Basic 6 · Creative Arts · Displaying and Sharing

Staging a Display of Performing Artworks

In this topic you will stage a display of your own performing artworks to share creative experiences with an audience.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

Plan a programme of performances
Prepare the stage, costumes, props and sound
Perform confidently and receive feedback

What you already know

Experimenting with performing arts techniques

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand: Performing Arts
Sub-strand: Displaying and Sharing
Indicator: B6.2.3.4.1 – Stage a display of own performing artworks to share creative experiences

Introduction

A performance becomes complete when it is shared with an audience. Now you will stage a show of the songs, dances and dramas your class has created.

1. Planning the Show

Planning checklist

Area	Task
programme	list the items in order with times
roles	director, MC, performers, stage managers, ushers, sound person
venue	classroom, hall or open space with good visibility
costumes and props	prepare and label them
sound	arrange instruments; test microphones if used
publicity	posters, announcements at assembly
rehearsal	at least one full dress rehearsal

2. Sample Programme

"Voices of the World" show

Time	Item	Performers
2:00	welcome by MC	Abena
2:05	call-and-response opening song	whole class
2:10	"Rainstorm" body percussion	Group A
2:15	mime: "Market Day"	Group B
2:20	short scene from "Julius Caesar" (adapted)	Group C
2:30	dance: Kpanlogo	Group D
2:40	vote of thanks and closing song	all

Pupils performing a dance on a school stage with an audience — Figure 1: Staging a show Draw your stage plan showing where performers and audience will be.Illustration: Sirbus

3. Stage Etiquette

Enter and exit quietly and on time.
Face the audience and project your voice.
Stay in character even if something goes wrong.
Bow together at the end.
Respect other performers; do not talk backstage during performances.

4. Receiving Feedback

After the show, invite the audience to share comments. Use a feedback form with questions such as: "What did you enjoy most?", "Which item had the clearest message?" and "What could be improved?" Use the feedback to improve future performances.

Record the show on a phone (with permission) so performers can watch themselves later and see what to improve. Thank everyone who helped, including teachers, parents and audience members.

New words

stage: The area where performers perform.
programme: The order of items in a show.
etiquette: Polite rules of behaviour.
project (voice): To speak loudly and clearly so all can hear.
dress rehearsal: A full practice with costumes.
feedback: Comments that help improvement.

Summary

Plan the programme, roles, venue, costumes, sound and publicity.
Rehearse fully before the show.
Follow stage etiquette and stay in character.
Collect feedback to improve.

Class activity: Class Show

Stage a 30-minute show of your class's performing artworks.
Assign all roles and hold a dress rehearsal.
Collect audience feedback and discuss it.

You need: Locally made drum, Gourd shaker, Kente cloth sample

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

1. A full practice with costumes is a…
- A. dress rehearsal
- B. exhibition
- C. catalogue
- D. audition
Show answer
Answer: dress rehearsalBefore the show.
2. To project your voice means to…
- A. speak loudly and clearly
- B. whisper
- C. sing off-key
- D. stay silent
Show answer
Answer: speak loudly and clearlySo all can hear.
3. Who introduces items in a show?
- A. MC
- B. usher
- C. sound person
- D. audience
Show answer
Answer: MCMaster of ceremonies.
4. Performers should stay in character if something goes wrong.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueKeep going.
5. Talking backstage during a performance is good etiquette.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseIt disturbs the show.
6. Polite rules of behaviour are called ______.
Show answer
Answer: etiquetteStage etiquette.
7. List four roles needed to stage a show.
Show answer
Answer: Director, MC, performers, ushers (or stage managers, sound person).Any four.
8. How can audience feedback improve future performances?
Show answer
Answer: It shows what worked and what did not, so performers can strengthen good parts and fix weak ones.Improvement.

Homework

Write a short review of your class show.