POST-SHOW ACTIVITIES HOW DOES A DESIGNER CREATE A FANTASTIC OR MAGICAL CHARACTER FOR THE STAGE?


This production of Into the Woods offered unique interpretations of both the Giant and Milky White, the cow. Other directors and designers have solved the challenge of creating these characters in different ways, as seen on page 16 of this guide.


READ ANALYZE ACTIVATE


Read a synopsis of the fairy tale The Snow Queen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Snow_Queen


Working in small groups, have students create a list of adjectives that describe the Snow Queen. Using objects found in the classroom and/or provided supplies, have students build a Snow Queen.


HOW DOES A THEATRE ENSEMBLE EXPLORE THE UNFORESEEN CONSEQUENCES OF A STORY? Note to teachers: this activity can be customized to use any work of fiction or drama your class is reading.


In the second half of Into the Woods, the characters face the unforeseen consequences of their actions and choices and confront the difficulty of living “happily ever after.” Work in small groups (theatre ensembles) to create scenes that explore the unexpected effects of other stories, tales, or myths.


PREPARE


Each group is given (or chooses) a character from a story, play, or book. • Identify the important actions & choices this character makes during the story. How does the story end for this character?


• Next, imagine some unforeseen consequences and who is impacted (i.e., Jack did not foresee that the Giant’s wife would seek revenge, and this has a devastating impact for everyone in the woods).


CREATE


Determine the given circumstances for a new scene, which occurs after the story’s official “end” and explores an unforeseen effect of the character’s actions.


WHO are the characters involved? WHERE are they? WHAT is happening? WHY is this happening? HOW does the scene begin and end?


ACTIVATE REFLECT


Allow some time for students to rehearse an improvised version of the scene. Allow each group 3-5 minutes to share their given circumstances and present their improvisation.


How does our perspective on a character or story change when we think about the consequences? How do our own actions and choices sometimes bring unforeseen consequences? Why does this happen?


INTO THE WOODS UPSTAGE GUIDE 21


FOR EDUCATORS


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