Social Studies and Language Arts:
Play Writing into Performance

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Playwriting into Performance is a very exciting, challenging and rewarding Artist-in-Residence experience.  Over the course of 12 – 25 days, an ECT teaching artist works with a core group of students and teachers to develop, and ultimately perform, an original play based on a theme relevant to the student’s lives or the school’s curriculum.  

To begin, participants develop a production concept based on a chosen theme while concurrently learning fundamental performance skills- i.e., techniques in improvisational movement, collaboration, and self-presentation.  Students are guided through a process of research, interpretation and creative writing, including editing and revising their writing.  The rehearsal process involves both verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, physical interpretation and expressive reading skills.  Depending on time and the production concept/needs, participants design and construct their own simple sets, props, and costumes.  The program culminates in an original performance for their peers, friends and families.  

ECT offers the following residency topics in Social Studies and Language Arts: Ancient Civilizations, Colonial America, The Civil War, The American Revolution, Explorers and Native Cultures.

"I've never worked so hard in my whole life. I felt like quitting lots of times, and I've never been so proud of myself, as I was today after our performance."

~7th grade student, Springfield, MA

 

"This program exceeded our expectations. The sense of pride that the students experienced was phenomenal. The fact that the 5th grade studenrs performed a play, and that they wrote it, was important for the entire school community."~Principal, Jackson Street School, Northampton, MA

For booking availability and pricing information, please email Celine or call 413.534.3789.

 

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