Seventh Graders Develop Drama Skills

Students in 7th grade are cross-training as actors, directors and lighting designers as part of their monologue work in drama class.

To help her 7th grade students discover and develop their individual creative potential in the dramatic arts, teacher Leslie Holland Pryor wanted to first ensure they understood some of the primary roles involved in a typical production. Students were all aware of the actors on the stage but were less familiar with the work behind the scenes by directors (who doubled as prop masters) and lighting designers—both of whom are equally important to the experience of theater.

Students split into teams of three and worked in these groups to produce three different monologue rotations wherein each would have an opportunity to act, direct or design the lighting for a scene.

Holland Pryor provided numerous monologue options for students to select from, ranging from classical theatre to contemporary works. After selecting their pieces, the groups took turns reading through their scripts and taking notes on potential lighting cues and the best way to block the action in each piece. With simple sketches of their ideas and a plan, each group worked to acquire the necessary props and focus and set their lights in the Middle School Black Box performance studio.

Holland Pryor invited members of the community to view the recent 7th grade performances, and each three-person collaboration displayed the results of their work for all to enjoy. Students will rotate through each role in the coming weeks, giving all students a chance to experience each aspect of these mini-performances.

Enjoy photos here.