Writing/Performing Activity: Student Instructions
Exploring Careers in Theater
Introduction
In the video excerpt, Marsha Norman said that her first play, Getting Out, was inspired by an experience she had while working at Central State Hospital. She talked about how she faced a difficult situation and learned from it. In groups of four to six, you are going to write brief plays (3-5 minutes long) inspired by a personal experience and perform these for the class.
Small-Group Instructions
In groups, brainstorm events where you experienced great fear. Think about your physical and mental reactions to the situation. Did your heart rate increase? Your breathing? How did your body feel? What was racing through your mind? Describe the event. Determine the conflict and analyze the emotions and the solution.
Once you have at least one idea from each person in the group, discuss and decide on the best scenario to use for writing a script. Adjust the number of characters in the scenario so that there are enough roles for the group members. Work together to create the dialogue. Consider all ideas and use constructive criticism. Remember that these are short plays and that everyone should be involved.
Write the script, applying the elements of drama. Interpret the performance and technical elements and consider these throughout the writing of the play, including stage directions as necessary. Test your script by acting out parts as you go. Discover what works. Spend time developing the characters; analyze them and test your characterizations with the group.
Edit your script.
When all the groups are finished with their scripts, exchange your script with another group.
When you receive another group’s script, study, interpret, and analyze it. Start a list of suggestions for the playwrights and add to it as you continue working on the play. Discuss how the play should be staged. Determine who will be your director and who will take on other roles (acting, stage managing, etc.).
Following your director’s vision, prepare, rehearse, and perform the play for the class.
After the performance, discuss how the performance and technical elements were used. Were they effective? What should have been done differently? Why?
Performers: Meet with the playwrights of your production and discuss your group’s vision as compared to theirs and the response to the performance. Refer to the suggestion list you’ve been keeping.
Playwrights: Did the performance of your play meet your expectations? What would you do differently now (if anything) in writing the script? Discuss the experience with the class.