I work with a group of 54 fifth graders in the drama club. We have 90 students in our fifth grade, so over half of them signed on for drama club. We began working in December and will culminate with a performance in May. So far the students are very committed and excited about their performance. They work steadily once a week after school, and are so dedicated, they are even giving up their recess time once a week to rehearse. Their ideas and imaginations are boundless. They are currently working in groups of 7 to 8 students, and have become great team members, supporting and respecting each other. Even when there are conflicts or clashing ideas, they are able to compromise and continue to do their work.
Our school club has students who are from all over the world, many who speak English as a second language.
We also have self-contained classrooms for students with communication disorders. The drama club reflects our student population. When they together in drama club, they support and guide each other, helping each other through some of their challenges.
My Project
Every year for the drama club performance, the students write their own versions of fractured fairy tales. This year we have Snow White in Outer Space, Twinderella (twin Cinderellas), The Revenge of the Giant (a sequel to Jack and Beanstalk) to name just a few. We will have been writing and performing for 16 weeks--once each week after school, and the students even agreed to meet during lunch and recess once a week. This rehearsal process will culminate in three performances, twice for the students at the school and once in the evening for family and friends. We perform on a small stage with lights and curtains. Having costumes and props just makes the performance even more special.
When the students have a prop or a costume for their characters, they really start to shine.
Having a good costume or prop helps to build their confidence and the performers are proud to be on stage. Every year, I try to make it special for each performer, so that everybody has one special item that is perfect for their character. With 54 students in drama club this year, I need a little help!
These items will be used over and over again for years to come!
The props or costumes I chose through Amazon, such as crowns, pig noses, and red capes, are props that are usually needed every year for our Fractured Fairy Tale plays.
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