Thanksgiving Play: Video Devisement

Today we found got out script for our video segment in The Thanksgiving Play, the script is short and to the point without much other direction. The piece is supposed to be satirical and poke fun.

We started working together on who would say each line and which movements would be associated with each phrase/word. With Mrs. Housam's direction, we decided to model our video off of a SNL skit that had a similar vibe. We wanted to be sharp and precise with out words and motions and taking ourselves so seriously that it became comical. I found it really fun figuring out which movements would go with which line. It was a struggle at first for us to move cohesively, we were able to to the motions in synch but it took a couple of days of practice to get into a rhythm of moving spots. I think in hindsight we could have had one of us direct the others to move into our places in a way that didn't cause us to run into each other, but practicing so many times eventually worked those kinks out.

After we got our movements and lines down, we began to add our props: stage boxes and yellow signs for the 'criminals'. after practicing many many times inside, we moved outside to get ready for the video. At first our practice in the grass was messy, but as time went on and Mrs. Housam gave us direction on projection and physicality, our confidence grew and so did our skit. Once we were ready to film, we recorded ourselves saying the lines and had that be the voice-over to the video.

I enjoyed working with everyone in the class on our different ideas, and seeing it actually come to life. One instance of this was Maggie and I working together on a little part in the skit. She was the doctor that didn't notice people were getting hurt and I was an injured person. We worked together to devise a bit where she would be standing and I would be on the ground tugging on her jacket asking for help. As she would talk about how "medical attention was not immediately provided" she would continue to step forward, out of my reach for help.

Overall I was super happy with how the video came out and I thought it was fun. I liked this activity because we got to collaborate and it wasn't just one of us directing everyone else. Everyone had a chance to share and bounce ideas off of each other. I liked that our class is semi-small because it gave us a chance to really listen to each other and collaborate with each other.