Through funding from the Alabama Humanities Foundation, Adams Foundation, Young Boozer Family Foundation, and Starbucks Foundation, ASF offers teacher seminars approved for professional development credit through the University of Alabama. Theatre professionals provide innovative ways to meet state course of study standards through activities linked to ASF’s current productions.
On February 8, presenter Lorna Hill will provide entry points for teaching William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet after teachers see a SchoolFest performance of this production. The Seminar will show teachers how to build on students’ familiarity with the plot by giving closer attention to the language, incorporating role playing and staged readings in the classroom. Ms. Hill is an instructor in the English Department at AUM, and has also taught secondary students for over 25 years. This workshop will be especially useful to Language Arts/English teachers who lack theatre backgrounds but wish to “direct” some in-class scenework to enhance students’ enjoyment and comprehension of Shakespeare. Some preparatory work for Cymbeline, another Shakespearean play that is part of the 2008 season, will also be covered in the workshop if teachers express an interest in learning more about that production.
Teacher TechShops are designed to provide classroom teachers and lay persons involved in community theatre production with basic information about costuming, make-up, scenic painting, set design, and lighting through workshop sessions taught by ASF production staff. Dates for Teacher TechShop have not yet been scheduled, but if you are interested please return the enclosed form to ASF, indicating the areas that best fit your needs.
To reserve your place, Download Registration Form and mail with payment to the Education Department at ASF. The registration fee of $30 covers the play (if applicable), lunch at ASF, and all sessions. Seminars begin at 8:30 a.m. and dismiss by 4:00 p.m. If your school system is paying for this professional development, you may reserve by writing the purchase order number on the form and sending payment later. We hope to see you soon at one of the most pleasant and stimulating professional development workshops you'll ever attend.
Linda Henry Dean, Director of Education, email 1-800-841-4273, Option 3 or 334-271-5345 Kate Magill, email 334-271-5341
