Superstar English Drama－ English Drama Animateur Pilot Scheme

Scheme Introduction
“Superstar English Drama” English Drama Animateur Pilot 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 2 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. A handbook of the curriculum, serving as a guideline for future drama activities, will be produced for each school after the whole programme. Dr. Vicki Ooi and Cheung Ho-kin, local theatre professionals, will be the artistic and creative consultants of this project. The Scheme is implemented in 2 primary schools and 2 secondary schools. Programme Theme Two classical English drama namely “Robin Hood” and “Sherlock Holmes” are chosen for secondary and primary schools respectively.

Programme Content
The Scheme emphasizes a comprehensive participation in the whole process of a theatre production by reading and analyzing the script at the initial stage, followed by rehearsals for conceptualization and performing the play in English. Schools participating in the programme will be grouped under two categories: primary and secondary schools.

Participating Schools (in alphabetical order)
Robin Hood
Bui O Public School
Tai Po Government Primary School

Sherlock Holmes
HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute No. 1 Secondary School
Nam Wah Catholic Secondary School

October to December, 2009
Phase 1: English Drama and Speech Workshop
The English Drama and Speech Workshop includes 14 sessions. Through the training of drama vocabulary in English, stress and intonation for expression of emotions, feeling and motivation, students are encouraged to express in English with more confidence. They 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.

January to March, 2010
Phase 2: Acting Workshop Acting
Workshop includes 8 sessions. Through the training of basic skills and performing techniques like the use of space, body language, gestures, etc., students acquire presentational skills in English drama theatre.

April to June, 2010
Phase 3: Rehearsals, Auditioning and In-school Performance
There are 6-session rehearsals, 1-session auditioning and one in-school performance. Rehearsals are an amalgamation of all elements of basic drama techniques and presentational skills. Students are divided into groups and ready for a school performance in the final session. Through a formal audition exercise, students learn in the process of a stage production and be cast in roles for the finale performance. The casting and allocation of duties are determined by the Scheme’s Artistic Directors and instructors.

July 2010
Phase 4: Rehearsals for Finale Performance
There are 4 in-school rehearsals directed by the Artistic Director, Cheung Ho-kin, after the casts have been determined. Other than performing in the finale performance, students are also encouraged to take an active part in the making of sets, props and costumes.

24.7.2009 (Sat) 7:30pm
Phase 5: Finale Performance
All participating schools participate in the finale performance at the Theatre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre to show what they have learned during the year. Students from each participating schooll share the results of their training with members of the public in the making of the English drama performance.