Silent Film
A Learning Activity is a strategy a teacher chooses to actively
engage students in learning a concept or skill using a digital tool/resource.
You may save this Learning Activity to your hard drive as an .html file by
selecting “File”,then “Save As” from your browser’s
pull down menu. The file name extension must be .html.
This learning activity provided by:
Author:
Amy Patel
System: Madison City School: James Clemens High School
General Activity Information
Activity ID:
1794
Title: Silent Film
Digital Tool/Resource: Silent Film Assignment Description
Web Address – URL:
Overview: Students apply their knowledge of physical acting by creating a short silent film, in the style of Charlie Chaplin.
This activity was created as a result of the Arts COS Resource Development Summit.
Associated Standards and Objectives
Content Standard(s):
Arts Education 5) Collaborate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
Unpacked Content
Artistic Process: Creating
Anchor Standards:
Anchor Standard 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Process Components: Develop
Essential Questions:
EU: Theatre artists work to discover different ways of communicating meaning.
Concepts & Vocabulary:
Research
Author research
previous productions of the specific play
Analysis
Text breakdown
Expositions
Public Solitude
Biomechanic
Vocal
Movement
Method of Physical Action
Warm ups
Laban
Characterization
emotional memory
sense memory
substitution
affective memory
given circumstances
ensemble work
Design
lighting
innovation/evolution of technical theatre
technical crews and their jobs
Theatrical production
World of the play
Production concept
Copyrights and the right of the playwright Skill Examples:
Students will pick one of 10 plays that represent plays from across multiple genres. They will begin the design process using research about prior productions of our play. They will work together to present their design for the play. Their research will be a large part of their grade.
Students will study lighting in class. They will have lecture and discussion about the evolution of lighting in theatre. They will also discuss how lighting has allowed them to accomplish more with less instruments. Additionally, the students will "invent" their own lighting instrument that will fix the issues that they are currently experiencing as designers and technicians.
The students will begin studying the acting technique of Stanislavski and The Method. They will demonstrate their new knowledge in their monologues for class.
Students will work together to create a performance of Edgar Lee Master's Spoon River Anthology. They will work together to find pieces for every student in the class that work within the intent of the assignment. Students will create strong characters based off the short monologues in the play. Students will pair and critique each other during the process. Students can perform for other classes or film themselves for a final review after the performance.
Students will create costumes, lighting, sound and a set design for their performance of Edgar Lee Master's Spoon River Anthology .
Arts Education 9) Apply reliable research of directors' styles to form unique choices for a directorial concept in a drama/theatre work.
Unpacked Content
Artistic Process: Performing
Anchor Standards:
Anchor Standard 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Process Components: Select
Essential Questions:
EU: Theatre artists make strong choices to effectively convey meaning.
Concepts & Vocabulary:
Research
using information from research and the text to guide the production
Analysis
Picturization
Dramaturgical analysis for directing
Vocal
comedic timing
realistic vocal work
Movement
Using Viewpoints to use movement to create character
Using technique to create specific movement motivated by text, and character
Characterization
By learning multiple acting techniques
Design
How does the audience, theatre space and or style of the play influence design
Theatrical production
Theatrical genres have a profound impact on the entire production and the success of the production Skill Examples:
Students will learn directing technique through lecture and classroom exercises. Students will identify the spectrum of an evolutionary director versus a director that is totally planned.
Students will study Viewpoints in class. Use exercises in class to show different benefits of the process. Students will use these techniques for scene work. They will have a class performance and will have oral critique and written critique.
Students will, after studying Viewpoints, Strasburg, Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, use these techniques for a class play. They will audition, rehearse and perform their play.
Students will create a children's play. They will write, rehearse and perform this show for the students in grades 3-5 in other schools.
Learning Objectives: Students will apply body language and physical acting principles to create characters.
Students will collaborate with peers to devise a story that relies on physical action, rather than spoken word.
Students will apply physical acting styles from early silent movies to create their own silent film.
Strategies, Preparations and Variations
Phase: During/Explore/Explain
Activity:
Assessment Strategies:
Advanced Preparation:
Variation Tips (optional): Teachers may show scenes from The Kid rather than showing the entire film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUMDfIaCEu8
Students may edit their short film using a variety of software or apps available on their phones or computers. (Check with your school's technology coordinator for more specific guidelines.)
If technology is not available, students can present their silent "film" live onstage instead.
Notes or Recommendations (optional):
Keywords and Search Tags
Keywords and Search Tags:
