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Drama and Theater

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Adventures of Ulysses Follow Ulysses, the craftiest of Homer's heroes, as he invents the Trojan horse, struggles to return home, and triumphs over his wife's suitors. (59 minutes)

Learning Objectives:
Students will be given an introduction to the classic literary works of ancient Greece.
An overview of the adventures and exploits of one of literature's greatest heroes will be provided.
   
Basic Stage Makeup   This is an instructional, step-by-step video for high school and college students, and is a useful guide about basic makeup techniques that are widely used in theatrical performances. (14 minutes)

Learning Objectives:
 1)To teach the student some basic stage makeup techniques.
2) To educate the student about the use of highlights and shadows.
3) To teach the student the proper cleanup process to use when removing stage makeup and hairpieces. 
 
   
Basic Vocabulary for the Theatre

  The world of theatre arts has a language of it own. This video discusses some of the many terms and definitions that an acting student might encounter during his or her exposure to the world of drama. A working knowledge of some of the specific terms used in theatre will enable any student of the stage to understand others in this field and to interact successfully and creatively with them.  (14 minutes)

Learning Objectives:
1) To define key vocabulary used in the theatre.
2) To familiarize the student with the stage and backstage area.
3) To examine the actor's progress from audition to opening night.

 
   
Basic Woodshop Safety   This video is must-viewing for any student who is going to work in a woodshop. Many types of precautions are discussed so that everyone will understand the importance of putting safety first.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will see that a person cannot afford to be careless in a woodshop.
2) Guidelines for using power tools will be given.
3) Students will know what safety procedures must be used in a woodshop.  (14 minutes)
 
   
Casting Directors Tell It Like It Is   Casting directors reveal secrets that will help aspiring actors and actresses to get work in the entertainment industry. This video is full of helpful information.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn what casting directors expect in a first audition and what is expected in subsequent auditions.
2) Students will understand what to send the casting director, as far as photographs, letters, and so forth are concerned.
3) Students will become familiar with the process of casting.
 
   
Cold Readings: Getting the Job

  Actors must be able to adapt to the demands of the medium, the part, and the scene. Follow some acting 'hopefuls' through their practice sessions.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn about the demands associated with performing 'cold readings.'
2) Students will learn how to adapt their reading or interpretation to the demands of the medium, part, and scene.
3) Examples of various types of characters and parts will be provided.(51 minutes)

 
   
Communication Basics: Get Over the Fear

  Do you realize that communication is a circular process? Learn how to make the most of your role, either as a speaker or as a listener, and learn how to get over any fears that you might have about speaking in front of an audience.

Learning Objectives:
1) Learn what makes a good speaker and what makes a good listener, and learn how to become both of these.
2) Become familiar with some exercises that can help you to relax. Master the technique of proper breathing.
3) Learn how to tell an entertaining story that will engage your audience.

 
   
Creative Process

  Artists from many fields discuss the passions that drive them to create. This is an insightful look at the art world.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn about the artistic concepts that were embraced by ancient Greece and Italy.
2) Students will think about the relationship between inspiration and art.
3) Students will understand the importance of being able to appreciate art.

 
   
Drama: Creating a Character

  Drama: Creating a Character helps the student to discover the importance of character analysis and its effect when applied to character development. A list of questions designed for developing familiarity with a character provides an excellent foundation for success.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will discuss the importance of character analysis.
2) Students will discover the effect of character analysis when applied to a performance.
3) Students will learn appropriate questions to ask when preparing to portray a character.

 
   
Drama: Producing a Play

  This video provides helpful hints that highlight all facets of staging a production -- lights, sets, makeup, casting, and more!

Learning Objectives:
1) The basic elements of a theatrical production will be introduced.
2) The components of each production element will be identified.
3) The importance of cooperation among members of a production team is underscored

 
   
Easy Woodworking Projects

  Discover the joys of working with wood in this easy-to-follow tutorial.

 Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn about safety precautions that should be used when woodworking.
2) Students will learn about standard woodworking tools.
3) Students will become familiar with common terms that are related to woodworking. (31 minutes)

 
   
Elements of Theatre

  Discuss the importance of theatre as an art form; explore the essential elements, and see how each is utilized in every production.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn about the eight essential elements of theatre.
2) The importance of theatre will be discussed.
3) How each element of theatre is used to create a successful performance will be shown. (30 minutes)

 
   
Fashion for the Theatre

  What kinds of costumes would be most appropriate for your play? By knowing when the play is set, you can research the fashions of that era and determine what upper-class, middle-class, and lower-class people wore at a particular moment in history. This information is important, because costumes that accurately reflect a period help actors to more authentically portray the characters. Costuming is one of the elements of a production that can either draw the audience into the play or make them feel removed from what is happening on-stage.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn how to analyze a play for the purpose of designing costumes.
2) Students will learn about fashion features of key historical eras.
3) Students will learn how to conduct fashion research.

 
   
Fashion Through the Ages

  This multimedia production presents fashions from ancient to modern eras. It features Medieval and Renaissance developments, as trends of various royal courts are highlighted. Both sublime and ridiculous styles will be enjoyed by the viewer in a show that examines what people have chosen to wear at various moments in history.

Learning Objectives:
1) An overview of clothing that has been worn through the ages will be provided.
2) The connection between fashion and the historical milieu in which it develops will be shown.
3) The origins of clothing will be investigated, and the continuity of basic styles throughout history will be discussed. (106 minutes)

 
   
Getting the Part

  Don't sit back and depend on dumb luck. Learn the positive steps that an actor can take to ensure landing the role of his or her choice.

 Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn how to do a 'cold reading.'
2) Students will learn how to handle an interview correctly.
3) How to perform during a call-back will be discussed. (50 minutes)

 
   
Greek Theatre

  The Greek play was an essential element of the ancient Mediterranean culture, and it eventually evolved into modern theatre. Explore the origins of Greek theatre and learn how the staging of a play changed over the course of time.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn that ancient Greek plays were designed to provide a religious experience to the masses.
2) Students will learn how ancient Greek playwrights competed against one another for awards.
3) Students will learn about the purpose of the 'Greek chorus.'
4) Students will learn about the physical structure of the Greek theatre. (19 minutes)

 
   
Improvisation for the Theatre   The theatrical element called "improvisation" does not allow for rehearsals and costumes. It is the acting equivalent of performing "without a net," and is an exercise that allows actors to go out on a creative limb and test themselves artistically. For serious actors, it is a wonderful method for developing their craft, but anyone can have a great time performing improvisation. (33 minutes)  
   
Learning to Read Music

  Music is much more important to us in our everyday lives than many of us might suspect. Learn about the essentials of reading music and find out how music can enhance your life.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn about the importance of music.
2) Students will be introduced to the essential elements of music theory.
3) Each element of music theory will be illustrated. (23 minutes)

 
   
Music of the Renaissance: Ars Antiqua

  Players in period costume demonstrate the instruments and sounds of the 13th Century and discuss madrigals, canons, and ancient instruments.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will be exposed to the musical culture of the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
2) Historical background information about the use of music during the Medieval and Renaissance periods will be provided.
3) Language used in connection with music during the Medieval and Renaissance periods will be examined. (60 minutes)

 
   
Odyssey

  Retrace the steps of Odysseus to the sites of his adventures, and gain insights about Homer's epic, as we explore the world of Greek heroes.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn about the literary importance of The Odyssey.
2) Students will become acquainted with some of the characters of Greek mythology.
3) Students will learn about the main themes and major plot lines of The Odyssey. (32 minutes)

 
   
Oral Interpretation Made Easy

  The telling of stories is an ancient tradition that has never waned in popularity. Learn how you can prepare to interpret a literary piece. Helpful tips that will build self-confidence and enhance performances will be provided.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn what to do and what not to do when delivering an oral interpretation.
2) Students will be taught how to prepare for their presentations.
3) Students will learn how to make their presentations more effective.  (20 minutes)

 
   
Origin of the Drama and the Theater
 

  Vulgar jests became comedies, hymns became powerful tragedies, and magnificent theaters were built, as Greek drama emerged from ancient religious festivals.

Learning Objectives:
1) To provide background information concerning the development of drama in Classical Greece, and especially to explain the different ceremonial sources for comedy and tragedy.
2) To introduce the student to the great playwrights of Greece and to the innovations for which they are known, while investigating the subject matter of Greek drama and its significance for the spect
3) To explain the origins of the Classical Greek theatre and to demonstrate the importance of theaters to Greek civilization, regardless of where Greek settlers were living.
4) To explain acting techniques and costume requirements of early Greek theatre, to detail the design modifications in the Greek theatre, and to discuss the reasons behind these alterations. (24 minutes)

 
   
Performing an Exciting Play

  Have you ever wondered what goes into performing an exciting play? Many students have never put on a play before and know that it would be fun, but where do they begin? This video helps students discover all aspects of putting on a play, from selecting a play to costumes, make-up and set design. Find out how your school can perform an exciting play.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn about the various aspect of performing a play.
2) Acting and crew positions will be discussed. (20 minutes)

 
   
Persuasive Speaking Made Easy

  Learn how to deliver an effective persuasive speech. Many helpful tips are provided, and students can use these to hone their speech-making skills.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn how a persuasive speech differs from other types of speeches.
2) Students will learn about the requisite components of a persuasive speech.
3) Students will learn some strategies that will make their deliveries more effective. (19 minutes)

 
   
Shakespeare's Stratford

  Visit the environs of Shakespeare's youth, and become acquainted with the town to which he returned after retiring from the stage.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will be provided with an overview of the life of William Shakespeare, England's most celebrated playwright and poet.
2) Students will be encouraged to take an interest in the Shakespearean classics.
3) Students will be encouraged to take an interest in the history of drama and they will be urged to expand their knowledge of world literature. (17 minutes)

 
   
Special Effects Makeup

  Makeup artistry is a highly-developed skill requiring knowledge that is acquired through hands-on experiences of 'trial and error.' Learn what steps you should take if you are headed down this career path.

Learning Objectives:
 1) Students will learn which academic subjects will help them in the field of makeup artistry.
2) Students will learn how various kinds of faces are crafted.
3) Students will see how makeup artists spend their days. (15 minutes)

 
   
Speech Basics

  This look at effective speechmaking includes information about the speaker's mission, stage fright, types of speeches, and the parts of a speech.

Learning Objectives:
1) To provide an overview of public speaking by explaining purpose, structure, and the elements of a good speech.
2) To advise students how to overcome the fright of making a speech and to give tips on how to make a formal presentation.
3) To give pointers about how the speaker can unite himself or herself with the audience and with the subject. (41 minutes)

 

 
   
Understanding Macbeth

  This explication follows the story line and offers insights about the history of the play, the characters, and the complex themes.

Learning Objectives:
1) A brief synopsis of the events that take place in Macbeth will be provided and the significance of words and deeds will be explained.
2) An historical background for Macbeth, both as a 16th Century play and as an account of 11th Century Scotland will be given.
3) The relationships between various characters in Macbeth will be explained. (59 minutes)

 
   
Who's Who in Greek and Roman Mythology

  Learn about the gods, heroes, and weird creatures that provided Greek and Roman mythology with a bizarre but interesting cast of characters. Hear about their rather complicated interactions and understand why myths were important to ancient people.

Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn why Greek and Roman mythologies are closely related.
2) Students will learn about the most important characters of mythology and they'll hear about some of their deeds.
3) Students will see how a belief in gods and goddesses helped ancient people to explain natural phenomena. (34 minutes)

 
   
Witchcraft in America: Behind The Crucible

  Explore the background of the witch trials of 17th-Century Salem in the context of the religious and social conditions of that era and as a background to The Crucible.

Learning Objectives:
1) Background information for the reading and study of Arthur Miller's The Crucible will be provided, and the subject of New England Puritanism in American history will be highlighted.
2) Some of the plausible causes of the 1692 'witch hysteria' in Salem Village will be discussed, and differences between continental and English witchcraft will be identified.
3) Students will become familiar with various books about witchcraft, in order to be aware of how societies viewed this practice. (21 minutes)

 
   
Writing and Selling Your First Screenplay

  Converting story ideas into characters, structure, and dialogue are explained in detail, including the basic ingredients for any creative writer to say what needs to be said.

Learning Objectives:
1) To teach the student about the ins and outs of the movie industry.
2) To expose the student to vocabulary related to screenplay writing.
3) To acquaint the student with inside information regarding the best way to succeed in writing screenplays. (96 minutes)