Improv with Issues

Day Five Today we discussed the overt and subtle forms of racism that exist in society and in our school community. We specifically discussed the roles of aggressors and bystanders, and we focused on “jokes” and how they can have impact beyond their intentions. We used “sculpting” to create a scene dealing with one...

Today we explored in depth the complexity of drug and alcohol use/abuse. We started the day learning improv techniques through games, and then built scenes around moments of conflict/decision-making. We held a discussion centered around sensitive statements involving peer pressure and social influences. We ended the day by creating realistic scenarios that we may...

Day Three Today we learned about HIV/AIDS by watching the movie Philadelphia (fun fact: Mrs. Galler was an extra in the movie) and we explored the stereotypes and social pressures associated with the disease. We explored the stigma around HIV/AIDS through conversation and through theatre activities like creating human sculptures and emotional “machines.” Quotes from...

Day Two Today we ventured to the Pig Iron Theatre Company‘s school in Philadelphia and met Quinn Bauriedel, one of the founding members of the company. With Quinn, we explored what it means to have a “stage presence” and how different body postures and levels of tension help us express movement and emotion. The...