INVISIBLE THEATRE Improvisation

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS How could you use an Invisible Theatre event as a teaching tool? Where can Invisible Theatre occur?

WHAT IS IT? Invisible Theatre is the art of creating theatre by allowing the spectator to get caught up in the illusion, which is actually reality. Amazingly the spectator is transformed, and becomes the protagonist in the action, a spect-actor, without ever being aware of it. In order for Invisible Theatre to be successful, the chosen subject must be an issue of burning importance, something known to be of genuine concern for the future spect-actors. It is performed in a place, which is not a theatre, and for an audience, which is not an audience.

HOW DID IT ORIGINATE? Formed in the 1970’s as part of Augusto Boal’s Theater of the Oppressed, which focused on oppression and social issues. Boal's techniques use theatre as means of promoting social and political change. In the Theatre of the Oppressed, the audience becomes active, such that as "spect-actors" they explore, show, analyze and transform the reality in which they are living.

PURPOSE WHY DO IT? to inform the public about social injustices to make a point publicly in much the same way as graffiti or a political demonstration to help actors gain a sense of what a realistic reaction might be to a certain scenario

REQUIREMENTS SCENARIO: a basic plot outline or framework of the event. Listed by actions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc) Details problems and solutions to problems SPECTATORS: person at the event by happenstance, watching or viewing the event SPECT-ACTORS: a spectator who is drawn into the scenario without prior knowledge of the event

WHAT IT IS NOT!!!! It is NOT punking or joking Candid Camera Punk'd Improv Everywhere Free Hugs Campaign

INVISIBLE THEATRE IS… all about showing oppression in everyday life, in an everyday setting, without the audience or Spect-actors  knowing.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO? DISCRIMINATION http://youtu.be/KdMWCL2u2MI http://youtu.be/hDJ2PpSxYaU http://youtu.be/EzSFtVvIJhY http://youtu.be/OIjpj3GLtsg RACISIM http://youtu.be/qGiVX9uVB3I http://youtu.be/COOu7MZ2OvI CHEATING http://youtu.be/15KP0HRLf0c http://youtu.be/5N21Bkr_KYs SEXUAL HARRASMENT http://youtu.be/euXzkLZQPRY FAVORTISM http://youtu.be/APiJyzv4sAo BULLIED http://youtu.be/jX2_-VmgO7w http://youtu.be/Ny9OMv-KNgo http://youtu.be/Mw-qpT7DjaI http://youtu.be/lnvsGFGqfW8 Anti-Semitism http://youtu.be/BRX31HOikws PATRIOTISM http://youtu.be/FbWmBUONtFY

ASSIGNMENT PERFORMANCE PREPLANNING POST PERFORMANCE Scenario Rough draft Scenario Final draft Discuss/plan with adult about event; plan a date, review Gather necessary items; tape recorder, props, costumes, etc. PERFORMANCE Journal about the performance; could last from 1day – weeks POST PERFORMANCE Adult Evaluation Student Evaluation In Class presentation

PROJECT GUIDELINES 1. This is a school sponsored, class project, so you may not violate any school policy, or partake in anything which is illegal. Such action by anyone, anywhere, in the name of this project will result in serious discipline by our school or district.

PROJECT GUIDELINES 2. You may not do anything which will cause harm to others, be it physically or mentally. Any consequences the spect-actors may experience may not be so negative that it would cause severe anguish or personal tragedy.

PROJECT GUIDELINES 3. All topics and scenarios must be approved by Mrs. Voss and possibly the administration. 4. If at any time the parent, teacher or administrator (the adult contact) feels that the situation is getting out of control, they may stop the event.

PROJECT GUIDELINES 5. The student will be given a “second chance” to perform the project for a different audience and location and possibly a different adult contact. 6. Only if the student neglects to perform the project will he/she fail the project.

PROJECT GUIDELINES 7. If for some reason the student’s parent / guardian does not want the student to take part in this project, the student will be given an alternate project. 8. Due to the length of the entire project, NO late projects will be accepted.

PROJECT GUIDELINES FAILURE TO MEET ANY OF THE ABOVE GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN A LOWER GRADE AND POSSIBLY A ZERO ON THE ASSIGNMENT. NO EXCEPTIONS.

FORM #1 SCENARIO 50 pts Name________________________________ Topic: ________________________________ Actors: ________________________________ Adult Name: __________________________ Adult Contact info: ____________________

FORM #1 SCENARIO 50 pts ACTION #1 _____________________________________ Potential problems: __________________ Solutions: ____________________________

FORM #2 JOURNAL 50 pts Explain what actually happened on the day of the performance. Record exactly what was said, who said it (NOT specific names) and what actions were taken.   DAY 1 Here’s what was SUPPOSE to happen: Here’s what ACTUALLY happened: Tomorrow I expect this to happen:

FORM #3 STUDENT EVALUATION 50 pts EVALUATION QUESTIONS Reflect honestly about the event which took place. Do you think this project was a success? Explain why. What was the first thing that caused your spectators to become spect-actors? If the activity did not allow for spect-actors, why? What could you change so the activity would have been a success? Why would you make those changes? Also, evaluate yourself as an actor in this project as well as others who partook in the project. Lastly, what is your overall feelings about Invisible Theatre. Did you enjoy the project? Do you think it is educational? Did you learn from the experience? If it was a negative experience, did you still learn anything?

FORM #4 ADULT EVALUATION 100 pts PREPARATION discuss project prior to performance; its purpose and procedure gave a letter of explanation of Invisible Theatre and scenario outline which details the procedure, to the adult prior to the performance ACTOR’S PERFORMANCE maintained believability (never broke character) good vocal / facial expressions followed through on prepared actions within the scripted scenario effective use of improvisational skills PROJECT well chosen issue; important and of genuine concern for spectators spectators became spect-actors THE ACTOR responsible, reliable, & trustworthy (with this project) cooperative; worked well with others involved, including you - the adult

PROJECT EVALUATION 100 pts well chosen issue; important and of genuine concern for spectators approved rough draft and final typed scenario turned in completed forms adult evaluation journal of recorded events self and project evaluation correctly followed the rules and guidelines set forth in the project performance was successful; performed on time issue was examined within the performance spectators became spect-actors

SAMPLE TOPICS Favoritism Homophobia Racial slurs; Racism Dating abuse Segregation Student rights Discrimination Cheating Depression Disabilities Stalking; Teen Harassment Sexism Eating disorders Abortion Theft Teen Pregnancy Abstinence Interracial relationships War effort / anti war effort Student loyalties vs. teacher loyalties Safe sex / teen pregnancy / abstinence Stereotypes Ageism Respect