Chromatography is the most common analytical technique able to identify and quantify a wide gamut of substances in food, environmental, forensic, pharmaceutical, and many other kinds of real samples. We propose a simple drama science activity: students embody different compounds wearing emblems of different colors and dramatize their…

This is the second of a two-part article on theater arts for every classroom. The total program consists of structured lessons that incorporate role playing and improvisatory activities with learning the craft, creativity and art of the theater. (Editor)

Provides the rules for two theater games--Almost Silent Story, and Add an Action. Describes the first as a game in which the instructor reads a story and the students act it out. Describes Add an Action as a game in which a series of actions are performed in sequence. Emphasizes the importance of movement. (PA)

Describes a project to help student actors "get into character" thoroughly and empathetically. Notes that 10th, 11th, and 12th graders interviewed many people in a conflict-ridden school community, recorded and transcribed the interviews, took notes on interviewees' gestures and characteristics, and represented those people as faithfully…

This collection of short plays for young actors features a young person's point of view and is intended to be used as a sourcebook by students and teachers. The collection is designed to appeal to a wide variety of theatrical tastes and embraces a variety of styles and themes. Although the unifying factor of the collection is the aforementioned…

Describes "neutral scenes," a dialog exchange for which actors must supply the meaning. Contends the exercise provides young actors the opportunity to use all the basic tools they will need when they progress to more conventional scene work, such as finding conflict, using given circumstances, playing relationships. Advises analyzing the…

Presents an acting lesson intended to teach students to remain focused on character objectives while retaining the spontaneity that is key to producing believable acting. Suggests that three students act out a set situation while the rest of the class watches, and describes the process of critique after the lesson is complete. (PA)

Presents two exercises to develop the concept of story for the actor. Suggests that, without awareness of story, an actor will not be able to present the play's story effectively. Describes the first exercise as taking an imaginary shower (with clothes on) and the second exercise as a group shower. Notes that props are not used. (PA)

This paper presents tips on scripting, staging, and reading Reader's Theater. The first section of the paper discusses tips on scripting--script roles, cuts and changes, narration, script format, and team scripting (children working in teams to write scripts). The second section presents tips on staging, such as equipment, script handling, the…

Explains that the exercise "Pictures at an Exhibition" is designed to remind student actors of their responsibilities to the script and audience while simultaneously giving them a chance to employ the basic tools of the acting craft. Presents the activity in two rounds: (1) what do you see? and (2) painting by the numbers. (PA)

Tributes to men of courage and dedication were conceived, prepared, and produced within The Greater Freedom Program at Conard High School, West Hartford Public Schools. Students discussed their reactions to playing a part in the dramatic activities that comprised these tributes. (Author/RK)

Describes new ways to use the old game of musical chairs to teach basic acting skills. Presents several variations, including "start me up,""I will survive,""shake your bootie,""who are you?," and "don't know much about history." States that each exercise builds on the previous one, and can be used…

Describes the "Power Game," which has only one rule: the object is to win, and the game is over when one player speaks or touches the other. Explains the structure and progression of the game in rounds. States that the game provides a launching point for a discussion of power, winning and losing, and listening clearly. (PA)

Describes the experiences of a teacher who inherited a drama program from a prior instructor, and the problems that the new instructor faced. States that, with the introduction of improvisation exercises from Viola Spolin (based on team play and noncompetitive theater games), the instructor saw a dramatic turnaround in student interest and…

Explains the value of using movies to teach students some acting principles. Analyzes two recent films, "Crimson Tide" and "The Bridges of Madison County," and develops some acting exercises based on the two movies. Describes some of the differences and similarities between film and theater. Argues that Alfred Hitchcock's…