Childrens theatre - lesson 27th September 2016

Main objectives of the lesson

• To develop our storytelling skills
• To understand the importance of storytelling
• To deliver and expand on the story for performance
• To relate our skills/stores to childrens theatre

Storytelling: Is the act of transferring information either verbally or physically through text to another individual or group. Using many techniques such as: Voice changes, gestures,music,facts,fiction etc.

Forms of storytelling

• TV - Drama/soaps/news/documentaries/adverts
• Music Lyrics/videos
• Books
• Films
• Plays
• Artwork
• Poetry
• People
• Adverts

In the beginning of the lesson we came up with personal definitions of what we thought storytelling meant and what techniques factors they may or may not use. Then we had to think of 3 stories that we had already heard today. Whether it was directly from someone or whether we had overheard a conversation. We spoke back to the group about them and discussed a few in detail. This was to warm us up to the idea that stories are all around us and how we may not notice everything consciously but rather subconsciously.

Next, we got into groups and went through a day over the weekend. Listing things we did, and at what time we did them. Our group then asked us questions relating to our 'day story' in order to find out more details in order to make the story more engaging and factual. Giving it a better basis and content.

Once we had listened to everyone in the group we then combined the most interesting parts from each of our stories and put them into one giant story. Our group decided to take a very physical approach to the task and become objects ourselves aswell as creating sound effects. For example, Charlotte became an alarm clock. Harry was a light and Saphire was a TV. This added humour into our piece which we thought was appropriate and would suit Childrens theatre. This is because it creates a lighter tone in the piece and relaxes the audience.

When telling a story:

• Basic details
• Questioning
• Establishing
• Combine stories
• Add voice + movement
• 5 Sense