Staging Success: Collaborative Curtain Call

High School Grade Project 8 weeks

Ensemble by Design

Jo E

Collaboration

Effective Communication

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Content Expertise

Self Directed Learning

+ 1 more

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Purpose

This project develops students' collaboration skills through theatre production, enabling them to effectively negotiate roles, establish agreements, share leadership, and solve complex problems. By immersing learners in real-world production scenarios, it equips students to apply these skills in academic, professional, and community settings outside the stage. It highlights theatre’s interdisciplinary nature, integrating creative, technical, and organizational tasks, thereby preparing students for environments where teamwork and problem-solving are critical.

Learning goals

The learning goals focus on developing collaboration skills through active participation in theatre production, mimicking real-world teamwork processes. Students will engage in role navigation, shared decision-making, and accountability, thereby addressing technical challenges creatively. The project also enhances communication and critical thinking skills through collaborative presentations, equipping students to transfer theatre collaboration skills to academic, professional, and community contexts.

Competencies

Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

Throughout the project, students will produce several key outputs: a full-scale musical theatre production for the community, demonstrating collaboration, creativity, and technical expertise. Alongside the production, students will create a documentary or behind-the-scenes video capturing their collaborative journey and role adaptations, serving as a reflective tool. They will also curate peer-reviewed portfolios showcasing individual contributions, challenges faced, and the problem-solving processes employed throughout the production. These products will allow students to showcase their learning and skill application in real-world contexts.

Launch

Begin the theatre production project with a collaborative brainstorming and role selection session where students explore their interests and the significance of different theatrical roles. Form groups based on shared goals and interests, and collaboratively decide the musical to produce, fostering shared decision-making. Include an engaging introductory workshop led by community partners to provide insights on technical aspects, sparking excitement and offering expert guidance.

Exhibition

Students will present a full-scale musical theatre production, showcasing their collaborative work and integrating technical and artistic elements learned over the course of the project. The presentation will be open to community members, providing an opportunity for students to share their creative process and teamwork while engaging with constructive feedback from the audience. Additionally, students will present a behind-the-scenes documentary film capturing key moments of collaboration and decision-making during production, which will deepen audience understanding of their learning journey.

Learning Journey

Empathize

Students will conduct interviews and research theater production roles, observing and analyzing collaborative needs within the ensemble to gain deeper understanding and empathy for each position's impact on the production's success.

Day 1