Holes

Exploring Social Issues Through Plays: A Guide for Middle School

November 19, 2024 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Exploring Social Issues Through Plays: A Guide for Middle School

Today, I want to reflect on the my blog post title, exploring social issues through plays: a guide for middle School. Theater is a powerful tool for middle school students to explore and discuss social issues. By stepping into the shoes of characters dealing with real-world challenges, students develop empathy, critical thinking, and teamwork. Plays such as The Yellow Boat, Ama and the White Cranes, and The Third Wave provide age-appropriate ways to delve into complex topics, making them ideal for young performers.

The Power of Theater in the Classroom: Inspiring Change Through Stories

I believe one of our missions as teachers is to make the world a better place. As theater teachers, we have an incredibly useful tool at our fingertips–plays or musicals. No other art form can do what theater can do! I think you’d agree with me that the best way to reach people is through a story. Theater is non-confrontational and provides important universal themes.

In our classrooms, students can read or perform plays just for the sure fun or experience of it. Consequently, students can experience diverse perspectives and learn to understand others’ emotions and struggles. Plus, plays can structure an environment for discussing sensitive topics. Additionally, theater challenges students to examine societal issues in-depth and consider their roles in creating change.

Exploring Social Issues Through Plays: A Guide for Middle School

Here are a few plays I recommend to you. Your students could read one of these plays in your class or better yet, produce it for the public. (That’s the real elixir.)

My Recommendations for Middle School Reading

1. Peer Pressure, Authority, and Group Dynamics

—The Third Wave Based on a true story, this gripping play explores the dangers of groupthink and authoritarianism. It recounts a high school teacher’s experiment to demonstrate how easily individuals can be drawn into totalitarian systems. The Wave provides a thought-provoking look at peer pressure and critical thinking, making it highly relevant for middle schoolers.

2. Illness, Resilience, and Family

– The Yellow Boat by David Saar. This deeply moving play is based on the true story of Benjamin Saar, a young boy born with congenital hemophilia. Through his vivid imagination and artistic talent, Benjamin navigates the joys and struggles of his life, including his battle with HIV/AIDS, contracted from a blood transfusion. His journey, filled with creativity, resilience, and love, celebrates the power of art and human connection. The play is a poignant exploration of hope, loss, and the enduring spirit of a child, offering audiences a heartfelt and uplifting experience. A heartwarming and imaginative story about a young boy living with a terminal illness. This play offers an opportunity for students to explore themes of resilience, creativity, and the bonds of family.

3. Cultural Identity and Environmental Awareness

– Ama and the White Cranes This is a poignant play that blends Japanese folklore with contemporary themes of resilience and tradition. It follows Ama, a skilled pearl diver, who finds herself at odds with her village’s changing ways. When a mysterious white crane begins appearing during her dives, Ama discovers it is the spirit of her late mother, guiding her to protect the ocean and its treasures from exploitation. Ama struggles to reconcile her personal desires with her duty to her heritage. The story unfolds into a beautiful tale of sacrifice, love, and the enduring bond between humanity and nature. This is a beautiful play that introduces Japanese culture while exploring themes of courage, family, and environmental responsibility.

Timeless Stories: Exploring Empathy and Justice Through Adapted Plays

4. Bullying and Kindness

–The Hundred Dresses: This play adapted from the book of the same name, centers on Wanda Petronski, a Polish-American girl who is ridiculed by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress daily. In response to the teasing, Wanda claims to own one hundred beautiful dresses at home, a statement that becomes a focal point of the narrative. The book explores themes of bullying, empathy, and the consequences of prejudice. First published in 1944, this book and story survive the test of time.

-Holes– by Louis Sachar. This play adaptation of the book of the same name, is the story of Stanley Yelnats who is wrongly accused of theft. Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, where boys dig holes daily as part of their punishment. As Stanley uncovers secrets about the camp, his family’s past, and the outlaw Kissin’ Kate Barlow, themes of justice, fate, and friendship come to light. (It seems to be out of printing as of this writing, but do check back to see if it’s re-appeared.)

5. Leadership and Community

– The Giver: Based on Lois Lowry’s novel, this play encourages students to reflect on freedom, individuality, and the responsibilities of leadership. Set in a seemingly utopian society where pain, conflict, and choice are eliminated. Jonas, a 12-year-old boy, is chosen to inherit the role of the Receiver of Memories. The Receiver is the only individual who holds the truth of the world’s past. As he learns from The Giver, Jonas begins to see the dark truths behind his community’s controlled existence. Confronted with the weight of memory and emotion, Jonas questions whether to accept the status quo or risk everything to bring freedom and individuality back to his world. For more information, read my post–The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

Cultivating Community and Resilience: Plays That Inspire Connection

– Seedfolks: This is a touching play adaptation of Paul Fleischman’s novel, weaving together the stories of diverse individuals in a struggling urban neighborhood. When a young girl plants a handful of beans in a vacant lot, her small act inspires others to transform the space into a thriving community garden. Each character contributes their unique voice, sharing personal struggles. Most importantly, while they share cultural perspectives, unexpected connections arise. As the garden grows, so does the sense of hope, unity, and understanding among the neighbors. This poignant story celebrates the power of small acts to foster change and build community.

-Esperanza Rising– This play is a heartfelt adaptation of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s acclaimed novel, following Esperanza Ortega, a privileged young girl in 1930s Mexico. When her family’s fortunes are shattered by tragedy, Esperanza and her mother are forced to flee to California. There they work as migrant laborers. Facing the hardship of poverty, prejudice, and back-breaking labor, Esperanza learns the value of resilience, community, and hope. This powerful coming-of-age story celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the importance of staying rooted in love and compassion during times of great change.

Discussing Social Issues in the Middle School Classroom

6. Diversity and Acceptance

—The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963: Ten-year-old Kenny narrates a life-changing summer for his family. Hoping to reform troublemaking Byron, the Watsons travel to Birmingham, Alabama. They face the tragic 1963 church bombing. This moving and humorous story, based on Christopher Paul Curtis’ novel, explores family and resilience during a pivotal moment in history.

—Bud Not Buddy–-Set in 1930s Michigan, 10-year-old Bud Caldwell, an orphan fleeing abusive foster homes, embarks on a journey to find his father. Guided by a flier for a jazz band, Herman E. Calloway and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression, Bud travels to Grand Rapids. He believes Calloway to be his father. Along the way, Bud encounters trouble, humor, and wisdom, using his “Rules and Things” to navigate a challenging world.

The Third Wave: A Powerful Lesson in Authority and Responsibility

At this point in our country’s history, it is vitally important that we dramatize stories whose themes are especially powerful to our students. We are at a real crossroads. It is up to us to stand and be counted.

The Third Wave is particularly impactful for middle school students. Foremost, it dives into the issues they can relate to, such as peer pressure, the influence of authority figures, and the need to belong. The play demonstrates how quickly groupthink can take over. Additionally, it encourages students to think critically about their choices and the importance of standing up for what’s right.

By dramatizing this real-life experiment, The Third Wave helps middle school students understand the dangers of blindly following authority or succumbing to social pressures. It’s a powerful conversation starter about history, psychology, and personal responsibility. Lastly, I challenge you to select this play for production at your school–you won’t regret it!

Incorporating These Plays into the Classroom

Wondering how to introduce students to the themes and moments in history or cultural contexts? If you’re using the play in your middle school classroom, encourage students to write reflections. For example, they could be written from their characters’ perspectives to deepen their engagement. Additionally, you can facilitate a discussion about the play’s messages and how they relate to students’ lives.

Ready to inspire your students and tackle these critical topics? The stage is waiting!

What plays do you read aloud in your middle school classroom or have staged that held important themes and messages? I’d love to learn about them.

Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

The Art and Impact of Stage Readings

December 6, 2023 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Let’s consider the art and impact of stage readings. Last weekend, I had a very rare opportunity-performing! Not only did I act, but I was directed by a former student of mine, Melissa Trieweiller. Plus, I was the first person to play the role of Olga, an old nun held against her will in the Russian Gulag. This was a stage reading of a up-and-coming new play, The Gulag Girls by Shea Ketchum sponsored by Kansas City Public Theatre’s Theater Lab.

In the vast and captivating realm of theater, stage readings stand as a unique and powerful form of artistic expression. Unlike traditional plays with elaborate sets and full-fledged productions, stage readings bring scripts to life through the spoken word, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the raw and unadorned essence of the story.

The Essence of Stage Readings

At its core, a stage reading is a live performance where actors read from a script, typically without costumes, sets, or extensive rehearsals. The primary focus is on the text itself. The actors’ voices become the vehicles for conveying the story, emotions, and character dynamics. This minimalistic approach places a spotlight on the narrative and the nuances of the dialogue. Additionally, stage readings allow the audience to engage more deeply with the words and the subtleties of the language.

The Creative Process

While the absence of elaborate staging may make stage readings seem straightforward, the creative process is intricate and demands a keen understanding of the script. In our case, we only performed/read the first act of Gulag Girls, because the second act was yet unfinished. In many ways, this made it more of a challenge for us actors.

In this particular circumstance, our job is to breathe life into our characters without knowing the whole story of the play. As you might expect, there was no blocking. Consequently, we were relying solely on our vocal delivery and emotional expression. Our director, a former student of mine, did a wonderful job guiding us and ensuring that the essence of the narrative was communicated effectively.

Shortened Rehearsal Schedule

One of the reasons I agreed to be a part of this stage reading was its rehearsal schedule. We met twice last week for three hours each time and performed the reading once. The rehearsal process for a stage reading is often condensed compared to a full-scale production. Rehearsals for stage readings requires actors to quickly develop a profound understanding of their characters, their relationships, and the overall story arc. Got any budding playwrights in your classes? Check out: Creative Writing/Playwriting Dialogue

Ladies looking over their scripts double checking the material before we performed.’

One Challenge

In our case, we did not have a completed story arc. Consequently, I had to hypothesize what might happen in the second act which would color the first one. The challenge of a stage reading lies in creating a compelling performance that captivates the audience while working within the constraints of minimal visual elements. In other words, it takes actors who are excellent at their craft to make a stage reading exciting and worth attending.

Occasionally, some of the women (including myself) had moments when we were merely reading the script. Whenever I’d realize this about myself, I’d slow down. This forced me to concentrate on what I was saying, not what I was reading. In fact, I believe it takes just as much concentration and focus to portray a role in a stage reading as a full production–maybe more.

Impact on Performers

For actors, stage readings provide a unique and enriching experience. Stripped of the usual theatrical embellishments, performers are forced to rely on their vocal skills and emotional range to convey the depth of their characters. Probably most important is the emphasis on the spoken word. This fosters a deep connection between the actor and the audience. Furthermore, the nuances of language and delivery take center stage.

For several years, my husband and I attended the Denver Center for Performing Arts Play Summits. I remember we fully enjoyed them. However, we found ourselves to be mentally exhausted afterward. We worked hard imagining the plays as they unfolded, but that was part of the fun of the experience.

My Directing of Stage Readings

If you have never directed a stage reading, I highly recommend that you do! Stage readings offer actors the opportunity to engage with a wide range of scripts and characters without the intensive time commitment of a full production. I directed two of them at a middle school–Holes (which included several teachers in the cast) , A Christmas Story and Bridge to Terabithia. Our focus was not about reading a new play, but having extra opportunities for students to participate with very little friction for them to do so. These three plays are all ready published.

Additionally, stage readings are much less expensive to produce than a full production. Depending upon the playwright and how new the play is, you could pay them a stipend for the opportunity to introduce their show or give them a portion of your ticket sales. However, they may look at the opportunity to have their show heard as payment enough.

Where can you find these new scripts? They are everywhere. Join a few theater teacher Facebook groups and ask around. There are playwrights who frequent those groups. Luckily, they are looking for theaters to product their new plays–at little to no cost for you.

Stage Readings in the School Setting

My goal in directing stage readings was to give more students an opportunity to perform. We’d only rehearse for five weekdays, then put up the production. These extra productions gave performers additional opportunities to hone their craft. They could experiment with different genres. Definitely, it gave students an opportunity explore characters they might not have the chance to portray in a traditional play.

You can keep your expenses down by directing a stage reading, too. There is no set to build, only chairs and music stands are needed. Usually, my students would dress in some sort of costume of their choosing using street clothes. However, the costume was more of a suggestion to the character than anything else.

The Art and Impact of Stage Readings

In the photo above, you’ll see a backdrop was configured for this play. This is an option for you if you want to give the play a little more life, but it is not expected.

Impact on Audiences

For audiences, stage readings offer a unique and intimate experience. The absence of elaborate sets and costumes allows spectators to use their imagination. Consequently, this creates a more personal connection with the narrative. By focusing on the spoken word audiences are encouraged to actively listen. This cleverly draws the audience into the intricate layers of the script.

Moreover, stage readings often feature new or lesser-known works, providing audiences with a sneak peek into the creative process. There’s the potential for discovering hidden gems. Additionally, the simplicity of the presentation allows for a more immediate and unfiltered connection between the audience and the story being told. This fosters a shared experience of discovery.

A Full Circle Moment

This stage reading experience was a full circle for Melissa Trierweiler and I. I’ve directed Melissa several times since she was a student of mine when she was twelve years old. Now a grown woman, it is her turn to direct me. The experience was very special for both of us.

Have you ever considered teaching or directing radio theater? Check out this post. Top Reasons Teachers Succeed When Teaching With Radio Theater

PHCoffee was our theater for the evening.

In conclusion, I encourage you to consider adding a stage reading to your school season. In the tapestry of theatrical expression, stage readings weave a distinctive thread. They emphasize the power of the spoken word and the richness of storytelling. Stage readings open the door to a realm where language and emotion reign supreme. Not surprisingly, they captivate both performers and audiences alike.

As a form of artistic exploration, stage readings stand as a testament to the enduring potency of the written word. Moreover, they transcend the boundaries of traditional theatrical conventions. So, try producing a stage reading! You never know. Perhaps there are some hidden talents in your school who think this experience would be very cool. Maybe they’ll audition for you? Got reluctant students in your class, check out this post, Ten Ways to Teach Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class.

Have you directed any stage readings? What are your opinions of them? I’d love to hear from you. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com