For this section of the unit, I have given two scenarios on which to base improvisations, titled Coming to America, and The Arrival. To best aid the students to ultimately build a story around their character, it would be beneficial to continue a chronological order to the improvisations based on what might happen next in their characters' lives. For example the next improvisation could be centered around finding employment, or meeting your neighbors for the first time, etc.
Coming to America
Objectives
Students will understand how improvisation aids in character development.
Students will incorporate sensory exercises into their scene work.
Students will learn basic problem solving.
This improvisation will incorporate the elements of objective, conflict, and resolution, and these should be there only guideline. Remind them that we are not seeking particular results. The purpose is discovery. Begin with allowing the students time to create their sensory environment and to establish their own space within the classroom. The character is ready to board the craft of choice that will take them to America. They are bidding farewell to your loved ones. Objective- To discover their characters' reactions to a highly emotional situation. Conflict- You realize that you left your ticket at home. Resolution- The improvisation cannot conclude until the character has fully played out the events, and resolves the issue. There is no right or wrong, only different choices.
The Arrival
The characters have arrived in America. Once again have them establish their own space within the classroom. Let them know that they will all arrive in the same place at the same moment in full character. Let them move about the room in silence. Each character will have their own image of America, and they should respond fully to their new environment. Now allow them to verbally react to the other characters in there surroundings. This would be a good point for the students to begin a character journal to be written in on a weekly basis, or as often as possible. The journal should include both the characters thoughts, feelings, and circumstances. The students may also want to record their notes on process and their personal progress. Following improvisations, students should discuss the outcomes, always focusing on what they were able to extract for further use.