I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year. My first blog of 2009 will deal with a small group improv.  Next I’ll be sharing ideas I used in my drama classes about character development.  See you in the New Year. 

If your school is anything like mine, the music department is responsible for a Christmas program and singing and playing appropriate Christmas music. As my fall show was over and we hadn’t started on the winter production, I wanted to do something for Christmas. Several times I did a show for children with a Christmas theme. One year, however, I met with the music department and asked if my drama students could have four minutes in their all school Christmas assembly program and they graciously gave me the nod. The following idea does not require any set, costumes, program, etc.—just time to learn the ‘signs’.

I always wanted my students to learn sign language, often using popular songs. I scouted for an appropriate song that the choir, band, and orchestra were not performing. I decided on The Chipmunks’ rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” a perfect addition to the concert. 

Everyone was to know and present the refrain ‘On the ___ day of Christmas my true love game to me’ and two of the 12 days, so I taught them the signs for: ‘Five Golden Rings,’ ‘A Partridge in a Pear Tree’ and the refrain. Then I divided the class into groups of 10.  

These groups were then given their specific day. Each group had to research their signs and practice so that they were in sync with each other as well as the tape. The group who was assigned day 6 was also Alvin, the chipmunk who always causes trouble. As I had more than one in that group, I assigned one of them to be Alvin, who learned the signs for what Alvin says in the song.   

We spent about two weeks, 15 minutes a day, preparing for our debut.

On the day we performed, everyone stood in a line, stepping out to present his or her specific day (everyone stepping out for ‘5 Golden Rings’ and ‘A Partridge In A Pear Tree’) and I ran the tape machine. Several of the students were involved in the choir and band so they joined us and the audience loved the change of pace.  A professional signer came up afterwards and told my students they were very good. 

It is also possible to sign one of the songs being performed in the concert. It is a great way to work with the music department and usher in the season.

The Student Evaluation Form helps those students who are not involved in group improvisation activities and exercises pay attention and become a part of the whole process. Students have to begin having a critical eye when observing fellow actors. The downfall is that they become overly critical or very generous. Criticism is so helpful and much needed in the arts but learning how to do it takes practice (as well as accept it) and this form may be a good way to start. 

STUDENT EVALUATION FORM

Name__________________________________

Please rate the selected actor in the following areas on a scale from EX. (excellent), VG. (very good), G. (good), S. (satisfactory),  P. (poor).  Please try to be as honest as possible.

PROCESS

Effort­­­­­­­__________________

Level Of Personal Challenge And Risk-

Taking__________________

Cooperation With Everyone­­­­­­­__________________

PRODUCT

Character Development­­­­­­­__________________

Energy­­­­­­­__________________

Concentration And Focus­­­­­­­__________________     

Ensemble/Team Work­­­­­­­__________________

Who Were They? __________________

What Was Their Objective? __________________

Write at least one thoughtful sentence about the student’s performance: