2006-2007 Neighborhood Bridges Residency Program

(formerly the vittum learning partnership)

Chopin elementary school, 7th grade

Inquiry Question:

"How can I use collage, mask, and characterization to explore identity?"

Chopin School and Adventure Stage Chicago (then known as the Vittum Theater) partnered to analyze characterization in literature. Through theatre and visual art, Ms. Allebach's 7th grade class explored point of view, motivation, and how fictional characters can connect to real-life situations. The class attended ASC's prodcution of The Search for Odysseus by Charles Way. To prepare for the play, students read Greek Mythology and analyzed the characters' motivations, resulting behaviors, and consequences. Throughout the residency, students participated in workshops that allowed them to invent characters by making masks, writing biographies, and exploring movement. In partners, students shared their visual art - the masks - while demonstrating their mastery of how to use body, mind, and voice to communicate on a stage.

"Positive Impressions"

“The performance certianly left a positive impression on the students about attending and appreciating live performances! They are also more likely to pursue the reading of plays and novels upon which plays are based. The entire experience was extremely worthwhile, leaving a lasting, motivating impact.”

- Mary Vujic / James Ward Elementary 6th, 7th, 8th Grades