PDIsA total of eight PDIs will be on the docket for this year’s Conference. The PDIs will be held on Thursday, September 10 or Sunday, September 13. The sessions listed below are still available.
Thursday, September 10:
Getting the right answer: Using authentic assessment to find out what you need to know
In education, knowing how to ask questions that reveal the depth and breadth of student knowledge and skill is arguably the most important skill a teacher can possess. Yet the pressure to produce art on a timeline often supersedes reflective practice that can lead to deep insight.
In this session, we will examine how to create authentic written and performance theatre assessments that can simultaneously empower your students and inform your curriculum and instruction. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and write questions that you truly think might be of use to you in assessing your theatre students’ knowledge and skills.
Dale Schmid is the visual and performing arts and career and life skills coordinator for the New Jersey State Department of Education,and is a member of the SCASS Arts Consortium.
A theatrical approach to learning content information: Readers theatre for the theatre classroom
Strike boring student reports from your theatre class repertoire. Experience a readers theatre format that engages student presenters and audience in productive and participatory learning. All attendees will receive copies of readers theatre scripts on a variety of theatre topics. Note: the content of this training will also be useful in teaching subjects other than theatre.
The first thirty participants will receive a copy of Rosalind’s book, Dramatizing the Content with Curriculum-Based Readers Theatre, Grades 6–12.
In collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Rosalind Flynn has conducted workshops for students and teachers in forty-two states. She is head of the master of arts in theatre education degree program at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
Michael Chekhov acting methods
The Michael Chekhov acting technique merges movement with imaginative authenticity in an effective process that moves actors beyond their limits into the imaginary worlds of theatre. Chekhov’s acting technique enables the actor in different genres of performance, including theatre, opera, and film.
This PDI mini-course on the Michael Chekhov acting technique is geared specifically for the high school teacher. In the first session we will explore the the exercises that prepare the actor to play the role—centers, qualities, atmospheres, and psychological—gestures or the inner/outer actions. In the second session we will do a rehearsal process for a short scene, demonstrating how to use the essential skills.
Dawn Arnold is the artistic director of The Moving Dock Theatre Company. She is a Master Teacher of the Michael Chekhov technique, trained by the Michael Chekhov Association. She was filmed in a documentary about the teaching of the Chekhov Technique, which was produced by MICHA and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Sunday, September 13:
Viola Spolin for rehearsal and scripts
Rehearsal techniques to transform your stage productions into masterpieces developed by Viola Spolin and Paul Sills, including innovative ideas, space walks, theatre games, and script work based on seven of Spolin’s books.
This fast-paced, extremely fun, inspiring workshop is a rare opportunity to learn pure Spolin. It’s valuable for the classroom teacher as well. As an extra perk, each participant will receive a free book or CD.
Using the process portfolio to document student work
Portfolios can demonstrate the growth of student learning over time and help students reflect on their learning and apply that knowledge to future learning. Portfolios can be used as a powerful advocacy tool, demonstrating the depth of arts learning in a clear and obvious way.
This session will guide participants as to how the process portfolio can be used as a way to document student work and make thinking visible. It will also discuss how to develop focused portfolio worksheets and suggest practical ways to keep track of the various components of student work and standards mapping.
Susan McGreevy-Nichols is a senior director with the Griffin Center for inspired instruction.
Bootcamp for new or “just need revitalization” theatre educators
This participatory workshop includes tips and voluntary e-mail check-in after the workshop with workshop members and workshop leaders.
Gai Jones is a theatre educator in her forty-sixth year with elementary, middle, high school, college, and senior citizen theatre students.
Rigging fundamentals
Ignorance isn’t always bliss. Theatrical rigging is one of the most dangerous and liability-ridden areas that we work with. This hands-on PDI will cover system components, design concepts and when to use flown scenery, safe practice and procedures for counterweight rigging systems, standard rigging practices (including knots and cable termination) and the need for rigging inspections, and how you can effectively lobby for regular inspections of your rigging system. The PDI will take place at the Campus Theatre (Fullerton College).
Presenters will be Kent Jorgensen (IATSE Local 80), Dana Taylor (technical theatre editor, Dramatics), and Bob Fowler (Interactive Educational Video). | 