Title: HomeSchooling Playhouse: Personal Development through Theatrical Techniques Target Age Groups: - Young Explorers: Ages 6-9 - Pre-Teens: Ages 10-14 Format: Online sessions using video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet) Duration: Each workshop cycle runs for 8 weeks, with one 90-minute session per week. Workshop Components: 1. Introduction and Warm-Up (15 minutes): - Ice-breakers and simple physical warm-ups to promote comfort and energy. - Breathing exercises to enhance vocal projection and reduce anxiety. 2. Theater Games (30 minutes): - Age-appropriate games that foster creativity, teamwork, and improvisational skills. - Examples include "Mime Relay" for Young Explorers, "Emotion Walk" for Pre-Teens, and "Status Shift" for Young Adults & Adults. 3. Focused Exploration (30 minutes): - Young Explorers: Storytelling through acting and role-play. - Pre-Teens: Character development and scene creation. 4. Text Breakdown and Character Analysis (15 minutes): - Introduction to basic script analysis techniques. - Group discussion to explore characters, motives, and themes within selected plays. Educational Goals - Creativity and Expression: Encourage creative thinking and self-expression through diverse theatrical methods. - Social Skills: Enhance interpersonal skills and empathy through collaborative activities. - Confidence Building: Improve public speaking and self-confidence by performing in front of peers. - Cultural Awareness: Introduce diverse theatrical traditions and plays to broaden cultural understanding.

Online Workshop Structure: Frequency : Twice a week Duration : 2-hour sessions over 4 weeks Platform : Zoom, Google Meet, or another robust video conferencing tool that supports breakout rooms and interactive features Weekly Schedule: Week 1: Introduction & Character Analysis Session 1 : - Ice Breakers and Introduction Games to create a sense of community. - Overview of the workshop goals and the specific play to be studied. - Session 2 : - Script Breakdown: Participants analyze the play's themes and characters. - Assigning characters and scenes for deeper study. Week 2: Emotional Exploration & Scene Work - Session 3 : - Emotion Workshops: Exercises to explore and express complex emotions. - Techniques for effective online acting and presence. - Session 4: - Scene Rehearsal: Participants perform scenes in small groups (breakout rooms). - Group feedback and discussion on character development and interaction. Week 3: Performance Techniques & Deepening Understanding** - Session 5 : - Advanced Character Development: Digging deeper into each character's motivation and background. - Voice and Speech Workshops: Focus on clarity and emotional expression. - Session 6 : - Full Scene Run-throughs: Putting together scenes with transitions and virtual stage directions. - Technical Setup Review: Ensuring everyone’s video and audio setup enhances their performance. Week 4: Dress Rehearsal and Final Performance - Session 7 : - Dress Rehearsal: Runing the entire piece with feedback. - Technical adjustments and performance tips for virtual presentation. - Session 8 : - Final Performance: Showcasing the entire play or selected scenes to an invited online audience. - Post-performance Reflection: Sharing experiences and discuss the emotional impact and personal growth. Contemporary Plays: Given the constraints and opportunities of an online format, here are some plays with strong characters and engaging dialogue that we can work with : 1. "Love and Information" by Caryl Churchill - Features over 100 characters in brief but poignant vignettes, ideal for exploring different roles. 2. "Almost, Maine" by John Cariani - Composed of several short plays that explore love and loss, which can be effectively executed by actors in different locations. 3. "Gruesome Playground Injuries" by Rajiv Joseph - Follows two characters over 30 years, allowing deep character study with minimal staging. 4. "The Shape of Things" by Neil LaBute - Revolves around themes of art, manipulation, and relationships, suitable for intimate online portrayal. 5. "This Random World" by Steven Dietz - Explores the random intersections of a group of people, highlighting the serendipity and secrecy of life.