Title
Working with text: a guide to preparing students for the Director’s Notebook

Workshop description
In this practical workshop, we will explore a range of exercises focussed on the exploration of a text. These exercises are specifically designed so students can acquire the necessary skills and understanding to successfully approach the creation of their Director’s Notebook.

Learning outcomes
In this workshop participants will:
• the demands of staging a play text in the context of the Director’s Notebook assessment task;
• experience a range of exercises they can take back to their students in online, distanced or regular classroom circumstances to prepare them for success in the Director’s Notebook;
• examine a series of resources they can share with their students to help them with their understanding of text work in preparation for the assessment task;
• connect with current discussions surrounding text selection, diversity and inclusion.

How this workshop will benefit teachers in their curriculum delivery.
The workshop will develop a clearer understanding of the demands of the Director’s Notebook assessment task and provide transferable exercises for instant use in the classroom. Teachers will be able to prepare their students effectively for success in the task. The workshop exercises are designed to equip teachers with skills to develop a range of approaches to learning including informational literacy research skills, critical and creative thinking and transferable thinking. Teachers will have the confidence to start implementing texts which represent more diverse representation in Theatre. Additionally, the workshop will arm teachers with adaptable approaches they can use in online, distanced and regular classroom practice.

Target audience
IB Diploma Programme Theatre teachers.

Simon Bell
I was born in the United Kingdom, trained as an actor in Bristol and worked professionally as an actor/director before becoming a theatre teacher in the UK and US. I am now a freelance theatre artist who travels the world looking for exciting creative opportunities and the best beaches.
My main interests as a theatre artist are in devised collaborative theatre and physical acting. My training is focussed in Lecoq’s pedagogy and in my own devised work, and I am passionate about exploring social and political ideas through physicality. I have experience working with Complicité, Frantic Assembly and Gecko, and these companies inform much of my practice.

I have extensive experience with the IB DP Theatre and MYP courses and have led Category 1, 2 and 3 teacher training workshops for ISTA. I also work as a creative director, SEL at TaPS/festivals and master class leader and am thrilled to be part of such an incredible community of theatre artists.

Event coordinator
Keriann O’Rourke

The workshop will take place using the platform Zoom.
Places are limited to 20 participants per workshop.
You will receive a link to the Zoom call the day before the workshop.

Registration closes Monday 9th November 2020.

The cost of the session is GBP £30 per person.

Any materials shared with you prior to the workshop, such as the workbook. Plus anything requested by the workshop leader which will be shared with you a few days prior to the workshop.

Space requirements
If possible, please try to have a small amount of space near to you for any practical work.