 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
4 to 8 (middle school)
social studies, cultural history, creative writing, dramatic arts
approximately 2 class periods
|
|
 |
|
Using the tradition of vaudeville comedy as a starting pointing,
this activity asks the students to think about comedy skits, based on
family or domestic situations, and stage one of their own.
The activity is divided into several parts: 1) observing their family
to come up with material for the skit, 2) writing a script for the skit, and 3) staging the skit.
Begin by having the students read the articles "The Crossroads of the World," "From Vaudeville to Broadway,"
"Outsiders on Stage," and "America's First Stars."
Once they have read this material, you might want to discuss what
old-time vaudeville was like. What kind of shows were popular? Who were
the performers? Who went to see the shows? How did the audiences behave?
Why did vaudeville die out?
Ethnic humor was particularly popular on vaudeville. You may want
to explore this sensitive topic with your students. Why was it popular?
And why is it considered racist today? You could point out the basic
difference between ethnic humor then and now -- laughing at one's own ethnic
group is acceptable today, but laughing at others is seen as nasty and
racist.
You could also compare the old-time theater with today's theater
and even with the movies and TV. What are some of the differences between
vaudeville and modern theater? What are the differences between live
theater and the movies? How have audiences changed? Does vaudeville
comedy live on in TV sitcoms?
Finally, you might want to go over ideas about comedy. Why are
some things funny, and others not? What kinds of humor do students
like? Ask them to tell you what they think is funny. We have offered a
few tips to comedy writing in Step 2 of the activity Web page.
The activity is primarily designed as a group or class activity.
Of course, since only one or a few scripts can be staged, it will be up
to you to assign roles and duties for everyone to do. This will especially
be the case if the whole class is involved.
This activity will require a certain amount of guidance on your
part. First, you have to decide if the students are going to merely write
their skits, or actually stage them. If you decide on the former, this can
be done as an individual activity, with the students passing around copies
to you and each other.
- More fun, of course, is allowing the students to stage their skits. This can be done in groups. Each group will have one or more writers, a
director, actors, and various stage and prop persons. You can assign these
duties or have the students sort things out amongst themselves. The nice
thing about having several groups do different skits is that these can be
combined into a vaudeville-style variety show.
- In addition, students will probably need help finding a venue. The classroom is one idea; or, better, there is the school auditorium.
Similarly, for props, makeup, and costumes. Most of this stuff can be
found in the students' homes or it can be obtained, with your help, from
the school's theater department, if there is one.
- Also, you might want to help the students stage the show, guiding
them in the creation of scenes and backdrops and the use of makeup and
costumes. You might also arrange for them to have some rehearsal time and
space.
- Lastly, there is the matter of the audience. Should this be staged for other students, parents, or the community? And how will it be advertised? There are some suggestions in Step 3 of the activity Web page.
On With the Show!
In this activity, students have studied vaudeville and humor generally, and have had the chance to put on their own vaudeville skit.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Early New York