2oESO TEC - A set design project leads to a Royal visit

 

On Tuesday 1st February, 2o ESO A & B enjoyed a morning of theatrical discovery at the world famous Royal Opera House in Covent Garden...  
In Tec the students are currently studying 'Theatre Technology' - looking at technical processes such as lighting, scenography and costume construction and how they come together to make a show. Prepared with Activities and Quizzes, students explored Covent Garden Piazza - some excellent drawings by Lydia Herrera and Chenta-Shayen and Miguel Rox and Alex Rodriguez even became part of a street performance!


In 4 groups with Me - Menna, Xaime, Pablo and Caroline, we were guided through a very special tour behind the scenes at the Opera House.  We heard about the amazing new 'wagon' system that allows sets to be transported on and off stage at record speeds.  Luck was on our side as a little gap in rehearsals for a new Opera, 'Anna Nicole' meant we could take a look inside the beautiful and decadent auditorium!  Then came a second star moment for Alex Rodriguez as in the huge scenery hold backstage, he spotted some giant playing cards for 'Alice in Wonderland' the ballet!  We even watched a ballerina rehearsing for Swan Lake from behind a one way glass, a rare and amazing sight. 


The project - 

• In groups of 6 or 7 students revised a particular scene of 'Alice in Wonderland' the movie (dir. Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp).  On a 3D drawing of a basic stage some ideas of how we could make the film a stage production were sketched and notes written.  Students learnt some theatre terminology, e.g. wings, stage floor.
• We looked at how the Lion KIng was developed into a successful musical from the original Disney film.  A YouTube documentary gave students some great ideas for ambitious sets that revolve and elevate from sub-stage.
• Plans completed, students divided responsibilities for making the various parts of their sets.  The floor, back and side walls are grey/black foamboard (lightweight but strong), other materials include - cardboard tubes, plywood, bolsa wood, cork laminate, cellophane.  Work on these model boxes will continue until 11/02...

  

           

           

We are delighted that next half term, Rocio (trainee teacher) will be joining us to teach the students electronics, so we will soon be able to light the stages!  There will of course be an exhibition of the final model boxes in March at IECB, so watch this space!