Dear Journal – Whole Class Show
In this unit, we will perform a whole class show for a limited, outside audience. You will choose a part and be expected to memorize your lines appropriately. Show date is January 30th.
Specifics:
- Selection of parts and first read through 1/6
- Unison part rehearsal and read throughs (participation grade) 1/8
- Characterization work and worksheet (written work grade) 1/12
- Work on memorization 1/14 (you will be in Room 133 this day)
- Read throughs with notes and blocking 1/20
- OFF BOOK TEST!! (project grade)1/21 (updated due to altered day schedule)
- Dress rehearsals (participation grades) 1/26, 1/28
- PERFORMANCE (performance grade) 1/30
Scene Study – Hoodie
In this unit, you will take a close look at a scene from the play Hoodie on http://www.theatrefolk.com. You will receive a packet with the scene and the 4 assignments. DO NOT LOSE THE PACKET – YOU WILL NOT GET ANOTHER. All 4 assignments will be submitted via email to colleenmahoney@dadeschools.net with the assignment number in the subject line. Late assignments will earn a 0%.
- Assignment #1: Close reading questions “First Reading” #1-9. Due 12/8/25.
- Assignment #2: Close reading questions “Second Reading” #1-6. Due 12/10/25.
- Assignment #3: Close reading questions “Third Reading” #1-7. Due 12/14/25.
- Assignment #4: Close reading questions “Character Development” #1-8. Due 12/16/25.
Unit Canceled – Duets
For this unit, you will choose a partner with whom to perform a duet performance. I will consider a trio, as long as no one is left without a partner. You will stage/block, rehearse (memorize), and perform your duet with simple sets and costumes.
Lesson #1: Choose your partner and choose your duet. Your performance should be no longer than 5 minutes, so choose your duet with that in mind. There are many scenes from which to choose linked under the Resources page of this website, but you are not limited to those scenes. You may NOT choose a scene you have previously performed.
Email me the name of your partner, the title to your scene, and the link to your scene (so I can print it for you) before the end of class on 12/1.
Stage Combat – Sword Fighting
In this unit, we will study the various types of swords, learn the basics of sword fighting for stage combat, and create a choreographed sword fighting performance. The top 4 groups will be invited to be presenters and tutors for 8th grade articulation in November.
Sword Choreography
- You and a partner will create and write out a 12-move sword fighting choreography.
- 12-move = 12 attacks with 12 defenses
- You may only use the moves we learned, but you may jazz them up.
- Moves will need to be used more than once in your choreography. Don’t just go in order – switch it up for interest.
- As always, SAFETY is our paramount concern.
- Written choreography is due at the end of next class (10/17/25).
- You will then rehearse your choreography, turning it into an actual performance with a beginning, middle, and end. Your story must include a reason for the fight to happen and a result of the fight (win/lose/draw).
- Finally, you will perform your choreography on stage for the class.
- Performances will be on 10/29/25.
History of Swords
For this assignment, you will partner with someone then choose and research a specific type of sword. (Please remember that research requires sources.) If you do not choose a partner, you are choosing to work on your own. You will then report on your findings next class. This will count as a performance grade. You can NOT perform live without the written portion, so failure to complete the project portion will earn both partners a 0%.
Procedure:
- Choose a sword type with your partner. (You can use one from the Powerpoint list, or you can choose one on your own.)
- Research your sword type. Find a picture/drawing of the sword type and written facts. You must use at least 2 sources.
- On a Canva or Google slide, paste the picture of your sword and write a short description of the sword type. You may write a paragraph or a bulleted list, but you MUST include original writing. You may use quotes as part of the text, but please be sure to cite your sources. DO NOT SIMPLY COPY AND PASTE – doing so will earn you a 0% for plagiarism.
- Include your sources on a 2nd slide.
- Email the presentation, or the link to it, to colleenmahoney@dadeschools.net. Include both partners’ names in the Subject Line.
- Be prepared to present this during the class after next class: October 7th.
Initial Class Survey
Please take this survey for your first grade of the year. This survey will close at 11:59 PM on Monday, August 25th. 🙂
HMLqueenofdrama 