Intro 4/30

This was our last class in April, which means we only have the 4 more May classes before June hits and all the drama classes start rehearsing together. Yikes! Today was also the deadline for memorization of all lines, cues, and songs. So for those few who aren't quite there yet, make that a priority this week so that we can use the May classes for fine-tuning rather than scrambling to catch up. We still have dances to learn!

Today, we did what all good actors do. We researched our characters. We watched nature videos of African animals and worked more on how to translate their movements to human bodies. As a class, we did elephants, wildebeest, and buzzards. Next week we'll continue this exercise with lions and hyenas.

For homework, I've asked each student to find out something they don't already know about their animal and bring that bit of information to class. It can be anything--habitat, diet, eyesight, range, lifespan, or any fun fact. Use the library, the internet, or any other resources at your fingertips.

Also, students should keep practicing their animal movements so that they feel natural.

Intro 4/23

Today we finished working through every scene. Students should now know what scenes they're in and what they're supposed to be doing/feeling/singing in those scenes. There are a few exceptions--some things we haven't decided on yet. And much of the blocking will become clearer in June when we rehearse with all other drama students.

Don't forget that by next class everyone should have all lines, cues, and songs memorized! This includes understudies. We will be off-book, which means that we no longer use scripts onstage.

Michelle came today and worked with us on Circle of Life again. We're getting there. Students should practice their songs at home with the CD's from Michelle, not the music from the movie. There are differences and we don't want our actors confused. Now is the time to stop singing along to the movie.

Intro 4/16

Today in class we reviewed the song Be Prepared. All hyenas and buzzards should be practicing at home so that next week they know exactly when to sing their parts. We continued through the script, blocking the stampede scene and others.

Students had many opportunities to practice their stage directions--crossing to stage left, entering upstage right, moving downstage, etc. We also practiced keeping our bodies open to the audience. Next week, we'll finish up blocking and work more on songs.

4/9 Intro

Last night we worked on Be Prepared (both singing and acting). When handing out the sheet music, we came up short, so a few students will not get their sheet music until next week. But that shouldn't stop them from practicing! The lyrics are in the script.

Reminder: all lines, lyrics, and cues need to be memorized by April 30th! This includes understudies! Don't wait till the last minute!

Memorizing tips:

• Repetition is the key. Say the lines over and over and over again. Always say lines aloud, not just in your head (that way your mouth might remember when your brain forgets).
• practice with a friend.
• Practice in small chunks of time (10 minutes each day) rather than trying to memorize in one long evening. That never works.
• Make flash cards with your cue line on one side and your line on the other. Friends can quiz you or you can quiz yourself while walking to school, riding the bus, waiting for the toast to pop up. Also, the action of writing the words will help you remember them.
• For songs, listen to them over and over and try to sing along. Get help from parents on pronunciation. Some of the lyrics are very tricky with challenging words.

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

This Just In...

Due date for memorization of all lines, cues, and songs: April 3oth!

Intro 4/2

The time has come for us to step it up a notch. Up to this point in the term, we've been playing lots of games that build drama skills--concentration, quick thinking, teamwork, improvisation, risk-taking. We've focused on having fun, building character, and learning the basics without diving too deeply into the script. Now, we will focus most of our energies on working through the script and practicing each scene over and over again.

Once students have mastered the songs, hopefully soon, Marta will come into the class to choreograph the dances. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but it's so exciting to see the show coming together.

Michelle will visit our class next week to work on Be Prepared, so....be prepared! (I couldn't resist.) Also, next week I will expect everyone to know their part for I Just Can't Wait to be King.