Cheryl Murphy

Acting Lesson Plan

 

 

Open Scenes

 

 

Goal:  Students will build a scene using an open scene script, creating their own characters and conflict.

 

Materials:  open scene scripts, Literacy Chart

 

Procedure:

1. Teacher divides students in pairs (10-15 groups)
2. Hand out open scene script
3. Describe to class that they will create a scene using only the words on the script (12 to 14 lines total) but they will come up with the details of the scene in pairs: (See attached)
4. Next explain to the students that they will convey what is going on is the scene by making specific choices from the above list.  Also, what is the meaning behind your words?  How will you convey that meaning using only the words in your script?
5. This is a one day assignment.  Students will have 25 min. to rehearse and there will be 30 min. total for performances.
6. In performance we should see (1) fully developed characters (2) clear relationship between the two characters (3) we should be able to figure out what the conflict is between the two characters. 

 

 

Rubric: Individually graded

           Fully developed character

           Creative scene development

           Chemistry with scene partner

 

Literacy Objectives:

           Participate in class discussion

           Respond to what was viewed and heard

           Communicate in a manner to be heard and understood

           Make and oral presentation

 

 

Attachment

 

Open Scenes Presentation (handout)

 

 

In your pairs decide the following:

 

Character:  Who are you? 

Why are you here?

One person plays “A” the other plays “B”

 

Relationship to each other:      How do you know each other?

Are you strangers?

Do you like each other?

 

Conflict:  What is happening right now, in this scene to make you say these words?

 

Make specific choices!!!!!

 

 

Figure out what the meaning is behind your words.

How will you convey that meaning using only the words in your script?

 

 

Scene 1

 

1. Are we there
2. I don’t know, maybe

1. What is that
2. Can’t you tell

1. Why can’t you just tell me
2. You know why

1. Do you need me to get it
2. Yes

1. There, what do you think of that
2. Oh, that’s great

1. You know, some days I wonder about you
2. I never wonder about you.  Here, take this

1. What do you want me to do with this
2. That’s your problem now