JK's
For the last two classes we have been trying very hard to follow in a line. This is essential to the production. Please review with your children the need to stay within their line, and keeping hands to oneself. Many children are disrupting the class with a constant need to touch someone else. This is not permitted, and greatly interferes with other children's listening skills.
We have also spent the last two classes listenging to the story of the Pied Piper, as the poetic version by Robert Browning will be difficult for them to grasp without this.
The children are also practising making noise without talking (stamping feet, clapping hands, shuffling,) and they are learning to move in various ways that are going to be used within the production: slow, quick, skipping, leaping, tip-toeing, etc.
SK's
For the last two classes we have been studying the story of the Pied Piper. As the production is centred around Robert Browning's poetry, the children need to fully understand the story, so that they may then follow along in the production.
We are continuing with games based around pantomime, movement, and facial mimicking working around the type of animal the children will be imitating in the production.
There is much improvement in order and following a leader. Today we learned about stage directions: SL = stage left and SR = stage right. The boys and girls enjoyed a simple game to ingrain the concept.
Soon we will be incorporating all we have learned from September to our production.
PARENTS: costumes will require ears attached to headbands, and brown, black, or grey clothing from head to toe, as well as tails. Your assistance in this matter will be appreciated.
GRADES 1 & 2
This group has been listening to the story of the Pied Piper as read from two different story books, and we have discussed Robert Browning's version. They do seem to understand the poetic version well for their level.
We have played games to emphasize quiet and different types of movement, expression, and staying in character while one stage. All this will be incorporated in our production. They are coming along well in terms of freezing in character, demonstrating emotion through their walk, facial expressions, and hand gestures.
Last Wednesday we also had some children audition for the six speaking parts in the poem. They are very keen on receiving a part and are in direct competition with the Grade 3's.
Audtion results will be posted shortly - hopefully, by Friday.
PARENTS: Please be advised that I greatly need your support in the costume department. Children will be dressed like townspeople from the Renaissance period.
GRADE 3's
The Grade 3's now have separate drama classes, as the Grade 4's will be involved in the production of Julius Caesar.
In preparation for the production, they have been working hard on understanding the roles of the townspeople in the poem. We have read three versions of the Pied Piper and have discussed some difficult vocabulary and concepts.
The children were to prepare for an audtion if they want a speaking role in the production. Some prepared beautifully, others need to remember that they must bring their script to every class, and that I will no longer be photocopying new scripts for those who have lost or misplaced theirs.
PARENTS: If your child needs a photocopy, I do want a written note from the parents requesting one. Or you may speak to me in person.
I will also need help in the preparation of costumes. Your children will be dressed as townspeople from the Renaissance ere, unless they receive a speaking role.
GRADE 4, 5, 6, & 7
We have been very busy discussing how to put on a production. The children were given explanations and definitions in terms of what is required to be a stage manager, director, choreographer, PR & promotions coordinator, properties master, stage hand, set designer, and costume designer.
Many have eagerly applied for the apprenticeship positions. These will be allocated only to some students, usually one per position. The decision is based on their participation in class, their behaviour, their ability in that department, and their willingness and eagerness as demonstrated in their interview.
Their assistance will be only for the production of The Pied Piper, not Julius Caesar.
Scripts for Julius Caesar will be distributed as they arrive.
PARENTS: I will need a note from parents indicating that the full script has been read before your child will be given a role. Unfortunately, many children will only read their own role and not the entire script. Once on stage they do not understand blocking, sequencing, etc. and do not know when it is their turn to enter. It is imperative that each child read the entire script from start to finish and watch the Animated BBC version located at the bottom of this blog.
PIED PIPER PRODUCTION - Audition/Apprenticeship Results
JK's - children from the town of Hamelin (Charlotte and Klara to LEAD and play clapping game)
SK's - rats
Grade 1, 2, 3 - townspeople
Pied Piper - Sarah Silva (understudy Peyton)
Mayor - Peyton (understudy Daniel)
Lame Boy - Gabe (TBA)
Fat Rat - TBA (understudy TBA)
Townsperson 1 - TBA
Townsperson 2 - Poorvi
Narrator 1 - Adil
Narrator 2 - Adrianna
Narrator 3 - Sara
Narrator 4 - Kyle C.
Assistant Director(s) - Adrianna
Assistant Stage Manager - Josiah
Assistant Choreographer - Sara
Assistant Music Selectors - Sara & Kyle C.
Assistant Set Designer(s) - Arielle & Evan
Assistant Costume Designer(s) - Keanna & Kyle C.
Assistant Properties Master(s) - Adrian & Jude
Assistant Public Relations & Promotions Coordinator(s) - Adil & Sara
Stage hands (Sheepherders) to be in character as Townspeople - Cadance(LEAD), Adrian, Kyle T., Damian, Paul, Alberto, KingsLi, Alyssa, (I might need more.)
JULIUS CAESAR PRODUCTION
The script has not yet been finalized. You will not receive a script even after I have it photocopied if you do not prove to me that you have at least watch the Animated BBC verstion of Julius Caesar.
Your roles will be given to you based on your past performances and your in-class and on-stage behaviours. I did tell you that your behavious and participation will make an impact sooner or later.
And.......Curtains!
Mrs. Deras
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