“I went on this amazing journey and I want to take you along.” Mark Travis
AIMS
- to encourage students to explore different types and styles of vocal masques/one-person shows
- to provide a performance/production opportunity for students
- to give students the opportunity to learn the process of creating theatre through practice
- to develop the students’ writing and editing skills
- to develop the students’ specific performance/production skills
- to develop the students’ ability to research history, art, music, religion, current events and the socio- political influences that may play a part in selecting material
- to give students the opportunity to explore the relationship between actor and audience
Description of the assignment:
This project begins with researching vocal masques (one person shows) and ends with a performance of your own. Through this project you will learn and experience the various roles required to make theatre and, indeed, the very nature of theatre itself.
The first concept you need to grasp is that there is no such thing as a one-person show. Theatre is a collaborative art, and this collaboration is essential to bring the piece to life. Once the piece is in the final editing stage, it is important to have another perspective or a director to help stage the piece. You are encouraged to work with a designer, or to take on some of the design responsibilities: lights, set, costume, props, sound, should be explored, thinking about how each element can help support the final production.
The first concept you need to grasp is that there is no such thing as a one-person show. Theatre is a collaborative art, and this collaboration is essential to bring the piece to life. Once the piece is in the final editing stage, it is important to have another perspective or a director to help stage the piece. You are encouraged to work with a designer, or to take on some of the design responsibilities: lights, set, costume, props, sound, should be explored, thinking about how each element can help support the final production.
Exploration and discussion of art, religion, socio-political, historical movements, current events as well as personal anecdotes that helped to influence and shape the vocal masque should be explored.
Research & STIMULUS
The stimulus can come from a multitude of sources. Each student most provide examples from the following list. Ensure you have a passionate connection to the stimulus.
- Theatre genres/styles
- Fact-based (at least two historical events & two current events that are social, political or socio-political)
- Art pieces, images, etc.
- A person (related to your personal life)
- A person (related to your school life)
- Famous quotes, famous lyrics, a poem.
- A character from play, a character from a story/novel.
- A story-line from a novel, a play, short-story, fairytale, myth.
- Traditional, Historical Movements in Film/Movies and/or Theatre
The Personal Touch
- Personal anecdotes – i.e.personal sayings
- Details* about your personality.
- Details* about important people in your life. Interview important people in your life. i.e. parents, siblings, friends, etc.
- What makes you laugh/cry?
- Tell stories which have impacted your life. Focus on the details, be factual. Do not attempt to be funny. Humour is in the details.
*Details: how they walk, talk, laugh, dance, gesture/mannerisms, what is important to them, what is important to your relationship, what do they wear, how do they wear it, how do they sit, what are some quirks.
Complete a CHARACTER BREAKDOWN.
Complete a CHARACTER BREAKDOWN.
Writing Drafts
Several in-class writing assignments will guide you through the process. Additionally, the stimulus and research should provide you with an opportunity to brainstorm ideas.
Record the entire process on a page titled 'Vocal Masque' on your website. Detail your initial responses to the stimulus/research.
Chooses a stimulus and begin the process of brainstorming. It is paramount that you brainstorm for this assignment. Continually brainstorming, reflecting is the key to your success for this assignment.
Journal all brainstorms, brain maps, scraps notes, reflections, ideas, revelations, etc; a multitude of rough drafts and evidence of editing must be presented.
Record the entire process on a page titled 'Vocal Masque' on your website. Detail your initial responses to the stimulus/research.
Chooses a stimulus and begin the process of brainstorming. It is paramount that you brainstorm for this assignment. Continually brainstorming, reflecting is the key to your success for this assignment.
Journal all brainstorms, brain maps, scraps notes, reflections, ideas, revelations, etc; a multitude of rough drafts and evidence of editing must be presented.
