The Final Act

Directions:

Create a two-character scene that shows a character working through a conflict, crisis, or issue. Your main characters needs to fear losing something important to them: a home, a date, or even their confidence. Think about something that “bugs” you and turn it into a scene! Your goal is to move your peers—to make them laugh or smile or to feel surprise or sadness. Think of your WNB entries. Think of something from your own life you could mirror to the audience. Think of Novio Boy. You could elect to use the characters presented in Novio Boy to write a new scene. You might create a conversation between Alicia and Patricia when she excuses herself to answer her beeper. Maybe Rudy and Patricia go on a second disastrous date? Maybe Patricia’s dad does shows up and discovers that she is not at the library? Or you can be completely original in your characterization and scene. Scenes can be funny, touching, serious, or any combination of emotions. Use parenthesis to indicate movements or stage directions. Your scene should be typed, and roughly 2-4 pages in length with clean copy. You will be required to perform your scene live in class or create a video to play for your peers. If you elect to film your scene all filming must be completed outside of school.

Scene draft is due on Thursday, April 29^th

Final scene due and performance is May 6^th and 7^th.

Other important dates:

April 28: Late Arrival and Novio Boy response due

April 30: In-class Drama essay test

May 3: pARTners Belief Project begins

June 1: Classic or Award winner reading letter due

June 8: Final exam.

June 10: Field Trip and Graduation

June 11: Last Day of School

Read a classic or award winner

4^th Quarter Reading Goal

Read a Classic or Award Winner with Partner Find a partner or trio if needed and select “a classic” or prize winner to read. The title does not need to be on this list. The literature circle books and SSR books you have read are likely both compelling and modern; some of these books are older and dustier but very much worth reading. Many of them have won literary prizes. But I would like you to decide the worthiness of the novel for yourself.

My ideas:

The Count of Monte Cristo (the ultimate story of revenge)

The Pearl (actually a novella—short)

The Red Pony (many of you read this in the fall but another this is another Steinbeck novella)

Les Miserables

Summer of My German Soldier (an almost classic but full of romance)

Treasure Island

The Giver

Walk Two Moons

The Secret Garden

Pride and Prejudice

Parrot in the Oven

The Book Thief (soon to be classic)

Ender’s Game

A Farewell to Arms

Handmaiden’s Tale

Call of the Wild

Letter details:

Start with a friendly introduction and then discuss the characterization in the novel. Include description of the point in the novel when you felt hooked and eager to read on. Add a description of a passage that had particularly strong imagery or action for you.

Describe in paragraph two your response to the resolution of the novel: was the resolution ironic or unexpected in anyway? Include a description of where you read the conclusion of your book.

What was the theme of this novel and why? Include at least two questions you have after reading this novel.

The point of the letter is to make insights that your partner may have missed.

This letter should be written with book in hand and after you have completed the novel. Final day to submit is June 1st.

Welcome to 4th quarter

Homework: Present a Monologue

Select a monologue to memorize and present to the class. I have many available, although you are welcome to find your own speech, soliloquy or monologue to present.

Requirements:

1. Present me with a copy of your script.

2. Include physical gestures to enhance meaning.

3. Utilize the techniques of emphasis, pace and inflection to add meaning to your words.

4. Find an appropriate prop.

5. Practice! Don’t try to memorize the night before! It won’t work!

6. Presentations are April 23^rd.