Mt Washington Valley School To Career Partnership
Teacher Name: Christine Haley
Grades: K-6 General Music/Theater Director
School: John Fuller Elementary, 51 Pine Street, North Conway, NH 03818
School Phone: 603-356-5381
Email: litlfarm@ncia.net
Externship: Mount Washington Valley Theater Company
Lesson Description: Students will learn about the many jobs and aspects needed to put on a musical by learning about and participating in the rolls of;
=> producer
=> director
=> music director
=> choreographer
=> set designer
=> stage manager
=> sound manager
=> lighting manager
=> property manager
=> costume manager
=> publicity manager
=> performer
Activities:
1. Prior to auditions, ask for students (grades 4-6) who would be truly interested in "shadowing" and assisting an adult(s) in one of the jobs listed above (except performer) for the duration of the musical's production.
A. A commitment must be made by both the student and adult to fulfill the required time duration.
B. Students will collectively brainstorm a list of skills needed and demands of each job.
• I suggest using the K.W.L. (what we Know, what we Want to know, what we Learned) method of brainstorming. Create 3 separate charts for each theater job. Complete the "K" and the "W" charts at the first meeting. The "L" chart is done once the activity is over. This is a very effective way to organize the students' learning experience.
C. Pair off each student with the adult(s) that would be in charge of the specified area of interest for them.
Mt Washington Valley
School To Career Partnership
2. Students will keep record of their learning experiences, thoughts and ideas by journaling throughout the duration of the musical.
A. The following are suggested journal "starters":
• If I were in charge, I'd...
• The hardest part of...
• It's easy for me to...
• I like(d) it when...
• I'm proud of the time when...
• I feel important when...
• it bothers me when...
• I'd like to say a good thing about ______ because...
• I like the way I...
• Sometimes I wonder if...
• I would like someone to help me...
• I'm learning to...
B. The students should keep their journal entries focused on the musical and how they are involved with it.
C. Encourage the students to periodically share a journal entry with you.
3. Regularly scheduled meetings will be held for all (students & adults) involved, as would be with a "professional" theater company.
• Encourage the students to contribute any and all ideas for the musical while at these meetings. They must understand that all departments must work as a "whole" unit in order to have a successful musical.
A. Begin the meetings by allowing each department head to update everyone on their progress as well as any concerns or needs his or her department might have. Insist that this part of the meeting is only for "putting things out on the table." Problem solving is done at a later time in the meeting. Suggest that everyone involved take notes. If they wish to contribute a solution to something presented, they can do it later in the meeting.
B. The second component of the meetings should be devoted to problem solving and comments.
Mt. Washington Valley School To Career Partnership
C. The director should wrap-up every meeting with his or her goals for the upcoming time frame. Everyone should leave the meetings with a clear outlook on what expected for the overall success of the production.
4. After the final production, all students will meet one more time as a group to complete the "L" (What we Learned) part of the brainstorming charts. • It is very important for the adults to be at this meeting as well: it should be a learning experience for everyone!
Assessment / Outcomes:
=> Through journaling and careful monitoring, the instructor will be able to see progress.
=> Throughout the duration of the musical, the students will be submerged into many components of theater other than that of the performer(s) on stage. By doing this, a desire to be more involved in the performing arts will develop.
=> The students will come away with the understanding that a musical includes
so much more than just acting and singing. There is an abundance of careful
=> Ultimately, the students will gain a comprehensive insight to what is involved in putting together a musical.
