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Important that the chairs and desks be cleared and set up against the walls so that there is room for students to move. Also important to tape off an area that will provide the space for a stage.

I Can understand improvisation, character development, setting, and conflict. I can step into the shoes of individuals past and present and to dramatize moments from history or current events; moments that have shaped and continue to shape our lives. I can understand the important elements in theatre that include character, setting, and conflict. I can generate and conceptualize their ideas for an improvisation. I can focus on the thoughts and emotions that create dialogue in their scenes, identify the essential event that they choose to dramatize, and, in small groups, make choices on how they want to stage their scenes. I can explore different points of view between groups in various moments from history.

In this two-day program, students will be given the opportunity to bring both history and current events to life by incorporating the art and craft of theatre into their social studies curriculum. This may include introducing content or reinforcing a unit by involving students in the dramatization of a moment from history in which participants step into the shoes of various figures from history. It may also include the dramatization and discussion of current events in U.S. and the world. For instance, at a time in our culture when students sometimes choose role models who do not always exemplify the qualities found in good role models, teachers have asked me to design workshops that help reinforce the characteristics of those individuals throughout history who have made and are making a difference in shaping this nation and the world. On day one, I involve students in theatre exercises and improvisations designed to create a strong group dynamic and to introduce the elements found in theatre that lend themselves to dramatizing moments from history; Character, Setting, Plot, and Dramatic Conflict. Through improvisation for the stage, these elements will be highlighted and reinforced. Students, for example, might be led in discussion about individuals in history and in our world today whose beliefs and ideas have made a significant difference. The class will then be guided through dramatizations of events. Students might dramatize a scene where Jonas Salk developed the vaccine for polio or when Rosa Parks refused to sit in the back of the bus. On day two, students will meet in small groups and will strengthen improvisations with guidance from teaching artist. These scenes will be shared and discussed at the end of day two. Whatever your curricular objectives are, I will bring social studies to life onstage!

I am thrilled to involve anyone who is interested in working with small groups while they plan their improvisational scenes, or as support in the classroom.