How do we use the realm of theatre to convey a story or  message??

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Over the course of its time, the Play Project has morphed into being one of social response ('12, '13, '14) to that of narrative creativity ('15, '16).   

 

The Play Project is a multi-curricular project, designed with Core Connections at the epicenter. Students use the medium of theatrical arts to convey a story to their audience. Students take their creativity to write and create their own play in ELA [CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3], then taking their knowledge of Math skills to design/create elements of a play (costumes, set, etc.) [CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.A.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.C.9]. Throughout the entirety of the project, students learn about the purpose of theatre and its foundations, steeped in Greek and Roman histories [NCES 6.H.2.3, 6.C.1.1, 6.CU.1]. As students develop these plays, they put to great use their theatrical skills and studies [6.C.1.3, 6.AE.1, 6.CU.1].

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Here are the outlines of the two paths this project has taken...

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2012 - 2015

Students learn about environmental issues in NC (Science), and then carry this knowledge over to develop, write, and create their own play (LA + CC). Throughout the project, students learn many of the historocities of theatre (Social Studies, Theatre Arts), and utilize mathematical approaches to creation and execution (Math) of their own designs. 

 

Beginning in Science, students discuss several key current environmental issues in NC related to their soil and Earth curriculum. After reading Hoot (Carl Haissen) in Language Arts, students embark in deep research to explore further specific environmental issues in NC, in order to create short presentations in class. From these presentations, students work as a class to determine which issue will become the theme of their plays.

 

From here, each LA class creates and edits their own 15-20 minute play exploring their topics and issues. Students also experience what it takes to create a play from scratch. In small design groups within their larger production group, students become creative architects by planning out how their play will be visually represented on stage. Students use their math skills and knowledge to help inform their designs of the play, and all aspects of play-making from costumes to sets to lighting are executed live on stage at the Durham Arts Council in downtown Durham. 

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2016 - present

Students learn about Greek Gods and their importance to the culture of society of Greece in ancient history (Social Studies). Students then carry their knowledge of the Greek Gods over to develop, write, and create their own play (LA + CC). Throughout the project, students learn many ways in which to utilize mathematical concepts to the creation of their plays designs (Math). 

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Following much of the same outline above, students create a 15-20 minute play exploring the driving question: What would it look like if a Greek God lived in modern times? Students hypothesize and present ideas in order to create a fuller, richer story of what some of the Greek Gods may look like in present day. This all culminates in a performance given at the Durham Arts Council in downtown Durham.