Creative Drama in the Classroom and Beyond

Contents.

 

Foreword–Shitra Schonmann.

 

Preface.

 

I. CREATIVE DRAMA IN THE CLASSROOM.

1. Creative Drama: An Art, a Socializing Activity, and a Way of Learning.

Educational Objectives.

Definitions.

New Techniques in Drama and Theatre Education.

Values in Creative Playing.

Summary.

Suggested Assignments.

Journal Writing.

2. Imagination Is the Beginning.

Imagination.

Concentration.

Organization.

Creativity.

Beginning Exercises for Imagination.

Self-Expression.

Communication.

Discipline.

Problems in Creative Playing.

Evaluating Children's Responses.

Summary.

Suggested Assignments.

Journal Writing.

3. Play.

A Historical Overview of Play.

Some Theories of Play.

Ritual.

Speech Play.

The Benefits of Play.

Summary.

Suggested Assignments.

Journal Writing.

4. Movement and Rhythms.

Children and Movement.

From Rhythms to Dramatic Play.

Telling Stories in Movement.

The Legend of the Shooting Star.

Anansi and His Six Sons.

The Bat's Choice.

The Turnip.

The Dancing Tea Kettle.

The Full Moon Festival.

From Tyl Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks.

Summary.

Suggested Assignments.

Journal Writing.

5. Pantomime: The Next Step.

Class Size.

Length of Class Period.

Playing Space.

Imagination.

Concentration.

Sense Images.

Performing an Activity.

Mood and Feelings.

Characterization.

Pantomime Suggested by Other Means.

Starting Places.

Summary.

Suggested Assignments.

Journal Writing.

6. Improvisation: Characters Move and Speak.

Simple Improvisations Based on Situations.

Improvisations Suggested by Objects.

Improvisations from Costumes.

Improvisations from Characters.

Improvisations from Clues.

Biography.

Improvisations for Two.

Improvisations for Three.

"You End It!'' Improvisations.

Improvisations with Problems for Discussion.

Improvisations for Older Players.

Improvisations Based on Holidays.

Improvisations Based on Stories.

Role Playing.

Summary.

Suggested Assignments.

Journal Writing.

7. Puppetry and Mask Making.

Puppets.

Stories for Puppet Plays.

Little Indian Two Feet's Horse.

The Talking Cat.

The Fisherman and His Wife.

Puppets as Teaching Aids.

The Story of Noah's Ark.

Puppets as Therapeutic Tools.

Masks.

Summary.

Suggested Assignments.

Journal Writing.

8. Dramatic Structure: The Play Takes Shape.

Plot.

Theme or Thought.

Conflict.

Climax.

Dénouement.

Characters.

Dialogue.

Action.

Business.

Melody (or Mood Created by Sound Effects, Music, and Vocal Sounds).

Acts.

Scenes.

Mounting.

Subplots.

Flashback Scenes.

Unity.

Dramatic Irony.

Comedy.

Tragedy.

Prologue and Epilogue.

Narrator.

Theatre for Children.

Mr. Hare Takes Mr. Leopard for a Ride.

Suggested Assignments.

Journal Writing.

9. Building Plays from Stories.

The Little Scarecrow Boy.

Caps for Sale .

The Tortoise and the Hare.

The Two Foolish Cats.

Darby and Joan.

The Peasant Who Dined with a Lord.

Little BurntFace.

Jack and His Animals.

Jack and the Hainted House.

Prometheus.

Bluebonnets.

Bimi.

The Wise Old Woman. <