DP: 11 Theatre

Going solo - working collaboratively

by Joan Morgan, teacher of Theatre

Earlier this term, when DP students were on campus ever so briefly, the Year 11 Theatre ensemble presented their Solo Performances to the class. The students had worked on these for about 6 weeks, researching theatre theorists, and had each selected a text to apply the theory to in rehearsal. Most of their work was done at home with a few weeks here at school. The students selected a wide range of techniques and characters and applied their knowledge to each of their solo performances. They sourced and organised properties and costumes from home, showing their abilities to improvise in these times. It was wonderful to see them perform in The Blackbox, to a very limited audience of class members, their teacher and a Year 12 Theatre student. Part of the task required feedback from the audience, especially difficult to read on masked, distanced faces, but greatly valued by each member of the class. This feedback was critical, constructive and positive. 

The students have now completed their reports for this task and have each learnt a great deal about what it means to apply theory to a text and to work through the process in an organised and timely manner, while building to a performance deadline. They have developed both their performance and collaborative skills by working as peer mentors and lighting operators. The class is currently working on their Collaborative Performance, completely online, where they share resources on Google docs, email, ManageBac and in full class conversations on Zoom, as well as in breakout rooms.

Theatre requires students to trust each other and share ideas, while working both individually and in groups, and this Year 11 Theatre class is building a strong collegial and supportive atmosphere to continue their work.