This is a brand new section (in 2006) that is purely devoted to the tireless work of the many brilliant students at Murdoch University... that means you! There are two main purposes for the displaying of other students work on this page. Firstly, I would like to continue the Children's Theatre website well after I have completed University and, hopefully, begun teaching. My aim is to make this site a valuable resource for obtaining and reading the thoughts, ideas and enthusiasm of current Murdoch students, thus not solely myself.
Secondly, such an arena gives an additional purpose for writing an academic assessment or journal. Purpose, in any piece of assessment, gives the work a connection to the real world. Authentic assessments create real employment or teaching situations, and in turn can stimulate a student's internal motivation. I sincerely appreciate and respect the contributions of all students' works to this site, as displaying your 'warts and all' thoughts and feelings can be quite confronting. If you have a Drama based journal, project or activity (no academic assignments), and you would like to share them, please contact Andrew @ thechaseison@optusnet.com.au
The Return of the Snow Queen (2007)
Ed Pack 2007 - Introduction Page
The Secret of the Snotty Gobbles: A Fairy Story (2006)
The 2006 Children's Theatre Educational Pack is now available to read. Due to its size, and use of in-class reproducible activities, we have decided to display only some parts of the booklet. Activities not displayed still have a detailed aim, or purpose written in their introduction, and if you would like to view them, follow the footnoted references.
Ed Pack Introduction and Contents Page
In addition to this year's Ed Pack, a Teacher's Handbook was also created. The two contributors, Lauren Boon and Nicole Pfeiffer, completed this year's Children's Theatre unit as two separate Independent Study Contracts. In her second visit to Children's Theatre, Lauren has presented a thoughtful and detailed approach into the use of movement as a means to develop learning. For Nicole, her solo Ed Pack last year was followed up by the hats of Stage Manager and Co-Editor of the Ed Pack this year. Her paper provides a theoretical structure for creating purposeful productions in the classroom.
Theatre Production in the Classroom
Glynis' Children's Theatre Journal
(Glynis (pictured on the left) poses with another bush fairy)
Following in the shadow of her sister Val (last year's stage manager), Glynis entered the daunting doors of the Drama Workshop. Glynis' drive was consistent the entire Children's Theatre journey, and her respect for the production was always obvious. In Glynis' journal, you can get a feel of her character development, production assistance and personal views through thoughtful reflections and comments.
Julian's Children's Theatre Journal
(Julian (second from right) at the beginning of the semester)
Personally I've known Julian since my first semester, and he has always been a great 'university resource' for me. I was of course surprised how much he taught me about my favourite unit. Although Julian may have, at first, feared the prospects of performance, he did not show it. Julian's professionalism, commitment and focus throughout the whole Children's Theatre semester was extraordinary. His thoughts into characterisation, movement and vocal manipulation were superb, and indeed, highlighted his fantastic work this year.
(Val (second from left) in a weekly production meeting)
Valerie O'Neill was the stage manager for the 2005 Children's Theatre production 'Captain Quokka's Adventures on the High Seas'. Valerie's continuous commitment, focus and respect for her position saw this production produce one of the best ensemble groups ever. Read Val's journal to see how she approached this Children's Theatre production, what her fears were and how she over came them.
(Jodie (left) poses with one of her 'crab' sisters)
Darren Bilston, assistant director of the Children's Theatre productions, often comments that 'there are no small roles... only small actors'. Jodie Firman received one such role, yet made it something more than just a two-dimensional character. Here you can read Jodie's thoughts of the Children's Theatre production 'Captain Quokka', and also view her detailed and personal approaches to developing her character of Chloe the Crab.
A vital component of the Children's Theatre didactical purpose is the Educational Pack, which is distributed to the audience's teachers. This pack provides the teacher with a variety of pedagogical approaches to subject matters, themes, characters and animals discussed in the play. As a result, this artefact transgresses the Theatre in Education production, into a richer and longer lasting Drama in Education experience through subsequent in-class interaction. The 2005 Ed Pack, normally compiled by at least two or three individuals, was brilliantly undertaken by one; Nicole Pfeiffer. Nicole proficiently and professionally approached and completed the pack in great detail; and on time. In addition, she used current and relevant connections to educational approaches, vital to a successful Ed Pack. Her detail towards referencing has allowed almost the entire piece to be available here for viewing.
Go to Children's Theatre: My Journal History Notice Board Your Work
Contact Andrew @ thechaseison@optusnet.com.au
This page last updated: 26th November 2007