This seven-part series is designed to transform that gaggle of actors cluttering your backstage from cumbersome extras into nothing less than the very center of your production.
Instructor Michael Calderone leads this course, through games and exercises geared to maximize your ensemble for your next production. These lessons are based on the ensemble technique that he's been using for the last 30 years, called the shoestring method.
The ensemble has a responsibility to work as one, and no role is more important than another. Without each actor playing their part, the other actors cannot tell the story to the best of their abilities. So join Michael in learning more about this exciting, practical and dramatic method.
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TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr4.1.7.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr5.1.6.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Cr1.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Pr4.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr5.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Acc.TH:Cr2.b - Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
B.C.1.2 - Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
Tennessee Theatre standards (2018) standards were built using the framework of the NCAS which is built on four key domains: Creating, Performing/Presenting/Producing, Connecting, and Responding. Within each of these domains are foundations and standards to support the development of curriculum, programs, and learning.
(source: Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts, Summer 2018)
Please refer to National Core Arts Standards to determine the standard that best suits your needs.
C.1.C - respond to sounds, music, images, and the written word, incorporating movement.
C.1.E - identify theatrical vocabulary and terminology, including basic anatomy of theatre spaces.
C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.E - express emotions and ideas using interpretive movements and dialogue.
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.C - select movements and dialogue to portray a character appropriately.
B.1.B - explore preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.C - create expressive movement and mime to define space and characters.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
C.1.B - develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
C.2.A - model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.
C.2.A - model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
C.2.B - demonstrate creativity as it relates to self and ensemble and its effect on audience.
1 - display the ability to be still
13 - use levels (high, medium, and low)
14 - create physically shapes in space
15 - use basic locomotor movements (eg. walking, running, crawling) to explore space
16 - create and repeat patterns of movement
17 - demonstrate freezing of movement in space
18 - appreciate that physical expression can enhance language
22 - translate words, images and emotions into movement
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable, physically and emotionally, with others
focus concentration on one task at a time
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
share ideas confidently with others
speak, move, and generate ideas spontaneously
10 - use varying speed of movement
11 - use directions and pathways
13 - control focus and energy in movement and gesture
14 - create shapes with the body
16 - demonstrate freezing of movement
17 - use movement to communicate non-verbally
19 - translate sounds, words, images, and emotions into movement
2 - demonstrate awareness of personal and shared space
3 - use physical relaxation techniques effectively
4 - recognize the need for and demonstrate warmup activities
8 - display increased freedom of movement
9 - travel through space in a variety of ways e.g., running, creeping and jumping
21 - display clarity of movement and gesture
12 - demonstrate a stage whisper
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
2 - respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
3 - demonstrate the ability to be still
4 - create experiences through imaging, visualizing and fantasizing
7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
develop the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
develop the ability to interact effectively and constructively in a group process
develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
extend the ability to explore meaning through abstract concepts
extend the ability to explore, control and express emotions
apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations
demonstrate a sense of inquiry and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate the ability to considered decisions, act upon them and accept the results
demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
extend the ability to concentrate
extend the ability to control and express emotions
sharpen observations of people, situations and the environment
Compose, interpret, and expand ideas using symbolism, imagery, and elements
Collaborate through reciprocal relationships during creative processes
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
Compose, interpret, and expand ideas using symbolism and imagery
Use symbolism and imagery to communicate about and respond to environmental and social issues
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works
Experience and express emotions through dramatic conventions