I was intrigued by the section on simulation in the reading. We use simulations a lot in theatre lessons because the easiest way to understand something is by doing it (this can apply to a variety of subjects). For example, simulations could be used in lessons about the audition process and casting. Before doing this lesson make sure that all the students have a general gist of the story and the characters for the play you are working on in class. Also make sure that every student has done research on a monologue they would recite for this audition (something they know well enough to not have the paper glued to their nose but not necessarily memorized). Start the class by selecting four students to simulate a panel of judges casting for the show Much Ado About nothing (or whatever play you are working on). During the audition process be a director (teacher in-role) and after every monologue, or couple of monologues talk to the judges and ask them what they think and why that person would be good or not in the show. Rotate through judges and auditioners—you can switch after every four monologues or so. At the end of the simulation you can have a really good discussion about the auditioning process, students fears, and the difficulties of casting a show, especially when those who are auditioning are people you know. You can also analyze what is most important about the auditioning process for each student. The next class students could bring in media works (blogs about auditioning, pictures, videos, etc) that could help to solve some of the problems that were mentioned in the discussion the previous day.
3 comments:
I really enjoy this idea... but what if the students got nasty with each other? I feel like this could be a really nerve-wracking experience for your students. Auditioning for each other after working so hard... I dunno, I just know it would terrify me to audition in front of my fellow students instead of someone I saw as a professional.
Way to go with the teacher in role, I wonder if you could extend this into a sort of mantle of the expert where the roles inside an acting company stayed through the whole unit.
What if you started out the audition as the judge, and had the students you know would have a harder time with their peers judging them go first, so that YOU are judging them and can make absolutely sure that it's safe.
Also, what about the bad side of auditions, with bad directors etc (ex. George's 336 Directing lesson on auditions)? That could be another lesson or incorporated into this one.
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