DIRECTED IMPROV: A TRANSFORMING MOMENT

OBJECTIVE: For this assignment, students will work in teams of three or four. Each of the teams will objectify a story from one member's life. The script will be developed through directed improvisation. The length of each piece should be 7 to 9 minutes.

PROCESS:

Life Stories: Each student is to write and submit a scenario from your lives describing a moment or event that changed you. Remember a time when you were aware of being changed; whether it was a physical change, psychological change or spiritual change. Describe how you were before, during and after the transformation. Take note of who was around you during this period and their relationship to you. Describe how active an agent of change each character was, including your own role. Set down the sequence of events around the moment. This initial scenario need only be a page in length and should be brought in on when we begin the directed improv activities.

Story Selection: When we begin the directed improv activities, each team member will present their scenarios to the group. Only one of the stories will be selected for development. It should be chosen by merit of its theatrical potential and by group dynamics of the characters--discuss which story's characters can be best developed by the members of your group.

Development: The selected story will be developed into a piece of theatre through directed improvisation. Different goals and tasks for each improvisation will evolve the scenario into an objectified, fictional story rooted in reality. The resulting theatre piece should have a beginning, middle and an end.

Improvisation: For several class periods, each group will explore through improvisation the elements of the story. For instance, one improv might explore the characters at dinner: an exploration of their immediate environment. Another might be based on using tactics to achieve a goal; another, a shift of goals.

Writing: After each improv session, the group should discuss and record what happened and note any interesting and successful realizations and moments. These "mini-journals" will be collected. After characters and environments are clear, the improvs should turn towards plot with the ensuing dialogue recorded. Throughout your journal, but especially in your last entries, be clear as to your and your group's intents. Describe what you are trying to achieve during your sessions. Describe what you personally are trying to achieve within your group. Include a short analysis of the plot a character analysis and GOTE Sheet. These journals are worth up to 30 points.

Rehearsal: After the scenario is basically set (characters have been developed, their motivations noted in each scene, the outcome of the scenes decided upon, with agreement on the sequence of events) the groups will rehearse the scenes and polish the dialogue. It is not necessary to memorize the exact sequence of dialogue, but each actor should know the "beats" of their conversation.

Performance: The pieces will be shown on as indicated on the Schedule of Classes. These sessions will be open to visitors; please invite friends to attend. An oral critique will follow each showing.

Evaluation: Each student will be graded not only on the performance of their piece but also on the dynamics of the entire process. The instructors will note during the process how well you give and take suggestions during improvisations and discussions. Most decisions are expected to be by consensus. During the performance, we will be looking for a presence--your "being there," in character, on stage. We expect students to use more showing than telling through interactions with the environment and other characters. Bring an evaluation form.

Grading: An evaluation form (and your paper) will be used to assess your performance. Much of the form will be filled out during the event, but your grade will not be assigned until after your journal has been submitted read. You will receive a letter grade for your performance which will be worth a maximum of 100 points. In addition, the fullness, style and specificity of your "mini-journal" can earn you a maximum of 30 points. Remember, your writings throughout the semester substitute for a final exam; it is expected that course-specific terms are used in all papers to demonstrate your mastery of course topics. We will be looking for such specificity--that will earn you points. Be opinionated but back opinions up. We won't be grading opinions but rather how you support them. The paper needs to be submitted the day you perform; e-mailed submissions are not acceptable.