From Page to Stage |
|
Stephan Cloutier
|
|
| Click here for print friendly version. | |
Grade: 8 - 12
Curriculum Connection
- Explore Canadian literature
- Communicate effectively in written, spoken and visual forms.
- Value and respect the diversity of language and culture in Canadian society
- Create presentations in forms that are appropriate to a variety of subjects, audiences, and purposes, including informing, persuading, and entertaining
- Demonstrate a willingness to explore a variety of genres and media
ACTIVITIES
- Dennis Foon?s Longlight Series (The Dirt Eaters, Firewalker and The Keeper's Shadow) employs fantastical themes. It was not written for the stage. Divide up scenes from the series and create short pieces of theatre that maintain the magic of the novels. This can be accomplished through descriptive monologues, costumes, scenery and even special effects.
- Creating theatre is a group process that extends beyond the actors. Discuss the roles of the key players of a theatre production: the playwright, director, actors, stage manager, sound, lighting and costume designers, and the audience.
- Take a field trip to the Playhouse Theatre Company?s production centre or to a professional theatre company near you and observe the inner workings of the company. For a list of theatre companies in BC, visit http://www.theatrebc.org/bckgrndr/links.php.
- Many theatre companies employ someone known as a dramaturge. Most importantly, their task is to prepare the written text for performance, literally guiding it from page to stage. Their duties can include preparing a modern version of a classic play, translating from a foreign language, and adapting non-theatrical texts into a script. A dramaturge in most cases must compile research on the production. This may involve obtaining background materials on the playwright, the playwright's time and place, the play's time and place, references to events and places in the play, or the issues of the play. This material is gathered to help those involved in the production better understand the piece. Have your students act as dramaturges (by themselves or in groups), creating their own portfolios for a potential theatre production. The result will be one text interpreted in a myriad of interesting and new ways.
RESOURCES
- Dennis Foon is one of the founders of Green Thumb Theatre, located in Vancouver. For more information, visit http://www.dennisfoon.com/?pageid=707&PW=9&playid=34
- Glynis Leyshon is the Artistic Director of Playhouse Theatre Company. Information about their behind the scenes tour can be located at http://www.vancouverplayhouse.com/page159.htm
EVALUATION
Your feedback is important to us. We would appreciate your comments, suggestions and even samples from your class. Thank you!
