Shakespeare's Words

Have you ever read a play by Shakespeare?
Which one?
What was different about the language used in the play?

Theater I: Journal Entries #3 & #4 (4/14)

Journal #3: FIRST DAY

Think back to the first day of school. . .

What did your teachers go over?

What did you DO in class that day?

Journal #4: NOTES

Casting

Choosing the Right People to do the Job

On Casting…

After reading the quotes, why do you think directors believe casting is so important?

“Casting is everything. If you get the right people they make you look good.”

“Casting is 65 percent of directing. “

“Casting is sort of like looking at paintings. You don't know what you'll like, but you recognize it when you see it.

The First Rehearsal

Getting our Act Together

What to Expect:

• The director will distribute scripts.

• The stage manager will go over rehearsal etiquette & expectations.

•Contracts (if any) will be signed/returned.

• Cast and crew introductions will be made.

• Rehearsal schedules will be distributed.

• A contact list will be distributed.

• The cast will do a “read-through,” the initial reading of the script.

Why do you think it’s important to do cast & crew introductions at the first rehearsal?

Why do you think a “contact list” is important to a cast & crew?

Production Meetings

(What do all those techies DO, anyway?)

Production Meeting FACTS…

• Production meetings involve ALL TECHNICAL positions.
• They are held 3-4 times during rehearsal period.

Topics of discussion include:

• Design concepts

• Scheduling

• Overall tech (lights, sound, costumes, etc.)

• Budget

• Publicity

• House management

Name the areas of technical theater that would be included in production meetings.

Theater I: Journal Entries #1 & #2 (4/13)

Journal #1 (4/13/2010): AUDITIONS

Have you ever tried out or auditioned for anything? If so, what was it? How were the auditions/tryouts organized? Did you enjoy it?

Journal #2 (4/13/2010): NOTES

1. Choosing a Play

Directors and producers choose the play. Often, just the director.

They choose plays that they enjoy, that speak to them and their audience.

In high school productions, directors take into consideration WHO THEY HAVE and SPECIFIC CHALLENGES.

What does “who they have” mean?

What types of challenges would a high school director have that would affect play selection?

2. Reading the Play

Directors read to know:

genre

characters

plot

setting

theme

3. AUDITIONS!

AUDITIONS may be held in two ways:

Cold Readings

In a “cold” reading, the actor reads from a piece of the script (a “side”) with another actor or actors.

Monologues

In this type of audition, actors come prepared with one or more memorized monologues to perform.

Which type of audition would YOU prefer? WHY?

Who ELSE is at this AUDITION???

1.Director

2.Assistant Director (if there is one!)

3.Stage Manager

4.Producer (sometimes)

Directors look for actors who:

• physically “fit” the parts

• can be heard

• can take direction

Theater I: Set Design

Journal # 10:            Set Design Vocabulary

 

1. Setting

The location where the play takes place.

Settings can change from scene to scene within a play.

 

2. Rendering

A colored sketch or drawing of a setting or a costume.

 

3. Set Props

A piece of furniture (or a big thing, like a tree) that is part of a set.

 

4. Floor Plan

A birds-eye view drawing of the setting. It shows where things are in the setting.

Designers make a floor plan before they build a set. The floor plan helps them see the size and placement of the background and set props.

 

5. Unit set

Single setting which can represent a variety of locales with the simple addition of properties or scenic elements.

 

6. Flats

Flat pieces of theatrical scenery which are painted and positioned on stage so as to give the appearance of buildings or other background

 

7. UIL Unit Set

The unit set approved for use by the University Interscholastic League

 

8. Three-fold flats

Three smaller flats joined at two places by hinges to “unfold” into three sections.  Used in UIL unit set.

 

9. Two-fold flats

Two flats joined together by a hinge to “unfold” into two sections.  Used in UIL unit set.

 

10. Step units

Moveable steps or stairs used in UIL unit set that vary in width.  The UIL unit set includes 2’ and 4’ wide step units.

 

11. Pylons

Narrow set pieces that resemble pillars or columns.  Used in UIL unit set, and vary in heighth.  UIL unit set uses 4’, 6’, and 8’ pylons.

 

12. Platforms

A raised horizontal surface.  Used in UIL unit set, and vary in size.  UIL unit set includes 4’ x 4’, 4’ x 8’, and 1’ x 1’ platforms.  1’ x 1’ platforms resemble blocks (or small cubes)

13. Ramps

An inclined surface.  Used in UIL unit set.  UIL ramps are 4’ x 4’ and incline from the floor level to 1’ above.

 

Theater I: Journal Entries #8 and #9

Journal #8: Stage Makeup Notes

There are two main types of stage makeup:  Corrective  &  Creative.

Stage Makeup Facts

Corrective Makeup…

• “Everyday” makeup or “street” makeup

Question: What types of makeup do you know that some people use everyday? 

Question: How do they use these tools and supplies?  

Creative Makeup…

• Enables actors to “inhabit” any type of character!

Question: Have you ever worn “creative” makeup?  When?  Why?

Question: What kind of character did you portray in that makeup?

Makeup Materials…

Cream shadows/colors

Softened wax

Liquid latex

Spirit gum (or chewed bubble gum!)

Foam rubber

“Street” makeup (eyeliner, eyeshadow, foundations)

Anything you can imagine!!!

Makeup Assignment

Journal #9: “Fight Club” Scene

Step 1: With a partner, write a short scene of dialogue (about 10 lines) between TWO CHARACTERS that leads to a creative, physical fight.

Step 2: After you have written your scene, use your creative art skills to draw a MAKEUP PLOT – basically, a drawing of the faces of the people in your scene and what their makeup will look like based on their injuries.  (Bruises, scratches, burns, other objects… get creative.  It’s okay to be funny – you don’t have to get too gorey.)

Make sure to LABEL what materials you’ll be using.  Get creative – eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipstick, blush, cotton balls, chewing gum… they can all be used in NON-TRADITIONAL WAYS!

Theater I: Journal Entry #7 - Props

Props - #7

List 10 common objects - ones you might find around your house or this classroom.

Then, next to each object, list at least ONE NEW WAY to USE each object as a prop.  (For example, if you listed a broom, how might you use that broom in a way that is different than the common use - sweeping?)

Theater I: Journal Entry #5 & #6

Entry #5: Basic Theater Safety Rules

1. Safety is your responsibility.

2. Clean up spills as soon as they occur.  Clean up your space as you go!

3. Move carefully and don't run!

4. The Dismissed by Table Rule!

Entry #6: My Experience as a Costume Designer

Write a brief entry that answers the following:

1. What did you enjoy?

2. What did you dislike?

3. What would you change about the project?

4. Anything else you'd like to get off your chest??? :-)

Theater I: Toilet Paper Costume Design

See Ms. Yanchak if you did not receive a project outline and rubric.

Wednesday 2/3: Brainstorming (see Journal #4)

Thursday 2/4: Sketch/Design

Friday 2/5: Sketch/Design DUE today

Monday 2/8: Standard Materials due IN LABELED BOX today

Tuesday 2/9: Creation Day!  We'll be building the costumes in class!

Journal #4: Brainstorm!

Write down ALL of your ideas for what kind of superhero you'll be designing!  (Every member of the group should have this in their journal.)

Theater I: Journal Entry #3 - Costume Design (1/28)

Journal #3: Costume Design

COSTUMES 101: Dressing the Part

 

COSTUME “NEED-TO-KNOW”

- Every garment worn in a production is a costume piece.
- Costumes are a storytelling tool.

- Costumes convey information about the character to the audience.

- What kind of information???

 

WHAT DO COSTUMERS DO?

And what’s the big deal about it, anyway?

 

COSTUMERS MUST…
1. Read the script!

2. Know the LOCATION (setting).

3. Know the TIME.

4. Know the ACTION in each scene.

 

RESEARCH!

-  After a designer reads the script, they meet with the director to discuss their plans.

- Then, they can begin to RESEARCH the costume design…

- How do you do RESEARCH for a project at school?

COSTUME RESEARCH

 Library

 Internet

 Travel

 Interviews

 Art

 Imagination

 

In journal: Costume Design PROJECT (20 points):

·      Choose an occasion from the list below:

Going to play paintball
"A wolf in sheep's clothing"
Going to church
Going to a job interview
Going to the airport for vacation
At home, sick
First day of school
A first date
Going to a HOME football game
Going to your favorite band's concert
Going to prom
Visting Grandma (or another old relative)
Going to a funeral
Going to a wedding

 

·      Make a list of descriptions of the articles of clothing that you own that you might wear on this occasion.

Shirt:

Pants/skirt:

(Dress?):

Socks:

Shoes:

Hat/hair accessories:

Belt:

Jewelry/other accessories:

 

·      The next day you attend school, WEAR THE COSTUME YOU HAVE DESIGNED.  (Make sure that you remain in DRESS CODE.)  You will be asked to give a short presentation to the class on why you have chosen the specific costume pieces.

Theater I: Journal Entry #2 - Intro to Technical Theater 1/27

Journal #2: Intro to Technical Theater - 1/27

Intro to Technical Theater

The Basics

•Theater depends on people working TOGETHER.
•The people who work behind the scenes are called “technicians.”

Technicians

•Create the environment & effects.
•Usually OUTNUMBER the performers!

•Work in several areas of focus…

1.SET 2.PROPS

3. LIGHTS 4. SOUND

5. COSTUMES 6. MAKEUP

Technicians may also include the RUN CREW and stage managers.

 

SET DESIGN

•Set designers come up with the initial concept of a set.

•SET CREW will BUILD the set.

 

PROPS

•Properties crew is in charge of gathering & organizing PROPS.

•Props may have to be RENTED,
BORROWED, BOUGHT, or BUILT.

 

LIGHTS

•LIGHTING can establish the mood, time, and place of a play.

•Lighting designers decide: WHAT, WHERE, and WHEN.

•WHAT type of lights to use.

•WHERE to focus them.

•WHEN to turn them on.

 

SOUND

•Sound designer decides on music & sound effects.
•SOUND also includes any amplification!

 

COSTUMES

•Costume designers create or choose the clothing that the actors will wear.

•Costumes may be RENTED, BORROWED, BOUGHT or BUILT/SEWN.

 

MAKEUP

•Makeup refers to wigs, hairstyles, and false features AS WELL AS cosmetics.

•Actors typically do their own makeup in live theater.

•When there’s something SPECIAL, though, they need help!

 

PLEASE REMEMBER:

•TECHNICIANS in theater have to be PREPARED with all materials/designs.

•They must also WORK TOGETHER to keep a safe and clean work space.

 

Theater II & III: Journal Entry - Day One (1/26)

Write down your impressions upon reading your script with your cast/group.  Make sure to include positive impressions AND negative impressions... This is supposed to be YOUR OPINION.  Please make sure that you think for yourself.

Theater I: Journal Entry #1 - Shakespeare Insults (1/26)

Using the lists provided, write FIVE of your own Shakespearean insults.  Try to come up with the meanest, silliest sounding insults!

(The Insult Lists can be found here.)

Theater I: Journal #12 and In-Class Reading/Work

Journal Entry #12 PLOT STRUCTURE (11/30/09):

Read pages 138 -140 and pages 144 – 145.  Make sure to know the diagram and parts of the plot structure on page 145.  (You may omit the element of “crisis” as it is really part of rising action!)

Read the sample scene on page 142 between RAY and MOLLY.  Using the sample script, and the Plot Structure diagram on page 145, continue plotting out the short scenario involving Molly and Ray.  This will look like a list of elements of plot structure followed by a description of a situation.  An example is below:

Exposition: Ray has committed robbery.  Although no one was hurt, the police are after him.

Inciting Incident: He goes to see his mother to get the keys to a getaway car.  She takes the keys and puts them in her pocket.

Rising Action:

Turning Point:

Falling Action:

Resolution:

Be imaginative in getting to the resolution.  The characters do not have to be heroic or good-hearted.

 

Journal entry #12, cont. VOCAB (12/2/09):

Write the definitions to the following words in YOUR OWN WORDS first.  If you don’t know, look at the word and its parts to guess what it might mean.

Then, find the definitions in the glossary or index of your textbook to write in the accurate definition.

(Hint: They’re both types of characters.)

protagonist                                    archetype

 

12/2/09:  In-class assignment: Write a short 2 person scene in which one person is the protagonist and another is an archetype.  (There are many types of both!)

Theater I: Journal #11 - Wants

Name three things that you wanted (to have, to get, to do, etc.).

What were the OBSTACLES you faced?

What were the STAKES (what was risked if you did/did not get what you wanted)?

What were the TACTICS you used to get what you wanted?

Theater I: Journal #10 - Vocabulary

Journals are due no later than Monday, November 16.  After that point, they are LATE --- and will receive no more than a 70%.

Entry #10: Vocabulary

obstacles: anything that gets in the way of a character's OBJECTIVE (their goal or goals)

stakes: RISKS that a character takes in order to achieve their OBJECTIVE

tactics: the ways that a character tries to obtain their OBJECTIVE

conflict: the main problem a character faces

Today we played the game "Control Tower..." If you can remember the OBJECTIVE, the STAKES, and the TACTICS used/created in the game "Control Tower," you'll be able to remember the definitions of the above words.

Theater I: Journal #9 - Vocabulary!

It's time for another exciting round of.... VOCABULARY!

ensemble acting: acting/working together to create the whole picture, without putting focus on any INDIVIDUAL actors (think: the television show "Friends")

"going up": forgetting lines or actions during a rehearsal or performance

objective: what a character WANTS

interplay: interaction among characters

emoting: expressing emotion

JOURNAL CHECK FOR ENTRIES 7, 8, & 9 NEXT WEEK!  (Monday - Friday)

After Friday, November 13 -  your journal will be LATE.

Theater II & III: Journal #9 - Position

Theater III: This journal entry must be handed in at the start of class TOMORROW (Tuesday, November 3).

Having read the "evidence" (i.e. the script thus far), which character could you ETHICALLY side with?  (Margaret Narwin or Philip Malloy?) Why?

Use facts to support your position.

Theater III: Observation Paper Deadline Approaches

Theater II: Journal #8 - Character Assumptions

Choose one of the following characters and write what the audience can assume about him or her.  On what do they base their assumptions?

Margaret Narwin

Philip Malloy

Administrator/Intercom voice

Theater III: Don't forget that your OBSERVATION PAPER is due:

Friday, December 11th

45 days left!  Go see a show!  Write your observation paper!

Theater I: Journal #8 - Play Selection & Description

First: Select one of the following plays.  Choose wisely, as this will be the scene you will be working on for your next project.  (If you have not read the scenes with us in class, then a scene will be assigned to you.)

Pleasantville Dead Parrot Blithe Spirit Ferris Bueller Mean Girls

Second:  In your own words, describe a person that you know very well.  This might be a brother or sister, a friend, another family member, or a teacher.  WITHOUT USING THEIR NAME, describe this person IN DETAIL.  Please make sure to write about their appearance, their personality traits, their likes and dislikes -- anything that makes up who they are as a person.

Theater I: Journal #7 continues! Vocabulary!

Ch-ch-check it out!  Word on the street is, you'll need to know these terms for your next theater project!

 

Add them to your #7 journal entry for 10/20/09!

 

blocking: movement of actors onstage

 

staging: bringing to life onstage

 

director: a person who oversees the entire production (generally what you see onstage)

 

actor: a person who portrays a character

 

cross: movement from one place to another

 

cast: (noun) a group of actors who play the roles in a production, (verb) to be selected to play a role

 

"upstaging": stealing the focus in a scene

 

cue: signal for something to happen

 

prop/property: anything an actor handles onstage

 

set: the onstage physical environment that actors perform in/on

 

QUIZ Wednesday, October 21 on STAGE AREAS.  Be prepared.

 

Please make sure that you have your journal checked by Ms. Yanchak BEFORE THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23.  Please arrange to make up any missed assignments by this time as well.