Activity 3: Prop Prompts
 
 
  Objectives

This activity will help you to think about the difference between a prop and a symbol, and the ways in which symbols can be used in drama. You will also give some thought to structuring your work so that it has a clear beginning, middle and end.
 
 
  Outcomes

By working through this activity you will:
 
 
create a short storyboard, divided into three scenes, which makes imaginative use of a small range of props.
 
 
  Resources

To complete the activities you will need access to:
 
 
Kar2ouche Rehearsal Room Content Library
 
 
Sheet 3.1 Evaluation Frame – Prop Prompts
 
 


  Activities
 
 
  Introduction
 
 
  1. First open the Prop Prompts storyboard. Here you will find three frames, each containing a selection of props. Look carefully at these and decide which one you would like to base your work around. Study the frames now, and then return to the activity screen.
 
 
To open the Prop Prompts storyboard
 
 


  Development
 
 
  2. Once you have decided which frame of props you want to use, you can begin work on your storyboard. In your piece, one of the props must have a much greater significance than the other two. This is not because it is more expensive than the other props, but because it has some symbolic value, which you must make clear to the audience. Here are some examples of reasons why an object can have symbolic value, but there are many more.
 
 
It represents something more important than itself – for example, a dove is a symbol of peace; a heart is a symbol of love.
 
It makes the owner feel protected.
 
It was owned by someone who has since died.
 
It was a present from a special friend or a relative.
 


  3. Your piece must be set out in three sections:
 
 
In the first section introduce the characters and situation to the audience
 
In the second section introduce some sort of complication/conflict/problem
 
In the final section you must resolve the situation and bring it to a clear conclusion.
 


  You will find the three sections have already been marked out and labelled for you in the Prop Prompts storyboard.
 
 
  4. You may use some additional props (for example chairs, tables, trees) in order to establish the location of each scene, but make sure that your three chosen props remain the most important ones in the piece. You may choose your own backgrounds and characters (no more than three main ones) and use speech bubbles and thought bubbles as necessary. Record your own speech, and add any background noises you wish to include from the audio files in the text/audio screen. Click on the green Composition Screen tab now to return to your storyboard.
 
 
  5. Remember to save your work in your user area when you have finished your storyboard.
 
 


  Plenary
 
 
  6. In class, you will have the opportunity to look at some of the storyboards that members of your class have produced, and evaluate them. Remember to keep your comments specific and constructive. In particular, try to identify the point at which it becomes clear that one of the props has special significance, and becomes a symbol rather than merely a prop.
 
 
  7. In groups, you will have the chance to rehearse a performance based on one of the storyboards that you have discussed in class. Keep in mind the suggestions that have been made during your discussion time, and make any changes that you think will improve your work.
 
 


  Extension/Homework
 
 
  8. Write a brief evaluation of your storyboard and performance. There is an evaluation frame (Sheet 3.1 Evaluation Frame – Prop Prompts) available to help you with this task.
 
 




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