Please complete and turn in your cooperative 1-minute play. Our printer is still not working, so please drop your file in the dropbox with your NAME on the file.
Today, in lab during 7th period you may work with a partner, provided both of you participate in the following exercise:
In your journal create a series of characters (some of whom will be used in future assignments).
Rules:
1. Take turns coming up with a character concept. Listen to each other to help create plausible character ideas. Do not place your character in any specific setting.
2. Answer these questions:
a. Who is in that space?
b. what is the character's gender?
c. what is the character's first name?
d. How old is this character?
e. How does this character move? (easily, hesitantly, gracefully, defiantly? etc.)
f. Jot down what the audience can see or hear when this character first appears on stage. (for example, as a writer we may know that Lucy is two-timing Shayla, but at first look, the audience will not know this information - what about her appearance might suggest her to be the type that might cheat?)
g. Jot down specific information that would interest a director, designer, or an actor. (what body type is the character, what culture, what size, what specific details would be important to know in order to cast someone like this?)
Make notes for at least 3 characters. Don't relate the characters to each other. Include different types and ages of characters, too.
Examples:
A. Alexandra: 17, jeans, sandals, wears a man's xl sweater with a hood, attractive, no make-up, moves with purpose and energy.
B. Marla: 38, wrinkled-unkempt clothes, afro. Wears a lot of bling and has a nose-piercing. She moves gracefully, sure of herself and her environment. She pops her gum and always speaks in a loud voice.
C. Burt: 70, thin and dark. He wears a three-piece business suit and clown shoes. He moves unsteadily about with the help of a metal walker. He is often smiling or laughing.
After you have come up with 3 characters each, with your partner, gather at least 3 places each. These places should be designed for a stage. In other words, realize that you will use them on a stage (such as the blackbox theatre, or the ensemble, or the main stage). For each space include the following information:
1. Is the space interior or exterior (inside or outside)?
2. What time of day or night is it?
3. What season or weather?
4. Is the space cramped or open?
5. Is the ceiling high or low?
6. Where is the entrance?
7. What is the quality and source of light?
8. Is there anything unexpected about the space or its contents?
After concluding this exercise, please add 3 or more "WHAT's" for your play.
a what is WHAT is happening in a particular space. It may be a poetic metaphor or symbolic, or stated plainly. It is what you hold in your mind while you write.
Example: fighting for acceptance, showing bravery in the face of adversity, standing up to a bully, breaking a personal rule, breaking free, gossiping about an important secret, succeeding in love, etc.
Try 3 of these.
Again, the basic components of all plays are character + setting + conflict = situation. Or who + where + what = scene.
HOMEWORK: Alone or with a partner, write a 3-minute play (3-5 pages, playscript format) using a who + where + what from your list.
During 8th period we will begin reading the play: The Colored Museum. Please finish reading this play over break. We will be working with it when we return.
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