Delightful Designers!

It's a common misconception that all "theatre" people are actors. The fact of the matter is that more men and women make their living in the theatre offstage than on it! These people are a part of the technical side of theatre. We're talking about directors, choreographers, stage managers, set designers, lighting designers, costume designers, makeup designers, backstage run crew, box office personnel, etc. Their contributions to theatre are just as important as any actor's!

Last month, third through fifth graders studied several aspects of theatre design - costume, makeup, set, and advertisement. The then created their own fairy tale and designed a theatre production based on it. The following pictures are some of my favorite products from these classes!

Enjoying these last few days of the school year!
-Miss King

Happy Spring Break to all!

Time has gotten away from me these past few weeks! Let's play a little catch-up, shall we?

*1st grade performed their fabulous PTA show "E-I-E-I-OOPS!" We had the most talented goats, sheep, ducks, chicks, and pigs I've ever seen. :)

*The GFAA Carnvial was a great success- thanks in huge part to our fantastic PTA. The All Star Dancers started out the talent show with a super performance. Those 18 girls make me prouder and prouder each week. Hopefully I will be able to post some videos of their performances soon!

*The All Star Dancers also had their official yearbook photo shoot! Here are some of my favorites-

*The new theatre performance group, the All Star Players, has begun rehearsals for a short play of "Hansel & Gretel." The plan is to perform for our younger grades at Garner. These 18 fourth and fifth graders have also been impressing me with their talents!

*3rd through 5th grade classes have been working on a really cool theatre design project in class recently. We will finish these up after spring break. Can't wait to post pictures!

*Last, but not least, Garner had another wonderful piece written about it by the Arlington News Network! Read it here. Everytime we have visitors, it reminds me of what a blessing this place is!

Whew. Life is crazy, but a blast! I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing week off!
-Miss King

Puppets, Galore!

Recently in theatre, lots of classes have been learning about puppets. Puppets are a great way to break even shy kids into acting- it's easier to start with your "puppet" talking in front of the class instead of you. We've been practicing reading from scripts and have even written some of our own! A big favorite in all grade levels has been making our own puppets. I have seen some of the most creative things! Here are a few great examples below:

(click the photo to enlarge)

In other news, it's college week here at GFAA and for that I can't help but say, SIC 'EM BEARS!! (If your student comes homes yelling that someday, I'm probably to blame.)

-Miss King

Let's Learn Some Pantomime!

So among all this info on tryouts and clubs and performances, I figured you might want a little info on what your children have been doing in class, too! We've started the year with pantomime- it's in our blog title after all so it must be important!

Pantomime is probably just what you're thinking- it's acting without any sounds. You have to rely on your body and facial expressions to tell a story. Now don't worry, we haven't been painting our faces white and pretending to be stuck in a box. 2nd through 5th graders have been working in groups to give their pantomimes a plot. We've emphasized that a plot has 3 parts - a beginning, middle, and end - and let me say, your kids are crazy creative. I've seen so many great things the past few weeks. Below is a video from one of our 4th grade groups. See if you can figure out what their plot is!

Until next time!

-Miss King