Today Christine Marie, a teaching artist with the San Francisco based Shadowlight theatre came to give the ensemble an orientation into the world of shadow theatre/puppetry. The goal is for the students to learn what possibilities exist with shadow as a storytelling device and theatrical form before we get to committed to story. It was a fantastic 90 minute session. She showed us a video of a Shadowlight production, including behind the scenes footage. Then we went into the auditorium where with just two overheads and a projection screen and a few puppets we could see the possibilities: backgrounds, monsters, characters all coming to life, indeed even larger than life. Then it was a simple question and answer session and all sorts of ideas were generated: using our bodies to create the Hagia Sophia in shadow, showing the thoughts of the original architects, showing the riots and burning of the original church all were brought up. The kids ideas were creative and innovative (how would we show a decapitation? Can you show someone falling?). Our next session will also be with Christine Marie but this time we will be on our feet creating shadows. The idea is a good one, to give a background for a theatrical possibility before creating our script. In an ideal universe we will use this information to create something we wouldn't have without her instruction, and then, when it comes time to actually staging it, rehire her as a consultant.
It reminds me to mention that if you are creating a devised piece with your students you should not limit yourself to just your knowledge of theatre. It's important to seek out theatre artists in your community who for a small fee can help you and your students expand your theatrical vocabulary. I think of it in two ways: one, it models for my students the idea that theatre is a collaborative art form and that we should seek out ideas from other people and get help when needed. Two, I think of it as staff development for me. Too often I see theatre teachers relying on technique that they learned in graduate school, or in their acting careers. Teaching theatre is the best excuse for learning new theatrical technique yourself and then teaching it to your students is the best way to really learn it.
It reminds me to mention that if you are creating a devised piece with your students you should not limit yourself to just your knowledge of theatre. It's important to seek out theatre artists in your community who for a small fee can help you and your students expand your theatrical vocabulary. I think of it in two ways: one, it models for my students the idea that theatre is a collaborative art form and that we should seek out ideas from other people and get help when needed. Two, I think of it as staff development for me. Too often I see theatre teachers relying on technique that they learned in graduate school, or in their acting careers. Teaching theatre is the best excuse for learning new theatrical technique yourself and then teaching it to your students is the best way to really learn it.
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