Superstar English Drama － English Drama Animateur Pilot Scheme

“Superstar” English Drama Animateur Scheme introduces students to the whole gamut of reading, analyzing and adaptation of a classic English play as well as the basic elements of drama from blocking to body movement and from concept to practice in a performing venue. It encourages drama appreciation through the active and persistent participation of students and to motivate them in English learning and speaking. The purpose is to enhance the participants’ expression, communication skills, problem solving, critical thinking, team sprit and interest in the performing arts. The Scheme includes two types of training workshops (in speech and drama), rehearsals and auditioning. On completion of the course, students will take part in the finale performance and share with their audience what they have learned throughout the year. Dr. Vicki Ooi and Dominic Cheung, local theatre professionals, will be the artistic and creative consultants of the Scheme.

The project is implemented in 4 primary schools and 4 secondary schools.

Participating Schools
Primary
Fung Kai No.1 Primary School
Ma On Shan Methodist Primary School
PLK Riverain Primary School
Pui Ling School of the Precious Blood

Secondary
Ho Dao College – Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen
Notre Dame College
Shatin Pui Ying College
TWGHs Lee Ching Dea Memorial College

Theme
Two classical English dramas namely Mulan and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer are chosen for primary and secondary schools respectively.

Mulan
A legend began when an ordinary young woman transformed herself from a dutiful daughter to a heroine for her country－
Hua Mulan is a legendary heroine from Chinese folklore, who can be traced back to the folk song known as the Ballad of Mulan, written during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534). It tells of a young woman who, fearing that her father is too old to fight on the battlefield, joins the army in his place. For 10 years, she was a brave and accomplished warrior in battle. She fought hard with her male comrades, together defending the country against the Huns. Along the way, she meets her true love in the army camp.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Tom is a mischievous boy, who usually accompanied his best friend Huckleberry, often gets into trouble in the community. One night, they witness the course of a murder. The real killer, Injun Joe, shifts the blame to Muff Potter. The two boys swear that they will not mention a single word of what happened that night, but Tom’s conscience and sense of justice drive him to speak out. Unfortunately, Injun escapes and swears to take his revenge on both Tom and Huck. In a new adventure, the three of them meet by chance. How can Tom use his wits and intelligence to escape the danger this time?

Content
The programme will run for 11 months, from September 2011 to July 2012 and will be implemented in three phases:

Phase 1: Drama Workshop
September 2011 to March 2012

Part 1: English Drama and Speech Workshop (14 sessions)
September to December 2011
Through the training of drama vocabulary in English, stress and intonation for expression of emotions, feeling and motivation, students are given the chance to learn and analyze an adapted and modern version of a western classical play. By reading and interpreting the lines of the play, they are given the chance to practice the acquired knowledge.

Part 2: Acting Workshop (8 sessions)
January to March 2012
Through training in basic skills and performance techniques such as use of space, body language and gestures students will acquire presentational skills in English drama.

Phase 2: Rehearsals and Audition (8 sessions), In-school Performance and Rehearsals for Finale Performance
April to July 2012
There will be 7-session rehearsals, 1-session auditioning and one in-school performance. Rehearsals will be an amalgamation of all elements of basic drama techniques and presentational skills. Students will be divided into groups and ready for a school performance in the final session. Through a formal audition exercise, students will learn in the process of a stage production and be cast in roles for the finale performance. The casting and allocation of duties will be determined by the Project’s Artistic Directors and instructors.

Phase 3: Finale Performance
End of July 2012
All participating schools will participate in the finale performance at performing venue outside schools. The Scheme’s Artistic Director, Dr. Vicki Ooi will be the director and artistic consultant of the performance, together with the help of instructors to lead the intensive rehearsals on stage.