Grade 3
This week we reviewed stage directions. We also discussed the definitions of SCRIPT, DIRECTOR, NARRATOR, CAST, STAGE MANAGER, AND STAGE HANDS.
We focused and acted out the emotion of being "Scared" by Jane Bingham.
We also read four books to determine a potential script for the Christmas concert. We narrowed it down to two.
Grades 6, 7 and 8
This week we discussed seeing "Twelfth Night" by W. Shakespeare in Stratford. We will need to review theatre etiquiette, but most already know how to behave, and the rest are just being silly (I hope).
We discussed and planned the Christmas concert, as I expect them to help prepare it for the rest of the school.
HOMEWORK: Every student is to bring in a short passage to practise reading with emotion and fluency - out loud.
Grades 1 and 2
All children took part in an activity highlighting animal movements but with emotion - we had some sad lions, and happy fish, and annoyed elephants.
We read books by Jane Bingham about emotions.
We practised walking in line.
Grades 4 and 5
We reviewed the rules and regulations of our class as we have a very chatty bunch of boys.
We then attempted to act out some scenes with emotions based on the books by Jane Bingham. We reviewed emotions.
We need very much to focus on walking in line, in pairs, on cue - more on this later.
HOMEWORK: the students are to prepare a list of 20 emotions - DUE: Monday
JK B
We started off our classes with the formation of a circle through the "Sleeping Bear Song" (this is an adaptation from the traditional Polish song - Stary Niedzwiedz Mocno Spi).
We then read the emotion books by Jane Bingham and practised making appropriate facial expressions and body movements.
We then expressed these through the song: "If you're .......... and you know it". (Happy, Sad, Angry, Scared)
The children then all answered the question: "What makes you happy?" It is pretty easy for them at this age.
JK A
We tried to start off with the circle song about the "Sleeping Bear". We are having some difficulties paying attention and doing what we are told.
We then listened to the books about emotions by Jane Bingham. We read "HAPPY" and followed up with how we behave and look when we are happy. We clap, we smile, we sing. The children all answered the question: "What Makes You Happy?"
JK B and ALL SK students
We began the class with the "Sleeping Bear" song in order to practise formations and following directions.
We studied all of Jane Bingham's books about emotions. The children then had everyone try to guess their emotion as they presented it one by one on stage.
The children practised being flowers that awaken, sang "If you're ............ and you know it" using different modes of expression for different emotions.
Following directions in drama is imperative! More on this with the next blog entry.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
First Drama Class
Welcome Back! It's a new school year, with fresh ideas, eager faces, and St. Jude's is in the Candidacy stage of obtaining International Baccalaureate Status. This means much for all of us, as we aspire to excellence in education. We look forward to a year filled with much dramatic flair and theatre arts to amuse, inspire, educate, and allow for creative thought to flourish. Let's hope to be all that we can.
Grades 6, 7, and 8
We went striaght into introductions with style. There was emphasis on speaking with accents, so that we may better understand Who We Are and Where We Come From.
The children had a review of rules so that drama class will be an environment filled with respect, trust, and growth to our fullest potential.
Grades 4 and 5
I need to know them, they need to know themselves, and we must see which areas of public speaking will require attention: introductions abounded as did a review of rules.
Most students remembered stage directions, and those who are new, learned them quickly in our "walk across the stage" game.
Grade 3
This group created the rules for behaviour in St. Jude's Auditorium as well as the requirements in drama class. Any complaints, turn to our pros, who have - themselves - requested that everyone be allowed to speak in turn, that we listen, and that parents refrain from flash photography when their children are on stage.
Not to worry - before we perform, we will post our rules for attending the theatre.
We also reviewed stage directions in the form of a game.
Grades 1 and 2
We began with mini-introductions and started to study movement and emotions. The class was very eager to imitate animal characteristics as well as to assign moods and feelings to their animals. We still have some eager participants to demonstrate this during our next class.
SK's
This group was introduced to public speaking, the stage, and bowing. Many look like pros who knew exactly what to do. We also started to study facial mimicking based on emotions.
JK's
This group began the study of emotions through games and songs. The children's tears of apprehension quickly turned to delight as we tried not to wake the angry bear. This then facilitated into easy introductions where everyone spoke quite clearly.
Looking forward to wonderful adventures on the stage!
Mrs. Deras
Welcome Back! It's a new school year, with fresh ideas, eager faces, and St. Jude's is in the Candidacy stage of obtaining International Baccalaureate Status. This means much for all of us, as we aspire to excellence in education. We look forward to a year filled with much dramatic flair and theatre arts to amuse, inspire, educate, and allow for creative thought to flourish. Let's hope to be all that we can.
Grades 6, 7, and 8
We went striaght into introductions with style. There was emphasis on speaking with accents, so that we may better understand Who We Are and Where We Come From.
The children had a review of rules so that drama class will be an environment filled with respect, trust, and growth to our fullest potential.
Grades 4 and 5
I need to know them, they need to know themselves, and we must see which areas of public speaking will require attention: introductions abounded as did a review of rules.
Most students remembered stage directions, and those who are new, learned them quickly in our "walk across the stage" game.
Grade 3
This group created the rules for behaviour in St. Jude's Auditorium as well as the requirements in drama class. Any complaints, turn to our pros, who have - themselves - requested that everyone be allowed to speak in turn, that we listen, and that parents refrain from flash photography when their children are on stage.
Not to worry - before we perform, we will post our rules for attending the theatre.
We also reviewed stage directions in the form of a game.
Grades 1 and 2
We began with mini-introductions and started to study movement and emotions. The class was very eager to imitate animal characteristics as well as to assign moods and feelings to their animals. We still have some eager participants to demonstrate this during our next class.
SK's
This group was introduced to public speaking, the stage, and bowing. Many look like pros who knew exactly what to do. We also started to study facial mimicking based on emotions.
JK's
This group began the study of emotions through games and songs. The children's tears of apprehension quickly turned to delight as we tried not to wake the angry bear. This then facilitated into easy introductions where everyone spoke quite clearly.
Looking forward to wonderful adventures on the stage!
Mrs. Deras
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
Congratulations to all actors from JK to Grade 7 who participated in either or both productions.
Overall you did a great job and gave great performances!
My apologies for not posting blogs from May 4th to May 25th.
We were deep in the throes of rehearsals going over our blocking, our diction, our positions, our backstage behaviour, our curtain call orders, our bowing, etc.
Costumes - all children received either a letter home (Grades: JK to 3) or I spoke with parents personally (Grades: 4-7).
Middle School: Most of you, in fact about 98% pulled through with borrowed bed sheets, or Mom's skirts, or sister's shoes, Dad's shirts, Grandmother's aprons, your own dresses, or new purchases of hats and suspenders, etc. A very very small group in the Middle school, did not do as told, and hence the consequence of looking a little out of place. You know who you are: try harder next time to pay attention when costumes are discussed in class. You're getting older and the responsiblity is to fall more and more on your shoulders to remember what to do and when to do it.
All children had the following drilled into them over the year. Some retained the information and it was obvious in their wonderful performances, others - nerves, jitters, absent-mindedness or forgetfulness got the better of them. Some just refuse to do as requested, and this was obvious on stage too.
Just a few stage reminders for whenever you find yourself performing:
PIED PIPER:
JK's the children - most looked adorable; handled themselves very well; followed through on their actions. The circle dance was sweet.
SK's the rats - you were wonderfully annoying and everyone made it into the river. Great job!
Grade 1 and 2 the children and townspeople - most of you finally stayed in character; had the appropriate facial expressions; did things on cue. Some did not - didn't look great. Try harder next time.
Grade 3
- the circle dance was very sweet and on cue! Wonderful!
- if there is a microphone: GET CLOSE TO IT; USE IT
- if there is no microphone: project loudly
- stay in character at all times - those who act look great; those who are too embarrassed, look silly
- learn your lines; practise with someone who understands the words if you do not
- read the ENTIRE script! You need to know what goes on around you, not just your lines
- take your time; be slow and deliberate in your movements and speaking roles; let your moment in the spotlight last!
- overall, a very good job! Give yoursevles a round of applause!
JULIUS CAESAR - Grade 4, 5, 6, and 7
- you did it! you finally let my yelling of directions sink in and you did it!
- you were audible (loud) because you projected
- you were clear because of your "fluency in reading exercises" and your SLOWING down
- you knew your blocking
- you cooperated on stage
- you knew your lines
- you took your time
- you made your movements deliberate
- you dealt with unexepected obstacles like seasoned performers
- you were even quiet backstage
- you were great!
- take another BOW!
A huge thank you goes out to my apprentice crew:
- to Adrianna and Josiah for keeping everyone where they were to be, and for writing it all down in the BOOK and on the backstage posters in big black letters; also for your intro and thank you
- to Sara for the music, choreography, and lunchtime practices that the little ones thought were playtime
- to Evan and Kyle C. for my magic portal door in the mountain
- to Jude and Adrian and their team for props and their constant setting up and taking down
- to Adil and Sara for posters and your attempt at a press release
- to Sara for compliling the names for the program
- to Cadance and Evan for keeping everyone quite in the wings
- to Keianna, Paul, and Arielle for the river
- to Cadance and her Mother for contribution of props
- to Keianna and Sara for helping to figure out costumes
- to Alyssa, Cadance, Daniel M., Kyle T., Damien, and Rory for your help on stage
- to Tito and KingsLi for your help backstage
A big thank you goes out to the teachers for accommodating endless run throughs.
Another thank you to our four Moms for their help with the mountain, costumes, and make-up.
Overall, we had wonderful performances - take another BOW!
Regards,
Mrs. Deras
Overall you did a great job and gave great performances!
My apologies for not posting blogs from May 4th to May 25th.
We were deep in the throes of rehearsals going over our blocking, our diction, our positions, our backstage behaviour, our curtain call orders, our bowing, etc.
Costumes - all children received either a letter home (Grades: JK to 3) or I spoke with parents personally (Grades: 4-7).
Middle School: Most of you, in fact about 98% pulled through with borrowed bed sheets, or Mom's skirts, or sister's shoes, Dad's shirts, Grandmother's aprons, your own dresses, or new purchases of hats and suspenders, etc. A very very small group in the Middle school, did not do as told, and hence the consequence of looking a little out of place. You know who you are: try harder next time to pay attention when costumes are discussed in class. You're getting older and the responsiblity is to fall more and more on your shoulders to remember what to do and when to do it.
All children had the following drilled into them over the year. Some retained the information and it was obvious in their wonderful performances, others - nerves, jitters, absent-mindedness or forgetfulness got the better of them. Some just refuse to do as requested, and this was obvious on stage too.
Just a few stage reminders for whenever you find yourself performing:
PIED PIPER:
JK's the children - most looked adorable; handled themselves very well; followed through on their actions. The circle dance was sweet.
SK's the rats - you were wonderfully annoying and everyone made it into the river. Great job!
Grade 1 and 2 the children and townspeople - most of you finally stayed in character; had the appropriate facial expressions; did things on cue. Some did not - didn't look great. Try harder next time.
Grade 3
- the circle dance was very sweet and on cue! Wonderful!
- if there is a microphone: GET CLOSE TO IT; USE IT
- if there is no microphone: project loudly
- stay in character at all times - those who act look great; those who are too embarrassed, look silly
- learn your lines; practise with someone who understands the words if you do not
- read the ENTIRE script! You need to know what goes on around you, not just your lines
- take your time; be slow and deliberate in your movements and speaking roles; let your moment in the spotlight last!
- overall, a very good job! Give yoursevles a round of applause!
JULIUS CAESAR - Grade 4, 5, 6, and 7
- you did it! you finally let my yelling of directions sink in and you did it!
- you were audible (loud) because you projected
- you were clear because of your "fluency in reading exercises" and your SLOWING down
- you knew your blocking
- you cooperated on stage
- you knew your lines
- you took your time
- you made your movements deliberate
- you dealt with unexepected obstacles like seasoned performers
- you were even quiet backstage
- you were great!
- take another BOW!
A huge thank you goes out to my apprentice crew:
- to Adrianna and Josiah for keeping everyone where they were to be, and for writing it all down in the BOOK and on the backstage posters in big black letters; also for your intro and thank you
- to Sara for the music, choreography, and lunchtime practices that the little ones thought were playtime
- to Evan and Kyle C. for my magic portal door in the mountain
- to Jude and Adrian and their team for props and their constant setting up and taking down
- to Adil and Sara for posters and your attempt at a press release
- to Sara for compliling the names for the program
- to Cadance and Evan for keeping everyone quite in the wings
- to Keianna, Paul, and Arielle for the river
- to Cadance and her Mother for contribution of props
- to Keianna and Sara for helping to figure out costumes
- to Alyssa, Cadance, Daniel M., Kyle T., Damien, and Rory for your help on stage
- to Tito and KingsLi for your help backstage
A big thank you goes out to the teachers for accommodating endless run throughs.
Another thank you to our four Moms for their help with the mountain, costumes, and make-up.
Overall, we had wonderful performances - take another BOW!
Regards,
Mrs. Deras
Monday, May 9, 2011
Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
ATTENTION PARENTS:
It's that time of year again, when we are approaching Grandparents' Day and the Spring Concert.
This year we will have two productions.
The first will be on May 27th and June 1st. It is the Pied Piper.
This is a student-driven production that has the entire school involved.
The younger children are acting in predominantly pantomime roles.
The older children are responsible for helping to stage the production and are involved on many fronts.
The second production is Julius Caesar.
It will take place only on June 1st.
Please check this blog and the school bulletin board regularly as I will be communicating this way to ensure that your child does his or her best on stage.
Currently we are looking for someone with sewing skills to help us create one very special costume. Please speak to me or your childs' teacher that you would be willing to make this very appreciated contribution.
Many thanks,
Mrs. Deras
Drama Teacher
JKs
We spent our time in class going over blocking - what happens in the play on stage and in what order.
We also reviewed rules of behaviour, what is a play, when it will be, and who's coming to watch.
We then went on stage and listened intently to how we are supposed to act and when. We rehearsed very well and we are trying hard to do our best.
PARENTS: Please be aware that costume requirements will be going home soon. Please check the bulletin board and this website.
SKs
We practised blocking and pantomime. There is much improvement. Some of us are very convincing.
We are listening intently for our cues.
PARENTS: Please be aware that costume requirements will be going home soon. Please check the bulletin board and this website.
Grades 1 and 2
We were on stage today! We practised blocking and pantomime and our one very important line.
Rehearsals are in full swing and the excitement is in the air.
PARENTS: Please be aware that costume requirements will be going home soon. Please check the bulletin board and this website.
Grade 3
We were on stage today! We rehearsed our lines and blocking and facial mimicking of what we want to show. We must learn our lines by heart, but deliver them SLOWLY AND WITH EXPRESSION AND EMOTION!
PARENTS: Please be aware that costume requirements will be going home soon. Please check the bulletin board and this website.
Grade 4, 5, 6, & 7
- There was a pep talk given as some still cannont get over the fact that some have more lines than others.
- We started blocking JC.
- We returned to class and took down the remaining historical facts surround the period of history in and around the time of Julius Caesar.
- We understand that what we put into this performance will determine its outcome.
- We have stopped complaining (for now).
PARENTS: Please be aware that costume requirements will be going home soon. Please check the bulletin board and this website.
Pied Piper Production
1. If you are part of the production team you must stay after school on Wednesdays from 3:45 to 4:15. Adil and Sara are to remain until 4:30.
2. Check this blog and school bulletin board regularly.
3. We will be having extra rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 2:00.
4. All students must learn their lines by heart except the narrators.
Julius Caesar Production
1. Check the blog regularly
2. Check the bulletin board regularly
3. If your core teachers do not need you and you have taken care of all responsibilities, your lunch recess on Wednesdays is now devoted to Julius Caesar rehearsals.
4. You must memorize your lines. Do this with friends who can help you deliver them accordingly. We will work on this in class as well.
5. Start asking your parents for large white bedsheets! One per person.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Deras
It's that time of year again, when we are approaching Grandparents' Day and the Spring Concert.
This year we will have two productions.
The first will be on May 27th and June 1st. It is the Pied Piper.
This is a student-driven production that has the entire school involved.
The younger children are acting in predominantly pantomime roles.
The older children are responsible for helping to stage the production and are involved on many fronts.
The second production is Julius Caesar.
It will take place only on June 1st.
Please check this blog and the school bulletin board regularly as I will be communicating this way to ensure that your child does his or her best on stage.
Currently we are looking for someone with sewing skills to help us create one very special costume. Please speak to me or your childs' teacher that you would be willing to make this very appreciated contribution.
Many thanks,
Mrs. Deras
Drama Teacher
JKs
We spent our time in class going over blocking - what happens in the play on stage and in what order.
We also reviewed rules of behaviour, what is a play, when it will be, and who's coming to watch.
We then went on stage and listened intently to how we are supposed to act and when. We rehearsed very well and we are trying hard to do our best.
PARENTS: Please be aware that costume requirements will be going home soon. Please check the bulletin board and this website.
SKs
We practised blocking and pantomime. There is much improvement. Some of us are very convincing.
We are listening intently for our cues.
PARENTS: Please be aware that costume requirements will be going home soon. Please check the bulletin board and this website.
Grades 1 and 2
We were on stage today! We practised blocking and pantomime and our one very important line.
Rehearsals are in full swing and the excitement is in the air.
PARENTS: Please be aware that costume requirements will be going home soon. Please check the bulletin board and this website.
Grade 3
We were on stage today! We rehearsed our lines and blocking and facial mimicking of what we want to show. We must learn our lines by heart, but deliver them SLOWLY AND WITH EXPRESSION AND EMOTION!
PARENTS: Please be aware that costume requirements will be going home soon. Please check the bulletin board and this website.
Grade 4, 5, 6, & 7
- There was a pep talk given as some still cannont get over the fact that some have more lines than others.
- We started blocking JC.
- We returned to class and took down the remaining historical facts surround the period of history in and around the time of Julius Caesar.
- We understand that what we put into this performance will determine its outcome.
- We have stopped complaining (for now).
PARENTS: Please be aware that costume requirements will be going home soon. Please check the bulletin board and this website.
Pied Piper Production
1. If you are part of the production team you must stay after school on Wednesdays from 3:45 to 4:15. Adil and Sara are to remain until 4:30.
2. Check this blog and school bulletin board regularly.
3. We will be having extra rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 2:00.
4. All students must learn their lines by heart except the narrators.
Julius Caesar Production
1. Check the blog regularly
2. Check the bulletin board regularly
3. If your core teachers do not need you and you have taken care of all responsibilities, your lunch recess on Wednesdays is now devoted to Julius Caesar rehearsals.
4. You must memorize your lines. Do this with friends who can help you deliver them accordingly. We will work on this in class as well.
5. Start asking your parents for large white bedsheets! One per person.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Deras
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