Humanities/Zonoff-Deines
Culminating Projects/Dramatic Presentations
April 14 - June 12
Focus:
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In groups you will choose one writer/thinker or one text on which to base a play.
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You and your group will write a play (about 15-20 minutes) that examines, interprets and portrays the
text* you have chosen. (*Text can mean film, art, poetry as well as prose.)
Tasks:
It works best to choose one person to be the director. The other tasks can be shared.
Director
The director is responsible for overseeing the unifying artistic and intellectual vision of the play. Each aspect of
the play needs to reflect this vision. Consistency in tone and interpretation is the responsibility of the director.
The director will coordinate all elements of the play production: initial vision, script writing, blocking, rehearsal
and final performance.
Text Master
The primary purpose of the assignment is to demonstrate insight into the ideas of the text you have chosen. The
play that you write must be true to these ideas. The interpretation that the play gives these ideas must be valid
and supported by evidence from the text. One play cannot represent the whole of any text. You will need to
choose on aspect or dimension on which to focus. This one aspect/dimension must be absolutely clear during
each step of the process.
Costume Coordinator
The costume coordinator is responsible for the identification and collection of all the costumes for the
performance. Costumes need to reflect the time and place of the play; they should also be consistent with the
above artistic vision. Keep in mind that storage is extremely limited in the classroom. Organization of the
costumes is the responsibility of the costume coordinator.
Setting and Prop Coordinator
The setting coordinator is responsible for the identification and collection of all the props and setting elements
for the performance. Props and setting elements need to reflect the time and place of the play; they should also
be consistent with the above artistic vision. Keep in mind that storage is extremely limited in the classroom.
Organization of the props and setting elements is the responsibility of the setting coordinator.
Script and Blocking* Coordinator
While all group members will make a contribution to the writing of the script, the script coordinator is ultimately
responsible for the cohesiveness of the final script. The creative aspects of the script are the responsibility of the
script coordinator; the sense of time and place, literary tension, and character development are all creative
aspects.
*Blocking notes are annotations to the script which describe gestures, physical movements, placement on the
stage, facial expressions, and the like. While all group members will make a contribution to the blocking of the
script, the blocking coordinator will be responsible for the cohesiveness of the blocking. Like all other elements,
the blocking should reflect the overall vision, tone and interpretation of the play. Blocking is central to
conveying the play's vision, tone and interpretation.
Text, Focus and Interpretation
Task #1: Brainstorm thinkers and texts. Individually select three.
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Present three choices to group. Explain reasons for choice.
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Group consensus process for identifying focus.
Task #2:Text Master– typed synopsis of interpretation which includes 5 quotes
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Review main points of the text.
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Identify the aspect, dimension that will be the focus for your play.
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Identify key quotes (at least 5) that illustrate your focus.
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Discuss in your group the meaning and significance of the quotes you have chosen.
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Agree on an interpretation that will be at the center of your play.
Creative Process: The Story
Task #1: Director – overview of conflict, crisis and resolution; setting and character list – typed or neatly
handwritten
 Create a literary conflict on which to build tension.
 The conflict will be centered on your interpretation of your chosen text.
 Identify a moment of literary crisis, the greatest point of tension.
 Identify a resolution. What will happen after the crisis?
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Create a meaningful setting (time and place) for your play.
Create a character for each member in the group.
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Task #2: Script and Blocking Coordinator– typed script =dialogue and blocking notes
Write a script for your play
 Create meaningful dialogue that reveals your conflict, crisis and resolution. Avoid monologues.
 Your script will portray your interpretation of your chosen text.
Block your script.
 Once you have the first draft, begin to add notes for each line that indicate physical movements,
gestures and facial expressions.
 Continue to revise your script and revise your blocking notes until your group agrees on a final draft.
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Task #3:, Costume, Settings and Props Coordinators
 Choose and create appropriate costumes, props and setting.
 Simple costumes, props and setting elements will be important in portraying your interpretation.
 Consider how you will organize, transport and store your items.
 All costumes, props and setting elements will needed to be removed immediately after your
performance to make way for other groups.
Final Preparation
Task#1
 Memorize lines, cues, physical movements, gestures and facial expresses.
Task #2
 Rehearse as many times as possible. Polish all of the above.
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Remember to plan how to introduce your play.
Task #3
 Stage and execute a “dress rehearsal.”
This rehearsal should include all costumes, props and setting elements you intend to use.
Performances: Dates: June 1-June 12