Phase: | During/Explore/Explain |
Activity: |
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Assessment Strategies: | The teacher can evaluate the effectiveness of the student's script analysis by comparing the student's selected props with props used for the character in a previous production. Previous production photos could be found online and used as a reference. The teacher can also have formative assessments regarding how the props could assist in creating authenticity/believability within a character. The teacher can also check the description of the props (on the list or through formative assessments) to ensure that students are meeting the demands of the time period in the play. The teacher can check the research completed by the student through formative assessments by asking students to describe their process and how/why they chose select props for select characters. By generating discussion about their artistic choices, the student is trained on how to defend their artistic choices while also explaining their research methods to the teacher. It also allows for an open discussion about prop choices that might be correct while addressing choices to might need to be modified to fit the production. Extra steps for assessment might include: Additional script analysis assessment would include cross checking the students' Prop List with a Prop List that might be printed off from the back of the script (if available); if there is a Prop list on the back of the script, do not let them have a copy of it while completing this activity, but use it as a guide to ensure they have everything the play needs. If a Prop List is not available in the back of the script, the teacher, stage manager, props master or student aide would need to create a prop list from the script as a Key. Do not count off for extra props listed, but ask the students about these props and see when/where they saw the need for it (page or scene number). Some of these props could turn into set dressing if actually producing the show [or possibly even used in the play]. |
Advanced Preparation: | Before: Before this activity takes place the entire class or individual students must read the entire play. The play can be a full length, a one-act, or a ten-minute play, whatever works for the class level. The play will be the basis for the prop list that will be built later by the students. The play can be as prop heavy (or prop light) as required, depending on the detail/time you have to complete this activity. Print off Prop List Template (digital tool) for each group who is doing this learning activity. |
Variation Tips (optional): | Break up this learning activity based on scenes. Let a small group do a prop list for Scene 1, another small group do a prop list for Scene 2, etc. If there are not enough props in the show you have read for all students to participate, give each group of students a short play to read and then create a prop list for that specific short play. |
Notes or Recommendations (optional): | Use a more prop heavy script for advanced students, possibly even a full length. Use a short play with few props (or possibly none mentioned) and have the students use their imagination to select props that might be handy for the characters based on the dialogue. |
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