Creativity

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

August 10, 2022 By dhcbaldwin 2 Comments

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

One of the things I appreciate about the subject I teach is its varied subjects within it. However as we know, not all students think the same way as I. I thought you might appreciate the five reasons your students will love set design–or at least that’s my hope.

If you are teaching theater and have reluctant students, I’d suggest teaching them about set design. I’ve yet to find a group of students who did not enjoy learning about it.

Many students love theater, but they are unwilling to perform and consequently they quit studying it and take another class instead. The reason? They just can’t find a place for themselves within it. Technical theater is a wonderful place for inclusion!

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

Truthfully, I think teaching set design is crucial for a student’s studies in theater arts. Let’s face it–a set design can make or break a production. Understanding its value and encouraging your students to appreciate it too will not only enrich their learning, but make them a more rounded arts person.

Think about it. The audience sits and looks at the set for the entire performance. Sometimes the set doesn’t change. That’s a loooong time to imagine the place.

I could wax poetic about my love for teaching set design. I am that much of a cheerleader for it. But here are some reasons your middle and high school students will love set design:

It’s highly creative–The sky is the limit when one is learning about set design.
It’s immediately gratifying–When you design a set and create a model of it (either with paper or through a set design software app.) you can watch your idea take shape right in front of you
Themes and motifs can be explored effortlessly–your ELA teacher will appreciate that you teach these concepts to your students
It’s a great way to learn cooperatively–If you have your students work in pair or teams, the design process is eye opening to them. As in life, everyone has an idea. They should all be heard and incorporated into the design if at all possible. Students learn to listen, adjust their opinions and consider others.
Set design skills can carry over into other subjects such as math or social studies. What a terrific way to apply what you learn. Design a set, measuring, ratios, etc. come into use. Researching a local such as France for a set design can be a super integration for a social studies or geography class.

The Challenges of Set Design

For Your Gifted Students

I used to challenge my students who needed something more difficult to design their set using a turntable in the center. Wow, that’s a great challenge! Not only is it tough to build, but will it work sufficiently?

Or what about a staircase? Students quickly learn that designing a staircase to scale is much more complex than just label a rectangle a set of stairs. Once a model is built the student sees the error of their measurements and that’s helpful, too.

How about a bridge? Again, it’s easy to design but difficult to execute.

A Little Trivia Break

Did you know Judy Dench wanted to be a set designer when she was young?
Or that Maurice Sendak (author of Where the Wild Things Are) became a set designer after his career as an author? (Me neither!)
How about the fact that real-life historical locations provided inspiration for the Hamilton musical set design? While the set isn’t literal, it draws inspiration from actual places. “One of the cool things about Hamilton is almost every single location is one that you can research and find actual visual support for, whether it’s on the internet or in history books, or if the actual location still exists,” says David Korins, the set designer. “We did a lot of research in my office, getting everything from what the Schuyler Home actually looked like to what it looked like in New York City in 1781 and 1776. And we put it all up on a big huge board on a wall in my office, and we picked and chose.”
If you want more information about the history of set design, check out this blog post, Past Present and Future Set Design

Teaching students that “less is more” can be easily demonstrated through set design. In the photo above, you see a simple set from the 2018 revival of Carousel. It contains a cyclorama with a cloudy night sky projected upon it and four miniature sail boats are part of the ground row. The rest of the set is wood pallets. Students understand this concept that’s why it’s one of the five reasons students love set design. Isn’t it effective? If you are need advice concerning selecting a production, check out this blog post: Critical Steps in Selecting a Play or Musical: Budget & Royalties

Permit me to brag a little

This is Brandon Davis. He was a student of mine when he was in middle school. He’s really made a great name for himself as a set designer. When I had Brandon in my drama class in sixth grade, he was quiet, creative and loved theater. You can see his work below and at www.brandonptdavis.com

If you aren’t aware, I have a store with Teacherspayteachers.com. In it, I sell drama education resources. In this particular case, let’s discuss my set design unit.

There are two–one for middle school and another a bundle of technical theater units for high school.

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

Here is my middle school design unit description:

During this eight-day unit over set design students learn about the history of set design, famous designers, develop a critical eye about what makes up an award- winning set design, create a ground plan for a fairy tale story of their choosing and draw a rendering. If you’d like a free lesson concerning set design, click here. Set Design, the Rendering

Here’s a added benefit–the students must work with ratios and measuring. (Hello math class!) The first two assignments are completed individually, but then the fun begins! The students are paired up to create a model working together towards the goal. There is even room for parents to celebrate the end of the unit with your students.

Included in the unit:

An overview of the unit for the teacher
Rationale for teaching design
History of scenic design
Set designer’s responsibilities
Teacher’s Script–what I say and how I say it!
Warm-up for day one
Procedures for each day (8)
Lecture notes including links
Information about the message color conveys
Rendering examples
Stage curtain sheets for rendering–one vertical, one horizontal
Step-by-step directions for model building including photo examples
Cheat sheet for various set pieces
Assignment sheet for each step of the design process
Exit slip prompts for 4 days
Grade sheet EDITABLE in a separate folder
Source page

High School Set Design and Others

As you would expect, my high school unit is more challenging. It includes studying three styles of theater–modernism, expressionism, surrealism. After reading a play of their choosing, the students select one style and design the set for that production. They build a model of their design or use software to design it in three dimensions.

Additionally if you want to take this idea even further, I have a theater artist biography and one pager assignment available. I have several planned, but for now I can offer you Ming Cho Lee.

If you are looking for advice a production’s design, check out this blog post: Critical Steps in Producing a Play or Musical: Set Design

In particular, I appreciate this quote from George C. Wolfe, playwright and director of Angels in America: Millenium Approaches who said:

“I love working with a set designer because, in many respects, you meet the set designer before you meet the actors. So it’s a chance for me as a director to figure out what I’m thinking and to explore how the space is going to actually be activated.”

I hope I’ve convinced you to teach design to your students. Maybe your students will become a set designer as mine did!

If you want more advice concerning set design, check out: Critical Steps in Producing a Play or Musical: Set Design

Need something for a substitute? Check out Exploring Theater Professions Video and Class Discussion Lesson.

What technical theater lessons have your students enjoyed learning? I’d love to know. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

April 27, 2022 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

If you are considering plays for the next school year, I’d like to recommend you take a look at this marvelous play. Here are the reasons I love The Giver play. Published by Dramatic Publishing, The Giver is adapted by Eric Coble from Lois Lowry’s book of the same name.

Reason Number #1

The story line of The Giver is intriguing from the very first line. Jonas’ world is perfect. Everything is under control and safe. There is no war or fear or pain. There are also no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. But when Jonas turns 12, he is chosen for special training from The Giver—to receive and keep the memories of the community. The Giver is the only person who holds the memories of real pain and real joy. Now Jonas will learn the truth about life—and the hypocrisy of his utopian world. Through this astonishing and moving adaptation, discover what it means to grow up, to grow wise, and to take control of your own destiny.

The play has roles for 4 men and 2-4 women and extras.

This novel is very popular with upper elementary and middle grade students. To that end, I’d suggest that high school theater programs mount the production and offer day performances for your area schools.

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

Reason #2 The Author

I dug around for information about Lois Lowry and found her website, Loislowry.com which states,, ” Born Lois Ann Hammersberg on March 20, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lowry is one of America’s most popular and versatile children’s book authors. She has written in a variety of fictional forms, from the WWII tale Number the Stars to the lighthearted adventures of Anastasia Krupnik to the fantastical The Giver.

The Giver was seen as controversial by some for its violent themes, sexual content (not mentioned in the play) and depiction of infanticide and euthanasia. Others, however, heaped praise on this remarkable work, and Lowry won the 1994 Newbery for the novel. Over the years, Lowry added to this examination of a dystopian future with Gathering Blue (2000), The Messenger (2004) and Son (2012).”

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

Reason Number #3 The Playwright

Eric Coble was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and raised on the Navajo and Ute reservations in New Mexico and Colorado. His scripts for adults have been produced on Broadway (Tony- and Pulitzer-nominated The Velocity of Autumn), off-Broadway (Bright Ideas), in all 50 states of the U.S., and on several continents.

His plays for young audiences include award-winning adaptations of Lois Lowry’s The Giver and Gathering Blue as well as Sherlock Holmes: The Baker Street Irregulars, Ghosts in the Machine, Swagger, Cinderella Confidential and a dozen other published scripts that have been produced at The Kennedy Center, Dallas Children’s Theatre, Childsplay, Metro Theatre Company, Oregon Children’s Theatre, First Stage, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Cleveland Play House, Adventure Stage, Alliance Theatre and many others. Awards include two AATE Distinguished Play Awards for Best Adaptation and the Charlotte Chorpenning Award for the body of work of a children’s playwright.

These two power house creatives alone make this play one you should seriously consider producing.

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

Technical Challenges of the Play

When designing the set, I’d suggest dividing your stage into two places–Jonas’ home and the Giver’s home. Give more space to the Giver’s home as most of the action occurs there. Several scenes can be played in front of the curtain or neutral space between the two sets.

As the play progresses, Jonas begins to understand the Giver, more and more things begin to have color. That’s a challenge. We considered several ways to depict the changes and finally landed on a technique magicians use–distract the audience and intrigue them to look where you want them to focus.

The Giver’s home requires bookcases full of books. Among other things, we painted four flats to look like identical. However, each flat was just a little different–the first book case flat was painted with all gray books. The second flat had several books painted in red or blue while the others were gray and so on until the last flat’s books has most of the books were any color but gray.

To accomplish this, my designer hung the flats in order, one in front of the other on a track (like a closet door track in your house). In the photo above you can see the flat, upstage behind the Giver. As the scenes progressed, the crew merely slid the first flat over past the stage curtains. Consequently, that left the second flat showing. This continued until every flat had been used. At the same time, the crew switched out a few props on the standing bookcases, so they began to be more colorful, too.

To help contain the action, we hung pieces of grey cloth (of varying shades of gray) from the light battens. Sometimes the stage lights would shine on the cloth and sometimes not.

As you can see the costumes are simple. You just need grey or shades of it for everyone. Most of my cast found their own costumes and it worked just fine. We made the Giver’s costume and an older woman character’s costumes (used a bible character sewing pattern).

The Biggest Challenge

The most difficult parts of this play are the sound and lights. Since this was a community theater production, we had access to skilled lighting and sound board operators. There are many light and sound cues and they are vital to the production. However, if you don’t have access to both using simple lights which can dim and even live sound effects will work.

Audiences will stretch their imaginations if you are consistent in the sound and lights you choose.

My personal thoughts about the play

I won’t lie here. This is a challenging play. The main characters have many lines. The scenes change quickly from one place to the next, the plot contains mature themes and forces audiences to seriously consider what is presented in from of them. The best comparison I can make to The Giver is The Hunger Games.

But friend, this play is worth it to produce.

A few years ago, I was interviewed about my production, “This production is quite a different kind of production for the Fine Arts Guild,” director Debbie Baldwin states. “Although the play appears simple to produce because the set is sparse and the actors don’t change costumes, there are lots of props that were a challenge to find. The entire show is ‘gray’ — everything! Three gray bicycles, probably a hundred gray books, a gray globe and a gray apple, for instance.”

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

I continued, “Plus, it is filled with many particular sound cues (a heartbeat, a baby crying, a horse galloping, an elephant trumpeting, etc.) that require the actors as well as the audience to use their imagination, because there is nothing visual to draw upon for the suggestion. Jonas, the main character, sees things in color that no one else sees. From a lighting point of view, that’s difficult to portray. ‘The Giver’ speaks about falling snow and warfare. Those aren’t things that we dramatize in a play very often.

The question that we discussed was not where to find these sounds to record, but rather which sounds would evoke the emotion most effectively? The show lends itself to much creativity on our part and that’s why I enjoy directing it. It’s very inspiring.”

If you’d like some directing tips, check out Play Production for Newbie Theater Teachers: Expectations Versus Reality Or maybe you’d like to read my advice about another play I recommend. Check out: Ten Reasons Why Everyone Produces Anne of Green Gables

Have you directed The Giver? I’d love to know your thoughts about it. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

February 23, 2022 By dhcbaldwin 2 Comments

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

When I began teaching, we didn’t have videos to show students anything pertaining to theater. Friends, never underestimate the never underestimate the influence of teaching with videos!

That was 1980 and the closest thing we had was an old projector which showed black and white films. Yuck. Part of the reason this was uninspiring to students is as we know, theater is a visual art. Plus, it gives students a concrete example of the quality of work professionals turn out. Consequently, not many students enrolled in drama classes.

I was looking around for more reasons why teaching with video works. I ran on to www.nextthoughtsstudios.com I found this quote helpful: “Studies have shown that the use of short video clips allows for more efficient processing and memory recall. The visual and auditory nature of videos appeals to a wide audience and allows each user to process information in a way that’s natural to them. In a nutshell, videos are good teachers.”

Things are different now, huh?

Practically with the snap of a finger, a teacher can search for what she wants and show it in her classroom within a few minutes.

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Creating products gives me oppportunities to see many videos worth viewing in the theater classroom. I thought they might be of benefit to you, too!

Primarily, these videos are located on youtube.com. If your school allows you to use Youtube. com, you will be good to go. I’ve also mentioned several videos that you could rent or purchase for your classroom.

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Hamilton!

Let’s Look at Hamilton, first!

There are many videos of Hamilton. However one that I especially like is: Adam Savage Examines the Props of Hamilton.

Let’s begin with set design. Set Design for Hamilton is terrific. It’s only 3 minutes in length. Fascinating stuff here.

The lighting design for Hamilton is awesome! Behind the Scenes with a Hamilton Stagehand Who Told Stories with LightsThis one shows what its like for a stagehand. So interesting. (5:58 mins.)

The costume design for Hamilton is a Hamilton Designers Explain How Costumes are Made I think you’ll learn something new here. (29:42 mins.)

Hamilton is available on line through DisneyPlus only. Honestly, I’d sign up for DisneyPlus just to have the opportunity to show it to my students.

If you’d like more information about Hamilton, check out: Hamilton the Musical: A Drama Lesson with a Unique Perspective

Wicked!

Behind the Emerald Curtain is a series of videos which were created for the express purpose of education.

Wicked Behind the Emerald Curtain is a fascinating interview with the costume designer, Susan Hilferty. There is more information here than just costume design, so take a look at this! (5:35 mins.)

In this video, the choreographer for Wicked explains the difference between choreography and staging a musical. See how the entire world of Wicked the musical was choreographed. (4:47 mins.)

Who is an expert in stage smoke, fog and torches? This man is. You’ll want to check out the special effects of Wicked for certain. Wicked: Special Effects (3:37 mins.)

Good news! A movie version of Wicked is slated to begin productions in the summer of 2022. Cynthia Erivo will pay Elfaba and Arianna Grande will be Glenda. How wonderful will that be?

Considering teaching a whole unit on Wicked? Check out my post: Will Wicked The Musical Ever Rule the World?

Dear Evan Hansen

Now that the Dear Evan Hansen movie has been released, this would be a fantastic time to study the musical.

David Korins, Set Design of Dear Evan Hansen shares an incredible story about his creative process. (3:43 mins.)

Here is a short piece on the Genius Design of Lighting of Dear Evan Hansen you simply must show your students! In this video clip, the announcer explains the complexity and number of light cues used in one part of a song. Amazing. (3:13 mins.)

Maybe you need something physical for your students to do? You could use this as a warm-up of even lesson for the day. Check out Dear Evan Hansen Dance Combo (27:01 mins.)

You can rent Dear Evan Hansen through a variety of ways–Apple TV and Prime are two.

Here’s a blog post concerning Dear Evan Hansen which you may find useful and interesting. Like “Dear Evan Hansen”? Then You’ll Love This News

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Spongebob Squarepants

Oh my gosh, friends. Spongebob Squarepants is such fun and your younger students will really enjoy learning about it.

You’ll want to look at the interview of a set designer. Set Designer David Zinn ( 7:00 mins.) I enjoy how he explains his concept of the musical, but also explains how color, the use of unusual objects and looking at the story as a child would.

Davis Zinn is exceptionally talented! He designed the costumes for the production as well. Explore the Costumes of Spongebob Squarepants. (2:56 mins.) Your students will love what he uses for each costumes and the detail is immense.

Switching gears here. I think showing a rehearsal of a production. It’s very important for our students. It demonstrates that rehearsals should be done with high energy, full commitment and dedication. Get a Sneak Peak at New Broadway Musical Spongebob Squarepants (2:25 mins.)

Need a scope and sequence for your middle school theater class? I can help here: Drama Units Scope and Sequence

Hadestown

Take a Tour Downtown of Hadestown with Rachel Hauk, set design and Rachel Chavkin, director. (4:09 mins.) For your students who can’t get enough of the creative process of designing a production, you’ll want to show this one.

Making the Music Anais Mitchell (3:50 mins.) talks about composing the music for Hadestown. In particular, she talks about the song, “Why Do We Build a Wall.: The lyrics to this song are not a political statement, but when Hadestown opened our former president was busy trying to keep immigrants out of the country. Talk about life imitating art and vice versa.

Broadway’s Hadestown is a Google Talk (55:31 mins.) which older students would appreciate. I think I would use it for a discussion and pick out certain parts which I wanted to point out–blocking, staging, etc. Members of the cast have an opportunity to share about the production. I especially appreciate Andre Shields’ interview. Although long, it’s worth the time.

You can find bootleg copies of Hadestown. That means someone recorded it illegally. I don’t recommend using these because it just perpetuates the idea that this activity is acceptable.

Here’s a blog post of mine about Hadestown and all its wonderfulness. What Can We Learn from Greek Mythology?

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Beetlejuice

Heres a fun one to study: Beetlejuice! The Cast of Beetlejuice Performed at medley at the Tony Awards. (3:48 mins.) Something interesting about this musical is that it was nominated for many Tony awards and didn’t win one. Strange, huh?

The set design is so imaginative–I’d show this for your gifted students. They’ll get a kick out of it! David Korns strikes again as the designer of the Beetlejuice set. It might be interesting to show the three video clips of his work and see if there are any similarities. That’s what I would do. Set Tour with Designer David Korin/ Beetlejuice the Musical. (7:22 mins.)

In How William Ivey Long Created the Beetlejuice and Tootsie Costumes (9:35 mins.) Long speaks about his process for the musical. Talk about talented! You’ll see that he spent over two years designing Beetlejuice. Amazing.

We can’t leave out plays. They are fabulous to teach with too

Teach with Plays

We can’t leave out plays. They are fabulous to teach with too.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Oh yes! To study a little bit of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play would be fabulous for middle grade students.

If your students are unfamiliar with the play, show them this montage first: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Exclusive Montage. (4:43 mins.)

This clip shares many things–the director, special effects, blocking, staging, lighting design, costume design–you name it. Behind the Scenes of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2:49 mins.) is a definite show on my list!

I think students will find this video Magic to Do: Harry Potter with James Snyder (9:51 mins.) demonstrates that actors are pretty much like the rest of us. Pretty goofy.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Let’s say you want to read a play in your high school theater class? I’d suggest To Kill a Mockingbird. I’d include these video clips while we read it. Maybe as a warm-up.

I’d begin with this video clip. It concerns how the play was reworked by the director, Aaron Sorkin. How Aaron Sorkin Reworked To Kill a Mockingbird for Broadway (7:19 mins.) It’s fascinating.

To Kill a Mockingbird Lessons for Today focuses on (7:10 mins.) the show’s star Jeff Daniels and playwright Aaron Sorkin about translating Lee’s characters to the stage, and with students who talk about “Mockingbird”‘s relevance to today’s audience.

Lastly, this video clip discusses the characters of the play. Citizens of To Kill a Mockingbird LaTanya Richards Jackson as Calpurnia (2:40 mins.)

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching With Videos

I hope these video links give you a lot of choice and ideas for your classroom use. If I were you, I’d teach a different musical or play each day–that’s 8 days or more of lessons for you. And….a substitute could use these as well.

Have you used video clips in your classroom? I’d love to hear about it. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Want some help with your directing? Pick up my FREE checklists at: Director’s Helper Checklists

How Theatre Shaped My Life Volume Two

September 1, 2021 By dhcbaldwin 2 Comments

How Theatre Shaped My Life Volume Two

This is the second blog post in my series, “How Theatre Shaped My Life.” Here is the first: How Theatre Shaped My Life

I find it quite intriguing that many people who take theatre classes inspire to be or become community servants. What is the connection for them? Or is there one at all?

Upon researching this connection, I found an interesting quote from the abstract, “Toward a Synthesis of Science and Theatre Arts” by Professor, Kay DeMetz, “Science and theatre seek the same goals, in the same way, using the same language. That is, they both seek to understand the natural world through intelligence and insight. Scientists speak of finding“truth”; theatre artists work to present verisimilitude, or similarity to life onstage.” For more information from this abstract, go to https://files.eric.ed.gov

Fascinating, yes?

I asked former students of mine to share how theatre shaped their life. Two of the three women here work as community servants, the third aspires to be one.

Here are their thoughts.

Benefits of Theater Education

Want some more help in the classroom? Check out my FREE Guide and ten page lesson Here

Hannah Matousek

When I meet new people, they’re usually shocked to learn that I’m both a biology major and an actress. However, I don’t find it strange at all. For me, theatre is actually necessary for my sanity; every single character I’ve played has influenced my own character, which I’m constantly trying to improve. I believe that these characters have even become an extension of myself. A good example of this can be seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I was devastated when live theatre had to be cancelled, but luckily my school theater was able to resume live shows with limited audiences in fall 2020. The very first show I was in post-lockdown was The Living, a show about the Black Plague that struck London in the 17^th century. My character, Sarah Chandler, dealt with confusion, death, and loss, just as I was trying to deal with the stress surrounding the public health crisis we found (and still find) ourselves in. Throughout the show, though, I began to see bits and pieces of Sarah’s character that I wanted to adopt as my own in order to support my own character.

When I am on the stage, I am both myself and the character. But in real life, I am wholly myself. I adopt the traits of my characters as my own and mold them to fit my own real-life situations.

I am not a professional actress. I am not even a theatre student. But I know that my experience with theatre and character work will be a huge part of each and every one of my successes in my personal and professional life in the future.

Maybe someday I’ll be a doctor in some prestigious hospital. Maybe I’ll be at the bed of a patient who is on their way out of this life. My strength in that moment will come from Sarah Chandler.

Benefits of Theater Education

Katharine Atwood

This is Katharine Atwood, my oldest daughter. If there is anyone who can share her thoughts on this subject, it is she.⁣
⁣
A nurse friend of mine said to me the other day, “We’re like ducks. Most people just see our calm faces and think that’s all that’s happening, but beneath the surface, we’re paddling hard.”⁣
⁣
I first learned to do this on stage. You have to keep track of what’s currently going on in the script while anticipating what comes next. All the while making sure you don’t give it away before it’s time for the laugh, the joke, or song. ⁣

As a nurse, this skill now translates to a mental list of checked boxes related to vital signs, consent forms, alarm sounds, and a myriad of other details pertaining to the current patient or one down the hallway. While all of this buzzes away in my head, I smile as I walk in the door and sweetly say “Hi! My name is Katharine. I’ll be your nurse today.”⁣
⁣

When I was a kid, I was somewhat shy. I didn’t like speaking to strangers. I had trouble with self confidence. Drama helped me to feel comfortable with what I was capable of in a safe place. Playing a character instead of myself, I was able to buffer my shyness. And over time, my extroverted and more confident self began to emerge.⁣
⁣
Thanks to theater, I don’t panic when things get off course or start to downward spiral. “The show must go on,” or so they say. I have looked into the frightened eyes of many patients in critical situations and told them as I’m hiding my own fears or insecurities, “You fight like heck. Don’t give up yet.” ⁣
⁣
I truly believe that if I hadn’t been involved in theater I wouldn’t be the nurse that I am today. I would have never thought that so many skills I learned both on stage and behind would be transferable to healthcare. But they are. ⁣
⁣
So for my pic I chose the perfect mash up of nurse and actor: me in all my PPE just as the world began to go nuts last year. As I say on the floor, “the theater is leaking again.” I bet you can see it too. ⁣

⁣

Benefits of Theater Education

Ruth King

My name is Ruth King. I currently have the honor of serving in the United States Navy as a Nuclear Field Machinist Mate and a Sub Vol. This job is known throughout all branches as being a significantly difficult and rigorous profession.
⁣
The performing arts and, in particular, Musical Theatre, were instrumental in allowing me to experience the mental and emotional healing I needed to pursue my dream of serving in the military. And every day it helps me renew my strength and zest for life while I am here. I thank God for blessing me with the chance to get to know and practice the performing arts. It honestly helped me become a better and happier human and from there influenced everything in my life I did after. ⁣
⁣
Doing a difficult or somewhat distasteful task? ⁣
⁣
Sing! Dance! Afraid of reaching for your dreams? Take a leap of faith! As a very good friend of mine once said, “Everything will still be alright after you audition, even if you fail. There will still be sunshine and trees and oxygen outside. I promise.” ⁣
⁣
Need to make friends or want to touch people’s lives? Reach out and take a risk! Build touch touchstones and draw others in…include them. Feel as though your world has just ended? Sing! Speak! Write! Act! Dance! Play music!

⁣
⁣
Express yourself through art! ⁣
⁣
Art of any kind, especially theater and music, assists the participant in validating and processing through emotion and the human experience. Performing Musical Theater and other art forms is still my ultimate dream. ⁣
⁣
Meanwhile, every day I wake up happier and more thankful knowing that art, the dramatic and otherwise, is out there, readily available for your active participation and/or delighted spectation! To all who read this, be well and safe.⁣
⁣

Thank you Hannah, Katharine and Ruth!

If you’d like to know about my moment when theatre not only shaped but saved me, go to: How Theatre Saved My Life

Did theatre shape your life? Maybe it was another art form? I’d love to hear about and maybe down the road, I’ll feature you too!

Looking for a FREE lessons, posters, etc? Check out my Free Stuff!

Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

How Theatre Shaped My Life

August 4, 2021 By dhcbaldwin 3 Comments

How Theatre Shaped My Life

People have asked me how theatre shaped my life. I hadn’t given it much thought until I considered my students growth through it.

Theatre gets a bum rep. Don’t you think?

People who haven’t studied it have a difficult time understanding its power. I remember seeing a football player interview where the newscaster asks him what he planned to do now that he retired. He said, “I’m going to be an actor. My girl friend is an actress. She’s going to teach me.”

Oh. My. Heavens.

No.

We theatre lovers know it’s not a weekend workshop type of experience. Actors work their whole lives. A favorite quote of mine from Bill English of the San Francisco Playhouse, “‘Theatre is like a gym for empathy. It’s where we go to build up the muscles of compassion, to practice listening and understanding and engaging with people that are not just like ourselves. We practice sitting down, paying attention and learning from other people’s actions. We practice caring.”

I asked some students of mine to share how theatre shaped their life. Here are their thoughts.

How Theatre Shaped My Life

Matt Kimbel

I’m Mat Kimbel. I’m in college working towards becoming a theatre teacher. After working under the direction of Mrs. Baldwin for six years, there’s no denying that she influenced my decision to become a theatre teacher. ⁣
⁣
I found theatre when life dealt me a hand I was struggling to handle. 📌 I had just begun developing seizures as a result of being born with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Growing up with CP presented its own set of struggles, which at this point in time was my mental and physical health.

I wasn’t eating or hydrating or sleeping. I wasn’t doing well at school. I didn’t have many friends. I was battling depression at an extremely young age. ⁣
⁣
👉 During this time, my doctors prescribed several meds. most of which caused me to lash out, be angry and crude to people. Doctors suggested I play sports to try and release all of these volatile feelings. This seemed like the perfect solution. However, after participating in several sports, I struggled to keep up. I wasn’t finding what I was looking for. ⁣
⁣
After a few months of searching, my grandma suggested that I try theatre. 🎭🎭 My initial reaction was “Theatre? Frolic around on a stage, wear makeup, sing songs and pretend to be someone they aren’t?” Grandma kept insisting and got me to audition. Now, I can honestly say there is nothing I would rather do. ⁣
⁣
Once I got involved in theatre, my life completely changed. It’s like a light went off in my head. 💡I stopped being angry and lashing out. I started doing better in school. I started actually eating, to enjoy life. It led to me to taking voice lessons, choir and expanding my interests.

⁣
⁣When I was bullied everyday and my life at home wasn’t the best, 😊 it was theatre which kept me motivated during some of the roughest times. ⁣⁣

👉👉I wouldn’t be the person I am today without theatre. I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I didn’t find it. You never know what doors you can open until you try. ⁣

How Theatre Shaped My Life

Mahogany Thomas

As a pastor, drama is present within my ministry in many ways. The lessons I learned while acting on empathy, connection and authenticity resonate deeply and are timeless. Projection, stage presence, eye-contact, and improvisation are all traits that essential to my profession.

Since I am often found in many places speaking in front of people, the practical lessons of drama are also fundamental. Likewise, I have a LOVE of preaching, and in many ways, preaching is a monologue.

This means the way you engage the audience and present the material matters. Your voice, storytelling, creativity, narration, and ability to captivate the audience to take them on a journey are critical in both the structure of my sermons and my delivery. ⁣
⁣
Drama education empowers its students to see not only themselves but one another with empathy. This is how you cultivate authentic relationships and move through such a contentious world. Building genuine relationships with one another are foundational in a world that needs healing. Therefore I make it my duty to live with empathy, love with empathy, and teach empathy to everyone I encounter, just as my drama experience has taught me.

How Theatre Shaped My Life

Ivy Favier

I’m Ivy Favier, a performer, composer, and artist who dreams of becoming a teacher. I was a student of Mrs. B. for 5 years, and I know it was she who inspired my dream.⁣
⁣
I met Mrs. B. in 5th Grade Musical Theatre class. I was shy and introverted as a child, and I remember being a little intimidated at first. She was so full of enthusiasm and vigor, and gave so much to her students, who gave so much back in return. She expected something of me, and I was going to have to dig deep to find it. ⁣
⁣
She pushed me just hard enough, challenged me to step out of the shadows and find my light. She made me feel safe and supported, showing me that it was ok to look silly and make mistakes. She encouraged me to speak up, reach out, make friends, and take risks.⁣
⁣
After that, I “caught the bug.” I auditioned and performed with many theatre companies across CO, took workshops, and attended summer camps.⁣
⁣

How Theatre Shaped My Life

As a TA for Mrs. B’s classes, I admired the way she interacted with her students. She taught them the value of theatre not in an academic way, but in a playful way. She made it real and relatable for them. This inspired me.⁣
⁣
🎭 My latest theatre endeavor is in Playback Theatre, a form of improv. —audience members tell stories from their lives and the actors interpret them on stage. This challenged the way I think about theatre. I now realize how our stories are all connected. Playback strengthened my listening skills, creativity, and empathy in my theatre and non-theatre life.⁣
⁣
I would be an entirely different person without theatre. I might still be that shy little girl, too afraid to step out of the shadows. Theatre gave me my own voice and power. It gave me courage. I learned I must leap in order to fly. If I fall, I can pick myself up and try again. It’s always worth it. Theatre taught me that. ⁣❤️

Thank you Matt, Mahogany and Ivy!

If you’d like to know about my moment when theatre not only shaped but saved my life, go to: How Theatre Saved My Life

Do you have an experience about how theatre shaped your life? I’d love to hear about and maybe down the road, I’ll feature you too!

Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Happy Super Hero Day!

April 28, 2021 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

April 28 is Super Hero Day!

Who established Super Hero Day?

National Superhero Day was founded by Marvel Comics in 1995. Now, every year since its birth on April 28, 1995, people come together annually on this day to celebrate all their favorite heroes. No matter if your fav heroes are fictional or real, this is the day to be thankful for them.

Well, how fun!

When I was a child, Superman wasn’t near as popular as he is today. Now super heroes are everywhere.

Why should I teach about Super Heroes?

According to Brittanica.com, during the late 1930’s to 1950’s, the Golden Age of Comic Books were created. Modern comic books were first published and rapidly increased in popularity among the masses. The first Super Hero ever was created in 1936? The superhero was named Phantom, and he started with his own comic strip in a U.S. newspaper. This was the first known beginnings of a published superhero, and now there are hundreds of well-known heroes that everyone loves.

The superhero archetype was created and many well-known characters were introduced, including Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel, Captain America, and Wonder Woman. Most superheroes served as a figure who inspired hope. This hero could save us all from dark and difficult times. Superhero stories promote the ideas of peace, safety and freedom. Some experts consider this message a necessary reassurance in difficult times. The message isn’t about a country succeeding, but recognition that there are others with similar hope for a peaceful future.

Students love to design a Super Hero costume. Here are a few pointers:

Figure out the color scheme of the costume. Usually, the whole costume should include 3 or fewer colors/shades only. This helps ensure that the costume does not distract from your superhero. It will also make it easier for you to replicate the look in a comic. Think of your superhero’s powers, motivations, and backstory. Lighter colors tend to indicate heroism, while darker colors indicate a conflicted nature; rich colors point toward sophistication, while bright colors tend to reveal youthful energy. If you’d like to read more about costume design, see my post: Your Secret Teaching Allies–Super Heroes
Classic superheroes tend to dress in some combination of red, blue, and yellow, which can denote energy and determination. A mix of black, grey, and green, though, could denote mysterious and naturalistic qualities.
Nail down the basic costume before accessorizing it.Design the actual outfit first, before figuring out the logo, or whether it will include a mask, cape, etc. Once you have designed your base costume, it gives you a blank slate to work with. Feel free to take cues from iconic superhero costumes, but be sure to refine them into your own creation. Skin-tight, full-coverage bodysuits tend to be the standard base layer for male superheroes, while female heroes often show a bit more skin. You don’t have to follow in this tradition, but body-hugging base layers do provide a clean palette for accessorizing.

What Color Scheme Should I Use?

Figure out the color scheme of the costume. Usually, the whole costume should include 3 or fewer colors/shades only. This helps ensure that the costume does not distract from your superhero. It will also make it easier for you to replicate the look in a comic. Think of your superhero’s powers, motivations, and backstory. Lighter colors tend to indicate heroism, while darker colors indicate a conflicted nature; rich colors point toward sophistication, while bright colors tend to reveal youthful energy.
Classic superheroes tend to dress in some combination of red, blue, and yellow, which can denote energy and determination. A mix of black, grey, and green, though, could denote mysterious and naturalistic qualities.

What About a Logo?

Nail down the basic costume before accessorizing it. Design the actual outfit first, before figuring out the logo, or whether it will include a mask, cape, etc. Once you have designed your base costume, it gives you a blank slate to work with. Feel free to take cues from iconic superhero costumes, but be sure to refine them into your own creation. Skin-tight, full-coverage bodysuits tend to be the standard base layer for male superheroes, while female heroes often show a bit more skin. You don’t have to follow in this tradition, but body-hugging base layers do provide a clean palette for accessorizing.
Consider if a cape is right for your hero. While capes are often considered synonymous with superheroes, plenty of famous ones — like Iron Man and Wolverine, for instance — go without them. Capes can help accentuate motion or indicate flight (think Superman), or add a layer of mystery (as with Batman). However, they can also be an unnecessary complication for a well-designed costume. If you can’t think of a good reason why your hero should have a cape — either for practical (e.g., concealment, protection) or expressive (e.g., flair, royalty) purposes — it may be best to exclude it.
Create a memorable logo or other distinctive element. Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man are arguably the three most famous superheroes, and each has a simple chest emblem — the ‘S’ shield, bat, and spider — that immediately identifies them. Don’t obsess over the small details of a totally-awesome costume before you’ve nailed down the iconic logo, symbol, color, etc. Make sure it’s easy to recognize and repeat, and that it can adapt to variations on your design. Brainstorm logo ideas based on the hero’s name, origins, or powers: in the last case, for instance, consider the lightning bolt used for the Flash.

My Super Hero Drama Lessons

If you’d like some drama lessons with super heroes as the focus, I have several here: DramaMommaSpeaks and also in my Payhip store at: Super Heroes

One lesson I developed focuses on storytelling. Using postcards as a springboard for a story, students take elements from the postcards they randomly choose. But, there is a secret requirement which is LOADS of Fun. You can learn about Storytelling with Super Heroes here: Storytelling with Super Heroes Postcards

Another lesson students enjoy is Costume Design with Super Heroes. In this lesson, students study costume design and learn a bit about the characteristics of a super hero costume. Then they design one costume plus write a letter explaining their choices. You can find this lesson here: Costume Design with Super Heroes

If you want further study, try movement with Super Heroes! These movement exercises are a great way to begin or end your class celebrating national super hero day. Word of warning–your student may leave class with a “zap” so if you are okay with that, you are good! Tableau and Movement with Super Heroes

I think Super Heroes and Super Heroes Day is here to stay. It does me good to see children imitating them, especially our girls. Here are my two granddaughters having fun as Super Heroes. I doubt either of them have seen many television shows or movies with Super Heroes in them since they are so young, but they know enough to understand super heroes protect people and try to make the world a better place. At this point in their short lives, I think that’s a good start.

Have you taught with a super hero theme? How did it go for you? I’d love to hear about it. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

« Previous Page

Creativity

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

The Challenges of Set Design

For Your Gifted Students

A Little Trivia Break

Permit me to brag a little

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

High School Set Design and Others

Share this:

Like this:

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

Reason Number #1

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

Reason #2 The Author

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

Technical Challenges of the Play

The Biggest Challenge

My personal thoughts about the play

The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

Share this:

Like this:

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Hamilton!

Wicked!

Dear Evan Hansen

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Spongebob Squarepants

Hadestown

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Beetlejuice

Teach with Plays

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

To Kill a Mockingbird

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching With Videos

Share this:

Like this:

How Theatre Shaped My Life Volume Two

Benefits of Theater Education

Benefits of Theater Education

Benefits of Theater Education

Share this:

Like this:

How Theatre Shaped My Life

How Theatre Shaped My Life

How Theatre Shaped My Life

How Theatre Shaped My Life

How Theatre Shaped My Life

Share this:

Like this:

Who established Super Hero Day?

Why should I teach about Super Heroes?

What Color Scheme Should I Use?

What About a Logo?

My Super Hero Drama Lessons

Share this:

Like this:

Footer

Follow Us

FOLLOW US

Goodreads: read