Jennifer Lopez, Mr. Wright
Monday, Oct. 18, 2010
We worked a little on finishing up Death of a Teenager and reviewed some of Julius Caesar.
Students no longer need to be in a production of Julius Caesar (though a script is still due from everyone.)
Students have choices for their next performance.
1. All of some of Julius Caesar.
2. Any of the three plays in the three Scope Magazines. (Sherlock Holmes, Flipped, The Lion and the Mouse.)
3. A play based on The Ant and the Grasshopper. (Blue book, p. 80)
4. A play based on The Fox and the Crow. (Blue book, p. 82)
5. A play based on the story of Demeter. (Blue book, p. 21)
6. A play based on the story of Arachne. (Blue book, p. 17)
7. A play based King Midas. (Blue book, p. 34)
8. A play based on The Lion and the Mouse. (Blue book, p. 76 or use the play in the Scope Magazine)
9. A story told without notes related to Halloween or ghosts.
10. A performance of an original poem, with or without notes.
11. A play based on The Highwayman. (Green book, p. 160)
12. Some or all of Grandpa and the Statue. (Blue book, p. 502)
13. A play based on the story of Prometheus. (Blue book, p. 6)
14. A play based on MacBeth. (By Shakespeare)
15. Some or all of In the Fog. (Blue book, p. 518)
16. A play based on All Summer in a Day. (Blue book, p. 132)
17. A play based on Echo and Narcissus. (Green book, p. 203)
18. A play based on After Twenty Years. (Green book, p. 224)
19. A play based on Yeh-Shen. (Green book, p. 250)
Videos of the above will also be accepted.
Another test on drama terms and concepts will given soon.
Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010
Today we finished going over the story of Julius Caesar.
We reviewed the parts of the main characters, their motives, and what Rome would have been like with a king.
The packet we read from was a retelling. Lines that were in quotes were taken directly from William Shakespeare's play.
Tomorrow, we'll continue our work on Death of a Teenager and some will resume their Julius Caesar plays.
Oct. 13, 2010
Today we went over the first half of the Julius Caesar story.
Tomorrow, we should finish.
Thursday, Oct 7, 2010
Tomorrow, groups will perform their versions of "Death of a Teenager."
Tomorrow, your take-home test is due.
DRAMA TEST
1. The two basic kinds of stages are the theater-in-the-round and the __________ stage.
2. When an actor is on stage, his _______ foot is usually forward.
3. Acting without speaking is called _____________.
4. When an actor laughs on stage because he's nervous, that is called ______________.
5. The sides of the stage which aren't visible to the audience are called the ___________.
6. To move from one part to the stage to another, an actor is said to ______________.
7. The invisible wall that the audience looks through to see the action is called the _______ wall.
8. The edge of the stage closest to the audience is called the ________.
9. The area between the stage and the audience is called the ____________________.
10. When a mime sort of snaps his wrist when touching a wall, this is called a __________.
11. The action in a play is called the ____________.
12. The good guy in a play is called the ______________.
13. The bad guy in a play is called the ___________________.
14. The list of characters in a play is called the ___________.
15. An argument using circular logic is called a ______________.
16. When and where a play takes place is called the ____________.
17. Mumbling at the end of a spoken line is called _________ your final words.
18. The major problem that the main character in a play has to deal with is called the ________.
19. How the major problem turns out is called the ____________.
20. The highest point of interest in the plot is called the ____________.
21. A person in a play is called a _______________
22. The area on stage which is to the far right from the view of the audience is called __________.
23. A move in the opposite direction on stage when somebody walks past you is called a ________.
24. The area on stage that is farthest away from the audience is called ________ stage.
25. Figuring out where characters are going to be and where they are going to move is called ____.
-----------------
Possible answers:
first, second, third, fourth, blocking, striking,
antagonist, protagonist, up, down, right, center, left,
wings, proscenium, apron, orchestra pit, cross, counter-cross,
conflict, cast, climax, setting, plot, tautology, resolution,
up, upstage, down, downstage, breaking character,
pantomime, wings, character, eating, click,
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010
New due dates:
Today: The pantomimes which we will finish up tomorrow.
Thursday: The Death of a Teenager play.
Monday: The Julius Caesar script.
Monday, Sept. 27, 2010
Some due dates:
1. Pantomime performance will be due on Tuesday. (One or two people in your cast. It doesn't have to have a plot. Your pantomime must include opening a door, lifting a box, and touching a wall.
2. The Julius Caesar script is due on Friday.
3. The Death of a Teenager performance is due on Friday. (Although, your group may perform sooner, if you're ready.)
Monday, Sept. 20, 2010
Today in class we watched some instructional YouTube videos on mime.
We had a huge influx of new students for B period so I don't know what we're going to do.
In E period, one group did their play and failed because of a lack of effort.
They have one more chance tomorrow.
A new work we learned from one of the mime videos was "click."
Serious students are doing very well. Those who are are not serious are failing. Each class has its own mixture.
Today we made the stage larger. It remains to be seen if that's a good idea.
Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010
We watched two videos on pantomimes today.
and
You also saw me perform a pantomime in which I was on an elevator.
You will need to start thinking about the pantomime you will be performing in class next week.
Due tomorrow is your rewriting of "Death of a Teenager."
Friday, Sept. 10, 2010
Cannibalism on an elevator? An interesting play.
Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010
We continued to work on the elevator plays.
I'm very pleased by the hard work and the progress.
Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010
We continued to rehearse and work on the plays.
The plays are getting better as students are working hard.
Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010
Today in class we continued to work on our plays. As students concentrated staying in character and raising voice volume, plays got better. We'll do more work on them tomorrow.
Friday, Sept. 3, 2010
Today in class we started our plays.
Students will have three attempts to perform their plays and I will record the best grade.
Breaking character results in an instant F.
The audience must see the eyes of a character when the character is speaking.
All action must take place on the stage.
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
Today in class we reviewed what makes a good play and we took some time to rehearse.
Tomorrow, groups will perform their plays.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Today in class we rehearsed our elevator plays.
We spoke about these elements of a play or story:
setting
characters
plot
conflict
climax
turning point
resolution
We also talked about the word cast.
We discussed the dynamics of group work and the fact that planning and rehearsal should feel like work.
If actors are having fun rehearsing, then they are not working. If they are not working, then the play will not be good.
Good results take hard work, even for comedies.
The time for enjoyment is once the play is over and you hear the applause which will affirm that you did a good job.
So, remember, if you are enjoying working on the play, it might be because you're not really working--and nothing is accomplished without work, hard work.
In the back of the class I have some props and costumes. They are sometimes fun to try on and use--but watch out. Fascination with costumes and props can eat up valuable time that could be used for the hard work of rehearsal.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Today in class we finished our introductions.
Only a couple students ate their final words.
We talked about the words "tautology" and "expletive" in some of our classes.
We worked on our mini-plays that all have the setting of being in an elevator. Plays will be performed on Friday. Props and costumes are encouraged.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Today in class we continued with our introductions.
Nobody as yet has violated the speech rule of "eating final words." That's good--and amazing.
We talked in some classes that it is immature and rude to say, "Who's that?" aloud when a student is called on.
Tomorrow, we'll finish up all of the introductions.
Your new assignment is to work in a group of 2, 3, or 4 student to come up with a mini-play that takes place in an elevator. The place must be at least 30 seconds in length and no more than five minutes.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Today we videotaped some of the introductions.
We talked about the importance of eye contact, natural posture, good voice volume and clarity. We also talked about how to end a speech--not with the word "yeah" or the words "the end." It's also substandard form to say "in conclusion...." It's OK to say "thank you," which is common, but still should be avoided when possible. A clear ending is communicated by the choice of words and the lower tone at the end of the final sentence.
We also talked about how both laughing and moving around excessively are natural reactions to try to relax muscles that tense up with nervousness.
We learned that the word "mark" is used to mean the place where the speaker or actor is supposed to stand.
On Monday, we will tape introductions we didn't get to today.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Today was a short day, it being Thursday. We watched a 10 minute video called Beatrice's Goat from 60 Minutes about how a goat changed the life of a girl from the African nation of Uganda.
Cans and bottles that are recycled in the classroom go to "Goats For Peace" which donates goats through heifer.org.
For the remainder of the period, we practiced our introduction presentations.
Tonight's homework is to practice the presentations.
Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010
Today in class I again fielded a bunch of personal questions because that's an old trick even I used to do during math class when I was just a tadpole. It gets you out of doing work.
Fortunately for the purpose of education, my life is too boring for that to go on for the entire period.
And as for the question, why don't your retire like Mr. Alvarado and Mr. Fuentes did last year, the answer is, I love my job too much. I love children, I love imparting knowledge, and I love the power surge I get when I give detention. But thanks for asking.
Today we did more review and talked more about breaking character.
Then we broke up into our groups of two and worked on our introductions which we will start tomorrow. They are to be 30-45 seconds in length.
Practice tonight. I will be able to tell who practices and who fakes it.
Effort counts.
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010
Today in class we spent a lot of time reviewing the terms and concepts from yesterday.
New terms were "breaking character" and "counter cross" and "suspension of disbelief."
In period B I talked about "eating final words." In period E, I'll have to talk about that tomorrow and more about "suspension of disbelief."
We also talked about how the "stage whisper" is different from a normal whisper and that the angles of the proscenium stage are wider than 90 degrees.
We started the "introduction activity" today and we'll work more on it tomorrow.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Today in class we talked about rules and procedures and some drama basics.
upstage, downstage, stage left, stage right, center stage, wings
cross
proscenium
apron
theater in the round
4th wall
orchestra pit
upstage foot forward
Your homework is to get the parent signature sheet signed.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Dear Parents,
I plan to show a video of The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street, a teleplay that’s in our literature text and other video shorts produced by the textbook publisher.
I also plan to show the 1952 version of A Christmas Carol and perhaps a few "After School Specials" such as The Wave and A Children’s Story.
Later in the year I might show a few A&E biographies of famous authors; Dickens, Poe, Hemingway, etc.
As it relates to the curriculum, I might show excerpts from videos from the following list "Romeo & Juliet" (Leonard Whiting), "Reduced Shakespeare," "West Side Story," "Shakespeare--Standard Deviants", "Of Mice and Men," "Eye of The Beholder," "Bartleby," "The Garden Party," "The Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge," "Poetic License," "The Importance of Being Earnest," "Our Town," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Akeelah and the Bee,”"Titus Andronicus," an expurgated version of "Shakespeare in Love," "Time Out of War," "The Time of Your Life," and "The Ox Bow Incident."
I might also show short video clips from PBS on poetry and educational videos relating to concepts in literature, grammar, vocabulary, acting and classical theater.
August 21, 2010
Classroom Management Plan for Drama
Communication
It's important that students, teachers and parents all work together so good communication is essential.
The best way to contact me is via email at mr.wright@roomC6.com. You can also call me at 923-1800 ext. 4036.
To stay informed about homework, visit the classroom website at roomC6.com. You may also call the homework hotline at 923-1800, ext. 4267 (once the new phone system reactivates it.)
Homework
Students will have homework from time to time. Homework will always be posted on the classroom website.
Late Work
Late work may be turned in one day late for half credit. After that, late work will not be accepted.
Extra Credit
Students may make an appointment to see me after school to discuss current grade status and extra credit opportunities. Extra credit is an effective way to raise a poor grade but the work will be twice as demanding and it should be undertaken well in advance of the grading cut-off date.
Grading
Grading is based on effort and academic progress toward meeting district standards.
Shyness might be challenge but it will never be accepted as an excuse.
Though drama is an elective, rigourous effort will still be expected.
Goals
Goals for the class include improving
public speaking
storytelling
poetry and speech declamation
memorization skills
play structure
media analysis
stage technique
stagecraft
acting basics
play writing
group cooperation
creative expression
Discipline
Students are held to a high standard of behavior. They are expected to arrive on time, stay seated, keep their hands to themselves and pay attention. Students are also expected to be courteous and to treat each other with respect. The classroom will be free of bullying and verbal ridicule of any kind. It will be an environment that is both physically safe and emotionally safe.
Students who chew gum or arrive late to class late will serve detention. Students who are out of uniform will be referred to the vice principal.
Only materials required for the lesson will be allowed on the desktop. Backpacks must remain on the floor and students may not access them unless directed to do so.
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