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Basic theater game equipment, such as balls, large writing pads, any props needed for warm-up exercises or in the scene work, etc.

None

No set-up required. Space for warm up exercises needed.

I can explain multiple causes and effects of events and developments in the past. I can construct arguments using claims and evidence from multiple sources. I can generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work relating to historical or current events.

The Social Studies Theater Workshop: HartBeat's teaching artist works with social studies teachers to devise a three-day residency designed to give students a deeper connection to historical characters and/or current events. Project may include developing theatrical scenes or alternative creative formats such as a television talk show. Topics are selected by the classroom teacher and are generally chosen from the current study unit. Instead of a rote recitation of facts or an oral presentation, we teach students how to develop a detailed historical or current day character.  Creating a personal biography as well as physical and vocal characterization, students are prepared to present a specific viewpoint that takes into consideration their character"s motivations and historically-available resources. HartBeat's teaching artist works closely with the classroom teacher to identify primary sources for students to research their respective characters as well as other resource material such as History Alive or Junior Scholastic. Students are taught theater skills such as improvisation, script writing and character development. Our workshops are highly customizable. Topics that have been studied in the past are: events leading up to the US Revolutionary War; the UN"s Convention on the Rights of the Child and debate over "taxing the rich."