Monthly Archives: September 2016

Gathering in a circle on a Friday afternoon, we begin a “checking in” where everyone in Company gives a quick snapshot of what is going on in their world – short simple and unfiltered. We work to not apologize. We work to not diminish. We work to not minimize. We don’t “feel happy.” We “ARE happy.” We present ourselves in big bold colors; we do not use pastels. We don’t worry about being interesting or novel or entertaining each other. If we are stuck, we own it. Read more →

Theatre History is just beginning to present its Original Ritual Project. Students have been working on these projects in class for the past several classes for hours of independent work. During this working time, I try to be as unobtrusive as possible. I want them to feel they own the work. I want to let them make their mistakes and hit the creative walls and work their way back. Of course I have to make sure that they don’t break down the school walls, set off the fire alarms or burn down the theatre – (not that they would— this truly a committed hardworking group of students. Read more →

Today in Company – after a rigourous warm-up – where we actually got warm, the goal was to feel the difference between a “doing” with a partner and a “being” with a partner. Partners stood opposite each other and synchonirized their breathing. They stood a few feet opposite each other and just slowed down and worked to be present with their partner. This is always uncomfortable at first (wiggles and giggles), but once they acknowledge this discomfort, they can use breath to move this discomfort away. You got to name it to tame it. Read more →

In the most recent playwriting assignment, I have students create their own play structure (Major Dramatic Curve) for a PLAY that takes place in ONLY ONE ROOM and in ONLY ONE TIME FRAME. All of the students give me a simple nod that says, “No problem.” Then they realize that all of their story plots rely on escaping, trapping, exploring etc. In short, there brain is still driven by movie ideas. They realize they cannot image what two people in one place and at one time could do that would produce any conflict much less rising action of more than a tactic or two. Without jail bars, guns, and car chases they are stuck. Read more →

We just got word that there was to be no school on Friday and Monday was already going to be a day off for Labor Day. So what to do? Sit home and do lesson plans for theatre? No sir. Not this weekend. Time to call Delta and make that escape to NYC. That’s how lesson plans are getting done this weekend.