A Pirate’s Life for Me


In the performance of Peter and the Starcatcher, the actors create the world of the play – pirate ships, fantastical creatures, magical islands – using only their bodies, voices, imaginations, and a few minimal props.


ACTIVITY – Create a Pirate Ship Out of Thin Air! 1. Ask one student to begin a pantomimed, repeated motion that you might find on a pirate ship (such as swabbing the deck, hoisting the sails, or being on lookout.)


2. The next student enters the scene, contributing with another action they believe is associated with the environment they see before them.


3. One by one, each student enters the scene by investing in a new action. 4. Continue until each student is invested in the scene. 5. Ask students to work together to improvise movements that would occur during a storm or rocky waves. What choices can they make as an ensemble to make the ship come to life?


6. Repeat the activity above, but ask each student to add a sound to their motion or activity, creating a soundscape of a pirate‟s life.


Throughout the script of Peter and the Starcatcher, Peter and Molly come face to face with many pirates in search of a valuable treasure chest. Below are some activities that incorporate the theme of piracy and sailing the high seas!


ACTIVITY –How To Become a Pirate 1. Make paper pirate hats


Instructions:


 Start with a piece of paper. (Preferably a sheet of newspaper!)  Fold the sheet of paper in half.  Fold the top corners down towards the center of the page.  Lift the front bottom flap and fold it up.  Flip the paper over, then lift the bottom flap and fold it up.  Your pirate hat is complete! 2. Choosing the right name for a pirate is very important. In Peter and the Starcatcher, the captain of the Sea Devil is named Black Stache, a reference to his facial hair!What other characteristics could be used to give a pirate a proper name? Remember, these names should be intimidating and fearful to anyone who utters them!


3. Find specific movements and gestures for your pirate. How do you walk? Do you have a wooden leg? Maybe you have one eye or a crooked back? Move around the classroom and interact with one another as the pirate you have become.


4. Begin speaking like a pirate using language such as “Avast, ye maties!” (Note: September 19th is International Talk Like A Pirate Day!)


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