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 “Jason and the Golden Fleece” and “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” are chosen for secondary and primary schools respectively.

Jason and the Golden Fleece
The Greek tale of “Jason and the Golden Fleece” has been told for 3 000 years. It is a classic hero’s quest tale in which the hero embarks on a sea voyage into an unknown land, with a great task to achieve. He is in search of a magical ram’s fleece, which he has to find in order to reclaim his father’s kingdom of Iolkos from the usurper King Pelias.
Other than learning the creative and imaginative Greek tale, students will understand how courage and endurance are important in overcoming any difficulties.

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
Ali Baba stole the treasures of 40 thieves stored in a cave. His brother’s wife discovered it and told her rich and greedy husband, Kasim. He then secretly went to the cave and tried to steal the treasures. Unfortunately, he was found out and killed by the thieves. With the assistance of a clever slave-girl, Marjaneh, Ali Baba finally brought his brother’s body back after overcoming many dangers and difficulties.

Students are given the chance to join the interesting and exciting drama performance as well as understanding the consequence of greed.

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.

October to December, 2008
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, 2009
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, 2009
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 2009
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.

1.8.2009 (Sat) 7:30pm
Phase 5: Finale Performance
All participating schools participate in the finale performance at the Theatre, Sai Wan Ho 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.