Introduction to Theatre Class: Learning by Doing
The seventeen students in the CHS Introduction to Theatre class have begun the school year by doing things they most likely didn’t imagine they’d do in a class. From the first day of class, everyone was asked to hit the stage and perform. By doing so, everyone in the class began to establish trust and realize that it’s Ok to work with others, create characters, and be free to express a variety of emotions. “Students love playing improv games,” stated Mr. Balster, CHS Speech and Theatre Director. “There’s a special sort of energy in class when students are performing and creating characters in outrageous situations.”
Even though the lessons of improvisation can apply to a variety of skills an actor needs, other concepts included in a survey course need to be experienced. These include design, group decision-making, problem solving, teamwork and working as an ensemble, understanding movement, creating character, and suspending disbelief. One project can address these concepts and more. Given nothing more than newspaper and masking tape, students were assigned the task of designing and creating a life-sized puppet that could be manipulated using all team members.
The task was more daunting than students first envisioned. Once design plans were set, the students spent almost four class periods constructing their puppets. Once completed, making the creations “come to life” was the final step of the creative process. The puppets walked, reacted, and moved freely on the stage. Some even interacted with each other.
Introduction to Theatre class includes Logan Brooke, Kollyn Buch, Alex Chambers, Mark Engstrand, Caleb Johnson, Dawson Kersey, Jared Kirsch, Lindsey Langley, David Rahn, Sabaen Reed, Jared Rogers-Nelson, Abby Ryckman, Jacob Slough, Josey Stanton, Shelby VanFosson, and Annie Wallin. These students will continue their study of theatre disciplines including acting, theatre history, all the tech areas of theatre, as well as reading plays. Students will also help with projects on Cardinal Theatre’s fall production.