Join Me in my new Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/417126059784261

Menu

Middle school

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

By Leave a Comment

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

Teachers often ask me for  middle school play titles.  So, let’s talk about this today, 8 middle school plays that work every time.  I hope this list will help you as you consider what you’d like to direct in the next school year.  Having directed hundreds of play and musical for over 38 years, I have a vast experience in this subject. It is my goal to provide all the details and links that lead you to purchasing a preview of the scripts. 

Before you begin reading this post, please know that I am a purist.  I don’t do direct cute bunny or zombie storis, if you know what I mean.  Frankly, I think a teacher shouldn’t cater to the emotional level of the students but have high expectations of them.  What could be better than a play based on a classic novel or one with historical significance?

Here are a few I recommend you read and consider. I’ve listed these scripts in no particular order. 

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

Anne of Green Gables adapted by Sylvia Ashby.

  • Drama/Comedy
  • 9 M and 7 F plus extras
  • 120 minutes in length

Synopsis: A refreshing, contemporary telling of the classic story. Stern Marilla and her warm-hearted brother Matthew hoped to adopt a boy to work on their farm. But the orphanage sends young, befreckled Anne by mistake, and their lives will never be the same. Her warmth and wit affect everyone around her – even, eventually, the cold Marilla. We follow Anne through her rebellious years, her transformation into a young woman, and her romantic pairing with Gilbert. This play has been charming audiences around the world. Read more about this script here: Ten Reasons Why Everyone Produces Anne of Green Gables

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

Tom Sawyer adapted by Tim Kelly

  • Drama/ Comedy
  • 9 to 11M., 12F  plus extras
  • 90 minutes in length

The child in all of us never gets tired of reliving again and again the antics and adventures of Tom, Huck, Becky Thatcher and all the rest of Mark Twain’s beloved characters. All the familiar characters are here—Huckleberry Finn, Aunt Polly, Becky Thatcher, Widow Douglas, Muff Potter, Cousin Mary and menacing Injun Joe. The action flows well, and scenes fly by in a lively fashion: the classic “fence-painting” scene, the school lessons from strict Mr. Dobbins, the eerie murder of Doc Robinson in the graveyard at midnight, the pirate journey to Jackson’s Island where buried treasure proves very dangerous, Tom’s side-splitting “funeral,” Tom’s courtship of Becky and other scenes from the immortal classic. If you want a study guide for Tom Sawyer which includes a set design lesson, check out: Drama Lesson Tom Sawyer

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

Number the Stars  adapted by Douglas Larche

  • Drama
  • 7 M and 7 F, extras
  • 80 minutes in length

During the German occupation of Denmark in World War II, the Nazis closed down Jewish-owned businesses and began to round up the Jews for relocation to concentration camps for the final solution. Danish freedom fighters of all ages risked everything in daring, hurried attempts to rescue the entire Jewish population. In this stirring play, young Annemarie and Kirsti Johansen face soldiers, interrogations, fierce dogs, personal danger, the loss of loved ones and their own fears as they try to help their friend Ellen Rosen escape across the ocean to Sweden and safely.

Courage, faith, ingenuity and even their fledgling acting skills eventually win the day. All the drama, pathos, adventure, terror and humor that have made Number the Stars a national best seller (and winner of the Newberry Award and the American Library Association Book of the Year Award) come to life in this powerful adaptation.

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

Bringing History to Life

If you are looking for a week’s worth of drama class lessons for the first week of school, check out: First Week of School Drama Lessons

Dramamommaspeaks resource for middle school drama teachers

Orphan Train by Aurand Harris

  • Drama/Comedy
  • 6m., 7w., 6 boys, 6 girls, or 11 (1m., 1w., 3 boys, 6 girls) with doubling.
  • 65 minutes in length

The play tells the story of nine orphans on an “orphan train” that left New York City on May 28, 1914. The train travels to Midwestern towns in search of homes, any homes, anywhere for the orphaned and unwanted children. There’s Mary, Evie, spunky Pegeen, Annie and Little Lucy, a quiet one. Other orphans include Frank (who later becomes Frankie, a small girl), Raymond, Lucky and Danny the song-and-dance boy. And there are the men and women hoping for children. The lonesome whistle wails as the train chugs between encounters of anxiety, laughter, wistfulness, rejection and acceptance. Eight stories unfold, each a memorable surprise. The Orphan Train is a charming heart-warmer and all we expect from one of legendary playwrights for children, Aurand Harris. The staging creates a highly theatrical story, moving, amusing and always tellingly human.

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

More Middle School Plays

The Princess Who Became King 

  • Drama
  • 6w, 14m, 5 any gender (youth)
  • 90 minutes in length

From the author of the very popular Anne of Green Gables. Freely adapted from an Indian tale, this spritely comedy serves up a blend of love, adventure and intrigue. On the eve of their wedding, Ravi and Parijata flee from their homes because their fathers are feuding — due to the schemes of an ambitious Guru. Parijata’s father is the terrible tempered Raja; Ravi’s father is the foolishly superstitious Sultan. On a dangerous forest journey, the Princess loses her amazing performing monkey, Zmarti, and is kidnapped by Gumba, a cloddish thief. After numerous chases and mistaken identities, the play ends in happy reunion and reconciliation and a surprise coronation! This play can be produced with colorful, elaborate scenery, or with almost no scenery at all.

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

 

Story Theater stories from Grimm Brothers and Aesop adapted by Paul Sills.

  • Drama/Comedy
  • When I direct this play, I split up the stories and used as many students as I needed for each one.
  • 90 minutes in length

Mr. Sills started in New Haven and wound up on Broadway with this group of famous fables from the Grimm Brothers and Aesop. Here you will meet again Henny Penny, the Golden Goose, Venus and the Cat, the Fisherman and His Wife, the Robber Baron, the Bremen Towson Musicians, and other favorites. The fables require talented actors with expressive bodies. And make no mistakes about the quality: this is top-drawer adult theatre.

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

The Little Princess adapted by June Walker Rogers

  • Drama
  • 6m 13F
  • 90 minutes in length

Sara Crewe is one of the most beloved fictional heroines, and June Walker Rogers has brought her to life in this funny, sad, wonderfully imaginative adaptation. Audiences will identify with Sara as she begins her adventures in “Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies”; laugh with her as she brings happiness to others; weep with her as her fortune changes from rich girl to poor orphan; and rejoice with her when strange events bring still another reversal of her destiny. This is a lovely play!

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

The Emperor’s New Clothes

  • Comedy
  • 11 actors, flexible (many of the roles can be played by men or women).
  • 50 minutes

A bright, crisp, well-tailored dramatization of the Hans Christian Andersen tale. Snip and Tuck, two swindlers posing as tailors, weave a jolly trick on Emperor Velvet, who is willing to sacrifice his castle, friends—even his Empress Velveteen and their children, Prince Terry Cloth and Princess Polly Ester—to buy the most luxurious new clothes available. As you might expect, the “tailors” pull the wool over everybody’s eyes until a homespun boy has the courage to speak the unadorned truth, and all the fools are uncovered at last—and the swindlers are turned over to Shroud, keeper of the (shh-whisper) dungeon. The cleverly patterned characters and silky smooth plot will keep your audiences in stitches. Sharon A. Cole brought the characters to life with strong but humorous personalities that your cast members will love playing. Every role is a gem.

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

The Bridge to Terabithia Adapted by author, Katherine Patterson

  • Drama
  • 3 Male 6 Female
  • 90 minutes in length

This powerful adaptation, supported by a lyrical score, focuses the humor, warmth and emotional intensity of Katherine Paterson’s Newbery Award winning novel.

Jesse, alienated from the pragmatism of his family and rural Virginia culture, draws and dreams of becoming something special. Then the new girl, Leslie, who just moved in from the city and the ultimate outsider, opens a world of imagination, art and literature for him

Together they create Terabithia, a fantasy kingdom where they are safe from those who don’t understand them. Their friendship grows as Jesse’s world expands. However, when tragedy strikes, the strength gained in Terabithia takes Jesse forward on his own and lets him share the magic of his dreams

Lastly, I wanted to include one of my favorites to direct around Halloween.  It’s just fun!

8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

It’s a Howl! by Tim Kelly

  • Comedy
  • 8 M and 14W
  • 90 minutes in length

Teenager Jane Hastings inherits remote and creepy Wolfbane Abbey. It’s a combination school and clinic for students who have trouble “adjusting.” No wonder – they’re werewolves! To begin with, the doctor who runs the Abbey decides Jane must be driven out of her mind so he can be trustee. This isn’t as easy as it sounds – even though the place is filled with more horrors than a wax museum. With two friends, Jane does her best to sort out the Abbey’s problem and “curse.” The characters are great fun to play in this fast-paced spoof, including bewildered police, a werewolf hunter, weird students, a gypsy who spends most of her time in a scary laboratory, and a reporter from a scandal magazine. And that’s just for openers…don’t forget the vampire. Not surprisingly, laughs collide with screams and the ending has plenty of bite.

Looking for a few other plays that might be successful with your students? Check out: The Ten Reasons Everyone Produces The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Looking for bundles of drama lessons for middle school?  You know I’ve got you covered. Bundle Volume 3 Middle School Drama Units

Whew!  That’s quite a list.  Have you directed any of these plays?  I’d love to hear about your experiences. Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Click here:  We’re Live! Radio Theater #101

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

Unveiling Reader’s Theater: What You Never Knew

By Leave a Comment

Even though I lacked familiarity with Reader’s Theater as a student, once I was a teacher its advantages surpassed any apprehensions I harbored. Let’s talk–unveiling Reader’s Theater: what you never knew. In today’s dynamic educational landscape, teachers are continually exploring innovative methods to engage students and foster deeper understanding.

Unveiling Reader’s Theater: What You Never Knew

One technique gaining popularity is Reader’s Theater.  Reader’s Theater is  a powerful instructional tool that combines reading, performance, and collaborative learning. Particularly in upper elementary classrooms, Reader’s Theater offers numerous benefits, from improving literacy skills to enhancing social and emotional development. Let’s delve into why incorporating Reader’s Theater can be a game-changer for educators and students alike.

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew
Credit Readingrockets.org

Boosting Literacy Skills

One of the most important reasons Reader’s Theater is beneficial is its power in boosting literacy skills.  It provides an interactive platform for students to actively engage with text. By taking on different roles and reading aloud, students develop fluency, comprehension, and expression. According to a study published in The Reading Teacher, students who participated in Reader’s Theater experienced significant gains in reading fluency compared to those who did not. The repetitive reading inherent in rehearsals helps reinforce vocabulary and comprehension, leading to improved reading proficiency over time.

Did you know I have the secret to boosting student engagement?  My new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” explains my journey to implementing this unique tool in the classroom. Check it out here

Fostering Collaboration and Social Skills

If you were to ask me what is the greatest asset of theater, I’d say its adaptability to integrate into any core subject. However, it wasn’t until I studied for my Masters in Arts Integration that this became glaringly apparent to me.  Any time it is used in the classroom, your students level of engagement increases.  In addition,  collaboration lies at the heart of Reader’s Theater. Working together to interpret scripts, assign roles, and rehearse scenes cultivates teamwork and communication skills. A survey conducted by the National Education Association found that 89% of teachers reported improvements in students’ collaboration skills after implementing Reader’s Theater in their classrooms. Moreover, performing in front of classmates builds confidence and self-esteem while encouraging empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Enhancing Creativity and Critical Thinking

Reader’s Theater encourages students to think critically and creatively as they interpret characters and scenes. For some students, it is the first time they see a story in a book as something other than words on a page.  The story comes alive! An analysis conducted by the International Journal of Education and the Arts revealed that students engaged in Reader’s Theater demonstrated higher levels of creativity and critical thinking compared to traditional reading instruction. Analyzing text, identifying character motivations, and making decisions about performance elements stimulate higher-order thinking skills. By the way, gifted and talented students groove on unique learning and Reader’s Theater is one way to reach them. 

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew

Addressing Multiple Learning Styles

Every student learns differently, and Reader’s Theater caters to a variety of learning styles. Visual learners benefit from seeing the text come to life through performance, while auditory learners engage with the spoken word and sound effects. According to a report by the American Federation of Teachers, Reader’s Theater accommodates diverse learning styles and promotes inclusive classrooms. By providing a multi-sensory experience, Reader’s Theater ensures that all students have the opportunity to succeed and shine in the classroom.

Cultivating a Love for Literature

Reader’s Theater breathes new life into literature, history, etc. transforming reading assignments into dynamic and memorable experiences. A survey conducted by Scholastic found that 78% of students reported enjoying reading more after participating in Reader’s Theater activities. By engaging students’ imaginations and emotions, Reader’s Theater ignites a passion for storytelling and fosters a lifelong love of reading. As students connect emotionally with characters and narratives, they develop empathy, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the power of words. A by- product of passively studying another culture through a Reader’s Theater script, encourages students to be more accepting of one another.  Can I prove it?  Nope, I just know from my many years of teaching and directing experience.

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew

Reader’s Theater in the Multicultural Classroom

I am aware of the many challenges our teachers are facing at this point and time.  As a member of several Facebook teacher groups, I hear them lament about their worries and frustrations.  One of their major challenges they are having is keeping the students engaged in their learning.  In addition, the students are unkind to one another to a degree we haven’t seen in our recent past.  I am as concerned about our students’ futures as the teachers.

I can’t fix everything, but I can help.  In my thirty-eight years of teaching, I saw the need for multiculturalism right from the first day of teaching. What is multiculturalism? Simply, put, multiculturalism is defined as allowing many individual cultures to exist within one country. It is the idea that many different types of cultures can exist within one nation.  But how to celebrate the cultures? Many years ago, I began adapting multicultural folk tales into readers theater plays and friend, it works!  Students enjoy learning about other cultures through Reader’s Theater.

Looking for something to celebrate spring?  Pick up The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds here.

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew

The Legend of How the Bee Got Its Stinger Reader’s Theater

For example, I created a Reader’s Theater script for The Legend of How the Bee Got Its Stinger based on a Cherokee Indian legend. The story: Back in ancient times, when the people were purer and could converse with the animals. The Creator would visit with them. The people asked the Creator for something that was “sweet” to the taste. So, the Creator sent the Bee, but the Bee had no stinger. Down came the Bee and it found a suitable tree in which, they could build their hive, live in, produce honey, multiply and feed its young. Soon the people came to the Bee and asked for some of the sweet syrup and the Bee gave each person a container full. The people loved the syrup and greedily ate it, then went back to the Bee for more. What happens next? You’ll just have to purchase the resource to find out! Looking for another Native American story?  Check out:  370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew

The Sprightly Tailor Reader’s Theater Unit

The Story of the Sprightly Tailor is another fun one and so unique! This story, from the British Isles, is spooky, scary and funny all at the same time. It is about a swift-footed and energetic (sprightly) tailor who undertakes to sew some trews (trousers) at night, among the haunted ruins of an old church. Along enters a ghost! You’ll just have to see what happens next…You can find it here: Comical Readers Theater Unit The Sprightly Tailor.

Unveiling Reader's Theater: What You Never Knew

Abdullah’s Gold Reader’s Theater Unit

Abdullah’s Gold is a story with a moral which students can understand and readily identify.  Abdullah was one of the richest men in town, but you could easily mistake him for a beggar. It was his theory that since there were so many people out to rob a rich man, it was safe to pretend to be poor. And so he did.

But he really didn’t have to pretend. Stingy to the core he found it very easy to be poor. So what if people sniggered and children called out, “Kanjoos! Kanjoos!” (miser, miser), whenever he passed by in his worn-out clothes. Abdullah became more and more content with his growing pile of money as the years went by. But one night, something happens to Abdullah’s money and things were never the same for him. You can find Abullah’s Gold here.

Unveiling Reader’s Theater: What You Never Knew

Looking for more information about Reader’s Theater?  Check out: Learning Through Reader’s Theater Scripts

You can check out all of my readers theater scripts at: Dramamommaspeaks

As you can see, incorporating Reader’s Theater into the upper elementary classroom offers a wealth of benefits, from enhancing literacy skills to fostering collaboration and creativity. By providing a dynamic and interactive approach to reading instruction, teachers can inspire students to become confident readers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners. Plus, let’s not forget how the study of cultures can encourage students to have a  global perspective and culturally sensitive. Who knows?  You may enjoy it just as much as your students!  At least, that is my hope. Let’s embrace the transformative potential of Reader’s Theater and empower our students to shine on stage and in life.

What Reader’s Theater have you used in your classroom?  What discoveries did you make by implementing it?  I’d love to hear about it.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

 

Unlocking Creativity: Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom

By Leave a Comment

“Unlocking Creativity: Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom” is not just a title, it’s an invitation to explore strategies that make teaching this timeless skill an enriching and transformative experience for both educators and students alike. Let’s dive into the art of storytelling and discover how it opens doors to boundless creativity within the classroom.

Did you know I have the secret to boosting student engagement?  My new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” explains my journey to implementing this unique tool in the classroom. Check it out here

Unlocking Creativity: Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom

Understanding the Basics of Storytelling:

In my experience, I’ve found that students enjoy storytelling.  In a theater class, it is much lesson threatening than performing a monologue. Consequently, I always include a storytelling unit in my yearly lesson plans. When you begin teaching storytelling to your students, first introduce the fundamental elements of a story. Although your students may be aware of these elements, sometimes a quick review of the key components is necessary.  Reiterate stories which have  characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. Use examples from literature, movies, or real-life situations to illustrate these concepts.  This makes the learning more relatable to your students. Or use storytelling as a warm up exercise for several days.  Check out:  Storytelling Postcard Stories in my TPT store, or my Payhip store.

Unlocking Creativity: Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom

Immersive Storytelling Activities for Early Finishers:

Engage your students in interactive activities that immerse them in the world of storytelling. One idea is to create a storytelling corner in your classroom.  Your early finishers will appreciate this. Encourage them to collaborate on developing and sharing their stories. Again, a reminder of a story’s components  could be useful, especially if students are working independently.  Generally, students need your help in the fleshing out of the story–that is describing settings, characters, and emotions. 

Essentially, you each them the five C’s, Circumstance, Curiosity, Characters, Conversations, and Conflicts that captivate audiences’ interest. The circumstance is all about establishing the scene. A storyteller must provide essential information to their audience including — when, where, and why.

In addition, after a teacher finishes teaching storytelling the culminating activity could be a storytelling day. If you’d like a one week lesson which teaches  storytelling, check out this one at ( Teacherspayteachers.com ) or at my Payhip store).

Unlocking Creativity: Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom

Utilize Technology:

Embrace technology as a tool to enhance storytelling experiences. Platforms like digital storytelling apps, interactive whiteboards, or podcast creation tools can make the process more dynamic. Students can explore multimedia elements to enhance their narratives, including images, music, and sound effects. There are a plethora’s worth of apps. for storytelling whether your students are in lower elementary or high school.  If you are looking for a site where your students can generate stories on line, check out Boomwriter, Nawal, Storybird.

Unlocking Creativity: Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom

 

Encourage Freewriting Sessions:

Foster a love for writing by incorporating freewriting sessions into your lessons. Set aside dedicated time for students to let their imaginations run wild without worrying about grammar or structure. This practice helps them discover their unique voice and allows creativity to flow freely.  The Writing Process, expresses it, “ increases the flow of ideas and reduces the chance that you’ll accidentally censor a good idea. Additionally, it helps to increase fluency second-language learners—i.e., the ability to produce written language easily as opposed to accuracy.”

Unlocking Creativity: Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom

Showcase Diverse Stories:

Introduce a variety of stories from different cultures, genres, and perspectives. Exposing students to diverse narratives  only helps to broaden their understanding of the world.  Additionally, it inspires them to explore various storytelling styles. Teachers can encourage discussions about the cultural and emotional aspects of these stories. Plus, it is such fun!  If you are ready to embark on reader’s theater  or play production as vehicles for storytelling, check out my blog post, The Reasons Teaching Multiculturalism in the Classroom is Vitally Important

Have you introduced your students to Kamishibai storytelling?  Check it out here

Unlocking Creativity: Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom

Incorporate Storytelling in Different Subjects

I strongly urge you to integrate storytelling into various subjects, not just drama class or language arts. Whether it’s creating historical narratives, science fiction stories, or math-related scenarios, connecting storytelling to different subjects makes learning more holistic and enjoyable. One of our biggest challenges in this great big world is understanding one another, especially our cultures.  If you’d like to learn more about integrating drama into core classes, check out: How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

Unlocking Creativity: Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom

Peer Feedback and Collaboration:

I find it you foster a collaborative environment where students can share their stories with peers, reluctant students are less disinterested in your class. Implement peer feedback sessions, emphasizing constructive criticism and positive reinforcement. This not only improves storytelling skills but also enhances communication and teamwork. Here’s a way to incorporate Kamishibai storytelling in the elementary classroom: Storytelling| Student Created Pictures Unit for Upper Elementary. 

Dramamommaspeaks blog

Celebrate Student Achievements:

Another way to create opportunities for students is to showcase their storytelling prowess. Whether through class presentations, storytelling festivals, or publishing a class anthology, celebrating their achievements builds confidence and reinforces the value of storytelling. Pick up a FREE speech rubric here:  Free Speech Communications Editable Persuasive Speech Rubric. 

Unlocking Creativity: Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom

Guest Speakers and Storytelling Experts:

Invite storytellers, authors, or professionals to share their experiences with your students. Guest speakers can provide valuable insights, tips, and inspiration.  Plus they can reinforce the idea that storytelling is a skill with real-world applications. If you pick up a copy of this storytelling unit, I included links to professional storytellers’ performances. 

 

Dramamommaspeaks Blog

Assessment through Reflection:

Choosing what a teacher wants to focus on in storytelling is important.  My advice is to focus on creativity, clarity, and emotional impact. Encourage your students to reflect on their own storytelling journey, identifying areas of growth and setting goals for improvement. This reflective process reinforces the learning experience and encourages a growth mindset.

In conclusion, teaching storytelling in the classroom is more than imparting a set of skills. It’s about nurturing creativity, empathy, and effective communication. By implementing these strategies, we empower our students to become confident storytellers. It  equips with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the world with imagination and resilience. I encourage you to embrace the power of storytelling, and watch your students’ narratives unfold into vibrant tapestries of expression and understanding.

Recently, my daughter asked me to record the story of the time I saw my father’s ghost walking in a hospital’s hallways.  I was flattered that she remembered the story and wanted to share it with others.  Do you think people would like to hear this story? It’s a true story.

How have you used storytelling in your classroom?  I’d love to hear about it.  You can contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

By Leave a Comment

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

Today, I want to chat with you about discovering melodrama: a theatrical adventure for students.  I know from my own experience it is so much fun.  There used to be a melodrama in Cripple Creek, CO and Dodge City, KS which my parents and I attended.  As I was only starting my journey in theater, I was tickled by it. It was so over the top and the corny jokes kept us laughing.  We knew it was bad theater, but we just didn’t care.  It was fun and that’s what a good melodrama should be.

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

In the realm of performing arts, this genre stands out for its vivid portrayal of heightened emotions, intense conflicts, and larger-than-life characters – melodrama. As you might expect, I’ve performed and directed several melodramas. If you are like me, you just can’t help yourself and enjoy them, too.  If you’d like to learn more about my directing experiences, check out Eighteen Ways To Make Your Directing Experience Less Stressful, Part One

The history of melodrama is a captivating journey through the evolution of theater.  It  reflects societal changes, artistic innovation, and the eternal fascination with exaggerated emotions. Your students would enjoy learning about them and even performing them.

The Origins: Setting the Stage

If you’ve wondered, the term “melodrama” finds its roots in Greek, where “melos” means music, and “drama” means action or play. Its history traces back to the 18th century, where it emerged as a blend of spoken word and music, primarily in operas and stage productions. These performances often used music to underscore the emotions of the characters, creating a heightened sense of drama.

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

Little Mary Sunshine Musical

One of my favorite melodramas to direct is Little Mary Sunshine.  Are you familiar with it? From Concord Theatricals, ” This hugely successful off-Broadway show played for almost three years at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, winning an Obie award as the Best of the Season. Billed as “a new musical about an old operetta,” Little Mary Sunshine gently spoofs such old-time favorites as Rose Marie and Naughty Marietta, but has a personality all its own.

The plot is a little bit of everything: Colorado Rangers led by stalwart Captain Jim; the lovely Mary Sunshine and her “naughty” maid Nancy; a chorus of giggling schoolgirls; and the ominous but benevolent Indian chief. Hearts are won and lost and won again in this delightful, laugh-filled and charming show.

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

The Rise of Theatrical Melodrama

The melodrama we all think of did not gain traction until the  19th century, especially in Europe and America. However, once it caught on, it became a prominent form of entertainment. It’s big draw! It  captured the attention of a burgeoning middle-class audience.  Because of the The Industrial Revolution and the societal changes it brought, the themes of melodramas were significantly influenced.  Plus, the growing divide between social classes made for excellent story lines.

Melodrama and Characterization

Students enjoy melodramas because of the stark contrasts between good and evil, virtue and vice. Characters were often portrayed in an exaggerated manner, allowing the audience to clearly identify with the hero’s unwavering goodness or the villain’s diabolical intentions. The narratives are often simplistic, so there’s a big plus.

It also emphasizes moral dilemmas and the triumph of virtue over vice. Many of our super heroes movies, although usually considered science fiction, follow the same pattern.  Being familiar with super hero plot lines, students have an easy time understanding and portraying the characters in a melodrama. Speaking of super heroes.  Check out my blog post:Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

ISC.20.Performance

Theatrical Elements of Melodrama

One thing you can always depend upon in a melodrama is its emphasis on spectacle. Elaborate stage designs, dramatic lighting, and exaggerated gestures added to the overall effect, intensifying the emotional experience for the audience. Generally, music plays a pivotal role, heightening the tension and emotions of key moments.

Furthermore, stock characters (the mean villain, the sensitive hero, the persecuted heroine, the simpleton, the faithful friend and the villain’s sidekick)  became a hallmark of melodrama. These characters were archetypes that the audience can easily recognize and of which they can relate.

As most of our theater teachers will tell you, our student actors need permission to exaggerate. You wouldn’t think so, but it’s much easier to clown around in class than to actually do so on the stage.  Students aren’t willing to step out and be vulnerable when everyone is watching them.  Producing a  melodrama allows them to cut their acting teeth,  so to speak, while giving them time to adapt to the stage in general.

Did you know I have the secret to boosting student engagement?  My new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” explains my journey to implementing this unique tool in the classroom. Check it out here

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

My Suggestion of Melodramas

If you are considering directing a melodrama, here are a few I’d suggest considering one of these plays.

Only an Orphan Girl(5 F 3M)

The Orphan Girl is a long-suffering young lady who seems destined not only to lose her lover but her life as well. The familiar characters of old-time melodrama here play their roles up to the hilt. The most thrilling scene is that in which dynamite (planted by the villain) is about to blow all the good characters to eternity. Just in time, however, Lucy picks up the dynamite and throws it out the door. On reflection, though, it seems that the thrill just described is actually topped by the even more exciting scene in the sawmill, where Nellie, tied to a log, is approaching the circular saw which in a moment will tear her to pieces. The hero, who has been tied by the villain, is freed just in time to thrust aside the latter who draws a pistol on him and threatens to kill him if he dares touch the lever that will save Nellie. The villain fires. The hero is wounded. And, at this very instant, a friend opportunely appears to snare the villain, and Nellie is safe in the arms of her hero.

A Fate Worse Than Death–(7F 5 M) “Gadzooks! What a beautiful night for a murder!” hisses the villain. Yes, there’s plenty of dirty work going on at the crossroads as that fiendish scoundrel, Cassius Carstairs, pursues the pure Carlotta Flower, the persecuted heroine who is more sinned against than sinning. This wildly funny melodrama gives the audience every chance to hiss the villain and applaud the hero and heroine, and to have the time of their lives. With tongue in cheek it incorporates all of the surefire situations used in the old time melodramas and the result is a wonderfully happy piece of nonsense with laughs tumbling over each other in rapid succession.

Two More Suggestions

The Curse of an Aching Heart— (3 F 9 M) This modern treatment of an old melodrama will have folks hissing, booing and applauding. The sweet heroine is Melody Lane, a self educated and lovely orphan who falls into the hands of scoundrel Windermere Hightower. After Melody and the villain are married, he tells her that he expects her to carry out his criminal schemes. Revolted, she flees a wife in name only. Several months later she is at the None Such ranch where she falls in love with stalwart Lucius Goodenough. When Windermere appears at the ranch, Melody is appalled. He tries to force his attentions on her and Lucius knocks him down. For revenge, Winderemere steals money and plants it on Lucius. His dirty work is discovered and he is unmasked but he gets away and returns to the ranch disguised as a peddler. And once again the virtuous heroine is rescued by guess who?
Yellow Iris–(2 F 7 M) An Agatha Christie gem! A distressed phone call from a mystery woman brings Hercule Poirot to the hotel Jardin des Cygnes, where a man commemorates the four-year anniversary of his wife’s sudden death – a death under very suspicious circumstances that Poirot himself witnessed. Gathered is everyone present on that fateful night and now Poirot must find a killer in the midst, before they strike again.

Discovering Melodrama: A Theatrical Adventure for Students

The Enduring Allure

Audiences enjoy melodramas because they feel familiar. Have you ever seen a melodrama when you were visiting an old western town?  Yup.  They are everywhere.   The everlasting appeal of melodrama lies in its ability to heighten emotions, captivate audiences, and offer a form of escapism. The genre remains a testament to the timeless allure of storytelling through the portrayal of intense emotions and moral conflicts. I don’t plan to direct anymore, although I honestly would re-consider if someone asked me to direct a melodrama. Now, that would be fun!

Have you ever wondered about juke box musicals?  Check out this post:  Exploring the Magic of Jukebox Musicals: When Hits Shape the Stage

This has me so enthused about melodramas, I decided to create a unit for students to study and write their own melodrama.  Now, how’s that?

Here it is!  Pick it up here. 

A 7 day unit concerning playwriting and creating your own Melodrama

Do you follow me on Instagram?  If not, please do.

Pick up a free warm up collection here. Drama Warm-Ups Collection

Are you a teacherspayteachers.com member?  You can follow me here.

What experiences do you have with melodrama?  I’d love to hear about them.  Please feel free to email me here or at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Dramamommaspeaks Blog Author Deborah Baldwin

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

By Leave a Comment

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

In this blog post, let’s discuss How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom. First, I want to share a little memory of mine…When I was in my teens, my father, mother and I traveled to Mexico driving from Kansas.  Needless to say, it was an amazing trip full of wrong turns, teen angst and hilarity.

The Language Barrier Gone Amok

Anyway, we hadn’t studied the Mexican language prior to traveling there.  Consequently, communicating with the Mexican people was difficult for us. One day, somehow, we ended up in the middle of a car race. My father turned a corner too tightly and put our travel trailer up on a curb where we were stuck for several hours. The racing cars had to slow down because of us.

When the policeman scolded my dad, I remember my mother (who was raised in Japan) and my father (who fought in WWII) began speaking in Japanese and German to him. Of course, he became even more furious.  Needless to say, it was embarrassing and humiliating to poor little fourteen-year-old me. Remember being fourteen?

Fortunately, we were lucky enough to see the Folklorico Ballet of Mexico one evening.  As you would expect, it was absolutely amazing! For me, it was the highlight of the entire trip. That, and the really cute boys hanging out on the Matzatland beach.

Our Family Trip to Mexico

Accordingly, we returned home and that was the end of my education about the Mexican culture.  I studied French in high school, never once considering I might enjoy learning to speak Spanish.  At the time, social studies classes didn’t study different cultures.  Surprisingly, I believe we only studied the United States. Talk about living in a bubble!

However, you and your students can celebrate different cultures right in your drama classroom.  Let’s begin with Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month.  When I began researching this subject, I was pleasantly surprised by the volume of resources available for this celebratory month.  Plus, there are many sources in theater for this celebration.  Therefore, not only do you have an opportunity to study a different culture, albeit briefly, you also can integrate drama (or vice versa) into your class.

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month’s Beginnings

The year was 1970 only two years after President Johnson proclaimed a week-long celebration of Hispanic people and their culture.  However President Reagan expanded the week to a month in 1988 and it was titled National Hispanic Heritage month!

If you are unfamiliar with National Hispanic and Latino Heritage month it is a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States.  September 15 to October 15 gives a teacher  an excellent opportunity to engage their students in a diverse and immersive experience within a drama class. I think you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to celebrate the culture through your drama curriculum.  Additionally, you can foster cultural awareness, appreciation, and creativity in your students. Want to learn more about this subject? Check out another blog post, Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in Your Drama Classroom Tomorrow

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

Seven Ways to Celebrate National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month

  1. Exploring Hispanic Playwrights and Theater

One of the best ways to immerse your drama class in Hispanic culture is by introducing them to renowned Hispanic playwrights and their works. Discussing plays by writers such as Lin Manuel Miranda opens up conversations about the Hispanic experience, identity, and history. If you teach middle school students,  you can study Lin Manuel Miranda through these two resources:  Newspaper Article or pick up this free lesson here. Or pick up a biography lesson and one pager assignment concerning Anthony Ramos here.

  1. Performing Hispanic Plays

Organize a class performance of a Hispanic play or scene. You can select a one-act play or adapt a scene from a famous Hispanic playwright’s work. This hands-on experience will not only deepen your students’ understanding of Hispanic culture but also enhance their acting skills. I suggest purchasing a copy of Esperanza Rising play to use as a read aloud. Want to know more about the theater? Check out: The Seven Reasons I Recommend Plays for New Audiences Scripts

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

  1. Guest Speakers and Workshops

If possible, I’d suggest inviting guest speaker or theater professionals with a Hispanic heritage to share their experiences and insights with your drama class. They can discuss their journey in the theater world, the importance of representation, and the cultural significance of their work. Workshops on Latinx theater techniques, dance, or music can also add a dynamic dimension to your drama curriculum. Or maybe you want to show your students what is possible for them if they are of Hispanic descent and interested in a professional career.  Use this video clip to teach about Hispanic American Theatre  Want to know other ways to use video in your classroom?  Check out:  Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

More Celebration Ideas

  1. Research and Presentations

Another idea is to assign students to complete a short research project focused on a prominent Hispanic actor, director, or playwright. They can explore their contributions to the theater world and the impact of their work on Hispanic culture. Require your students to make a presentation of it.  However, if your students don’t have time to study anyone in depth, check out: Designing Broadway:  On Your Feet!  Costume Designer Emilio Sosa. 

How to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Drama Classroom

  1. Bilingual Performances

Although this is a little difficult to do, it would be very interesting for your students to perform a scene or monologue in both English and Spanish. This exercise not only improves their language skills but also allows them to connect with the material on a deeper level.

Most importantly, it emphasizes the importance of language as a bridge between cultures. Here are some you could use: Quiara Alegría Hudes: Barrio Girl. Dramatic Publishing. Luis Alfaro. Black Butterfly, Jaguar Girl, Piñata Woman and Other Superhero Girls, Like Me. Playscripts, Coleman A. Jennings: Nine plays by José Cruz González (anthology). Dramatic Publishing. or Karen Zacarías: Cinderella Eats Rice and Beans. How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accent. Looking for Roberto Clemente. Magical Piñata. Frida Libre. Dramatic Publishing.

  1. Cultural Immersion

To truly celebrate Hispanic culture, consider organizing a cultural immersion day. This could include a screening of a Hispanic film, a salsa dancing lesson or perform a readers theater script. Any of these activities will engage your students.  By immersing students in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Hispanic culture can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. Check out these units:  The Magic Lake (Peruvian Legend), The Legend of the Poinsettia (Mexican Legend) or In the Heights Broadway Musical Unit (Latino culture).

Collaborative Projects

Lastly, students enjoy learning with a partner. Additionally, they enjoy costume design.  How about assigning students to design costumes for a Hispanic version of  the story of Cinderella in play form  using Vogue magazine fashion design sketching app.? Or creating a stage property with a Latin theme using an app. like Tinkercard.com?

The Hispanic Culture and Heritage is Deserves Our Respect

I’ve only scratched the surface as far as the resources available to use when celebrating this terrific culture.  Just remember that celebrating Hispanic and Latino Heritage month in drama class is not only educational but also a celebration of the rich tapestry of American culture.  Lastly, I hope you embrace this month as an occasion to broaden horizons, encourage empathy, and promote the importance of diversity and inclusion in the world of theater. Because as I always say…there’s no better place to learn than through theater! 

What celebrations do you have planned for your students?  I’d love to hear about them.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com and we’ll chat!

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

 

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

By Leave a Comment

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

As a child, I loved to read. However, I had one bad habit– reading the end of the book far before I’d read the rest of the book.  My mother called it shameful at the time.  I admit, I still imbibe in this activity from time to time. Not with plays, however. I’m proud to say that never have I ever read the end of the play ahead of time.  Never. Today I want to talk about the eight benefits for students when reading plays.

As educators, we constantly seek fresh and unique ways to engage our students and foster a genuine love for learning. While traditional reading materials hold their place, have you ever considered the profound impact of introducing plays into your curriculum? Beyond the spotlight and stage, the world of plays offers a wealth of opportunities for students to explore, learn, and grow. In this post, let’s delve into why incorporating plays into your teaching toolkit can be a game-changer.

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

#1 Spark Empathy and Understanding by Reading Plays 

Perhaps one of the most important reasons to read plays  is the swift speed a  playwright‘s uses to engage the audience right from the first word. Consequently, the play immediately piques our interest. Let’s admit something here.  Our students want everything fast, because the world has become so quick moving thanks to technology.  No one wants to be patient or wait around for anything.  Everyone, especially our students, want a quick fix.

Unlike reading novels, the old adage that “you should read the number of pages equal to your age before you decide if you enjoy the story or not” doesn’t hold true here. Plays must get to the point early on in the production or else the audience will make a quick exit for the theater door.  Consequently, most plays are under 150 pages.  They hold your attention to the end, because playwrights want the audience to be enthralled through curtain call.  Check out my post about The Most Important Play I’ve Directed in My 38 Year Career.

Usually, narration is kept to a minimum.  In most plays, if deftly written, the characters can narrate the story through their lines. Every character in a play has a unique story to tell, emotions to share, and challenges to overcome. When students step into the shoes of these characters through reading, they cultivate empathy and gain insights into different perspectives. This newfound empathy transcends the classroom, nurturing a more compassionate and understanding generation. When someone demonstrates how a person feels at a particular moment in a story, they visualize the moment playing out right in front of them. That is powerful.

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2 Nurturing Critical Thinkers

Plays are intricate puzzles waiting to be unraveled. The layers of dialogue, symbolism, and character development offer an intellectual banquet for students. Even our youngest students can read a play and pick out the elements of literature--setting, conflict, plot and character, etc.   Encourage them to dissect the text, identify underlying themes, and analyze character motivations. This process hones critical thinking skills that extend far beyond the realm of literature.

Language Proficiency Beyond the Ordinary

Plays are a linguistic treasure trove, showcasing diverse forms of language from various eras and cultures. By exposing students to the rich tapestry of language found in plays, you’re fostering students to build a versatile vocabulary. Through the acquisition of new words and expressions students’ hone their communication skills which better equips them to communicate their thoughts and feelings.

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

#3 Plays and Time Travel through Text

History books offer facts; plays transport students back in time. Through the lens of playwrights’ words, students can experience different time periods, cultures, and societal norms. This immersive experience makes history come alive, encouraging students to appreciate the nuances of different eras. Plays have been written about many historical moments in history, science, art, music and so forth.  After 911, there were several plays written from the viewpoint of the firemen who survived the tragedy. One is The Guys.  The Guys tells a story about a New York City journalist who helps a local fire captain write memorial speeches for his men who died in the World Trade Center crisis bowed starring Sigourney Weaver and Bill Murray in January 2002.

 

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

#4 Reading Plays Provokes Dynamic  Class Discussions

The themes explored in plays are the stuff of thought-provoking conversations. From social issues to questions about morality, plays provide a perfect platform for discussing complex topics. By reading a play, students can articulate their opinions, learn from diverse viewpoints, and develop the art of respectful discourse. For example, The Laramie Project play is set in and around Laramie, Wyoming, in the aftermath of the murder of twenty-one -year-old Matthew Shepard.   The Laramie Project is known for its powerful portrayal of the complexities of a community’s response to a hate crime, and it has been widely performed and studied to shed light on issues related to LGBTQ+ rights, hate crimes, and social justice.

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

#5 Play Reading Bridges Generations

Incorporating both classic and contemporary plays bridges the literary gap between generations. Students connect with the enduring themes of the past while appreciating the evolving narratives of the present. She Stoops to Conquer was written in 1773 and is just as relevant today as when it was first produced. The overriding theme of She Stoops to Conquer is how reality is often distorted by social status. Sound familiar?

A recent column in Esquire magazine states, “Sometimes the Truly Rich lose their bearings about how money works for other people. While they have that joyful privilege of viewing money through the filter of what it can do for them, other people see cash as that wad of paper that can get them through the next two weeks.” In She Stoops To Conquer, a rigid English social system effectively encourages people to be someone other than who they really are.

She Stoops to Conquer is a comedy of manners that explores social class, one’s place in society, both socially and economically, and its importance in 18th century England. The characters and their conceptions of these absurd societal rules lead them on a humorous journey in their relationships, by exposing our students to plays which are nearly 250 years old, students learn to appreciate the continuity of human thought and storytelling across time.

#6 Students Skills for Life’s Journey

When students engage with plays, they acquire skills that are essential beyond graduation. The ability to analyze, interpret, and empathize with different perspectives equips them to thrive in diverse environments. They become lifelong learners who approach challenges with a multidimensional outlook.

Eight Benefits for Students When Reading Plays

 #7 Cultivating Creativity

The act of reading plays demands visualization – imagining characters, scenes, and emotions. A good example of this is the play War Horse.  The horse puppet that represents Joey is operated by three puppeteers each night: one at the head, one at the heart, and one at the hind. But this is no ordinary panto horse: when at full flight, the 30-kilogram, life-sized contraption is an imposing force, galloping across the stage. The scenes of Joey fighting in war are magnificent!  This visualization of a living breathing horse demands of us to use our  creativity thereby encouraging students to actively participate in crafting the narrative in their minds. They become co-creators of the story, enriching their imaginative capacities. If you are looking for a lesson concerning The War Horse play, check out:  War Horse Resource

 #8 Transformative Journey Through Reading Plays

I cannot stress enough that incorporating plays into your curriculum is not just about reading; it’s about opening doors to creativity, empathy, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. By introducing students to the world of plays, you’re guiding them on a transformative journey that goes beyond textbooks. You’re instilling a lifelong appreciation for literature, broadening their horizons, and empowering them to embrace the complexities of the world with confidence. I bet you’ll discover more of your students will become involved in their school play productions after they’ve read a few.  They are a perfect bridge. Have your students read any radio theater plays? Check out these blog posts for reasons to read them. Creative Dramatics Lesson Plans: Nine Reasons to Teach Radio Theater or Top Reasons Teachers Succeed When Teaching With Radio Theater

Let’s embrace the world of plays and witness the magic unfold within our classrooms. Your students’ journey into the realm of drama might just be the most enlightening adventure they embark upon.

What plays have your students read?  I’d love to hear from you about them.  Let’s chat!  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks