Performing Art

Why Performing Art?

Performing Art was conceived out of necessity really. Inspired by two of my high school students. I was teaching a sculpture class at La Salle College Preparatory High School. Two students, whom I recognized from the school plays, yet had never seen them in the art rooms before. A quarter of the way through the semester, I asked them, “ Well, clearly you both have talent in art and sculpture, why have I never seen you walk through these studio doors before now, your final semester of your Senior year!?” They both immediately said, “We know, we love art. But we only get ONE elective course we had to choose."

I began to think of how to incorporate Acting and Art into one course. I never had to choose I was allowed to develop skills in both.  I wanted to come up with a way that students could get it all in one program. Why stop there, lets add music, writing, dance If the participants want to. I have much experience in all three. I can get teachers involved who could help with the rest.  So Performing Art was launched.  

Why me?

I’ve been in the theater for 47 years. I'm and actor,  Director, Set Designer, Prop designer, Artist and sculptor. I have skills that lend themselves perfectly to idea.  I had the light bulb moment. Why not take a masterpiece painting, have the students paint it in sections, then write a play, of any length, about the people in the painting. They then can perform their own words in their original, play. They get to do art, creative writing, and act. Then I could utilize all of my talents too! That would make it very satisfying for both of us.. 

 But would it work? I went to students and told them about the program. I asked, “Would that be of interest to you?” They said, “When can I sign up? Are you teaching it next semester? Cuz, I’m graduating this year so I want to take it.”  Then I asked a room full of my students, with lots of different interests and not necessarily art enthusiasts.  I asked them to raise their hands if they would be interested in a course like this. To my astonishment, practically every hand went up.  I thought, hmmm, I might have something here.

I took a year to develop it.  I added history, a little science and a little math. I designed the program to only need one room with some tables and chairs and good light. and access to a sink. If a performing space or theater was available that would be a bonus but not a necessity.  Keep it simple and make it about the students. 

The Trial Run

I did a pilot program as a 3-week, all day summer camp. The participants had a varied level of skills.  I hired costumer but kept the wardrobe simple. Hired a Stand-up Comedian to teach a little improve along the way to make them  more comfortable on stage. The enlarge painting they painted themselves became the set. We used a few props and furniture. Students that were terrified of acting became the stage managers and the crew. Technicians are a vital part of any production and the participants should learn that too. Performing Art is a learning experience that is fun and exciting, not filled with anxiety. Students are encouraged to try new things that may be out of their comfort zone. They are nudged and coxed but never push.

In the end the students did great, learned a ton and some had break troughs.  As for the parents and friends who came to see the performance, well they were 'over the moon' about it all. They could not believe how much their kids had learned in a relatively short period of time. 

On the last day, I said to the kids, “Well, I hope you guys have learned some things.”  One of my 10 year olds piped in and said, “ Joanne, I didn’t know anything before this!” I laughed and replied, “Oh I think you knew a few things before this. But, thank you, you made my day.”