Minds On
Warm up
Don’t forget to do your safety check!
Warm Up
Breathing activity
Find a comfortable position. Focus your attention on one part of the body at a time.
How does that part of your body feel? If possible, take a deep breath and allow your lungs to expand.
Focus your attention on one part of your body. Allow that part to relax before moving on to the next. As you scan through your body, keep breathing deeply.
Once you have completed the scan, take a moment to stretch.
Explore this audio recording entitled “Breathing Activity” to learn more about completing this warm up exercise.
Breathing Activity
Flashback, flashforward
Explore the following image. What might have happened just before the dragon and rider took to the sky? What might happen next?
One way to answer our questions about the image is to create a tableau. A tableau is a silent, motionless picture.
In drama, we can use a tableau to express different themes, feelings, and ideas. Tableaux may be presented as stand-alone images to share one specific message or may be used in a longer dramatic work.
Explore this video entitled “What is a Tableau?” to learn about the four different features of a tableau. The four features are stillness, facial expressions, filling the space, and levels.
Let’s get started
Note: In this video, the performer creates a character by pretending. They use different props to help them create their character (i.e. foam hammer).
Make a list of what you enjoyed, what you did not enjoy, and any feedback and/or questions you have for the performer. Provide examples from the video to support your feedback.
Complete the Feedback Chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts. Consider adding your work to your drama portfolio.
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What I enjoyed about the drama performance: What I did not enjoy about the drama performance and my feedback for the performer: Questions I have for the performer: |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Feedback Chart.
Action
Get ready, get set…
It’s important for any actor to figure out their likes and dislikes when it comes to different performances. The more you experience other performances, the more you will realize what you connect to on a personal level.
Making a connection
Acting is all about connecting. If you are in the audience, you can connect to the characters and to the story. Experiencing a drama production might make you feel happy, sad, or excited.
It doesn’t matter how others react to a drama production. Your reaction is the most important part.
It’s also important for you to self-evaluate your own work. Press ‘Definition’ to learn what self-evaluate means.
Self-evaluating means you explore what you’ve done. You can then decide what you did really well and what you want to practise.
Let’s explore one way an actor who is playing a character can try to connect with the audience. This is through a monologue.
Monologue
A monologue is when one character gives a long speech. It is meant to provide the audience with insights into that character’s thoughts and feelings.
Explore this video entitled "What is a Monologue" to learn more about how actors use monologue to communicate their ideas and emotions to the audience.
“The Tortoise and the Hare”
Explore the following monologue from the story “The Tortoise and the Hare.”
Monologue: “The Tortoise and the Hare”
What do you learn about the character through their monologue?
Based on the character’s thoughts and feelings, who might be giving the monologue?
Consider adding your thoughts to your drama portfolio. Then, press ‘Hint’ to access more details and questions about this monologue.
Did you guess that it was the Hare who was giving the monologue?
Based on the descriptions that the character provided:
- Could you understand what the Hare was thinking and feeling throughout the race?
- What might he add to help the audience understand his perspective?
- What is the lesson that the Hare learned?
- How might the Hare behave differently next time?
Record your ideas in writing, digitally, or as an audio description. Consider adding your work to your drama portfolio.
Act it out
How would you perform this character?
What could you do to create a connection with the audience? For example, could you use movement, facial expressions, or vocal cues?
Practise the monologue out loud by yourself or with a partner, if possible.
You may also choose to express the monologue through a series of tableaux, or create a detailed description of how you might perform it as the character.
Press ‘Definition’ to recall the meaning of a tableau.
A tableau is a silent, motionless picture. In drama, we can use a tableau to express different themes, feelings, and ideas. Tableaux may be presented as stand-alone images to share one specific message or may be used in a longer dramatic work.
Explore this video entitled “What is a Tableau?” to learn about the four different features of a tableau. The four features are stillness, facial expressions, filling the space, and levels.
Pause and Reflect
Performance review
Once you are done, answer the following questions:
- Were there things you did well in your monologue or tableaux?
- What would you still like to practise?
Record your thoughts in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Taking time to review your own performance allows you to reflect and focus on what areas you would like to practise.
Think about how you can develop your performance and practise your monologue again.
How did you continue to develop or enhance your performance? Take a moment to self-reflect.
Record your thoughts using a method of your choice and consider adding your ideas to your drama portfolio.
Consolidation
Putting it all together
Portfolio
Review your learning
Reflect on your performance and answer the following questions. Record your thoughts using a method of your choice. Consider adding your ideas to your drama portfolio.
- What strategies could you use to help develop your character?
- What were some things that improved the second time you practised?
- Why is it important to practise? What do you learn each time you practise?
- Why is it important to connect to your character?
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.