Abstract:
Type of Activity: Warm up; tableau; physical expression; teamwork; improvisation
Required Props: None
How It Works:
As the teacher, setting up the activity for the students is the most fun part. First, split the students in to groups of 4 or 5 and spread each group around the room.
Then, the story begins (the story can be whatever you want). I usually start with something like: "You may not know this, but last summer I took an incredible trip down south to an island called Mulinique (fictional place name) with a group of friends. I was super excited to capture every moment so I brought my camera, and thank goodness I did, because it turned out to be a VERY interesting trip. This morning I woke up and I thought to myself, 'I should bring my pictures in to class to show my grade 9s.' So, I set my pictures on the coffee table and got ready to go. I checked my watch and realized I was running late, so I gathered my stuff, ran out the door and began driving to work. As I drove, I realized I totally forgot my pictures on the table. So, a tear ran down my cheek as I lamented about this, until a BRILLIANT IDEA ENTERED MY HEAD!!!. What if I told my Grade 9s pieces about my trip, then at the most incredible parts I stop, turn off the lights, and give each group five seconds to create a tableau that depicts that part of my trip?!"
At this point, ask the students to recall the elements that make for an effective tableau. The story continues: "My friends and I began the trip by walking up to the ticket counter to pick up our plane tickets. We asked for our tickets, and the ticket person did something that completely surprised my friends and I...so I took a picture...and here it is." At this point, turn off the lights, and urgently tell the students that they have five seconds to create this tableau. Count down from 5, turn on the lights and insist everyone remain in their tableau. Each group will be frozen in a tableau that (hopefully) is telling a story. It is fun to quickly move from group to group and share your interpretation of their tableaux. After you have seen each group, tell everyone to unfreeze. They will exhale loudly after having had to stand still for so long. Congratulate them, make some suggestions about how the next tableaux could look even better, emphasize teamwork and thinking on their toes, and move on with the story.
"Finally, my friends and I got on the plane and had a great flight to Mulinique. The plane landed, we got off, and quickly realized that the people of Mulinique had a very unique way of welcoming visitors to their country, so I took a picture...and here it is." Lights out, and the process repeats.
It seems that six or seven 'pictures' are sufficient for the activity, and the story should end with your return home.
Hints
- The activity should lead to a discussion of the importance of teamwork, being able to think quickly, making sure tableaux tell some kind of story, the importance of expression in conveying your tableaux, etc. The first couple of tableaux might be sloppy, but with encouragement, the tableaux become more clear and expressive.
- The 'trip' can be anywhere - a play you were in where everything went wrong; trip to the zoo; a birthday party; the North Pole; etc. etc. etc.
- Try to leave each tableau moment open-ended so that the students have to quickly decide upon the direction your story takes. Use guiding adjectives to help out the students - something 'strange' happened; an 'exciting' event took place; an 'unexpected' reaction.