Ways To Use Computing In Theatre

Begin the year by reassessing the way computers will be used to enhance learning and make projects easier for Theatre Students.

In Creative Arts Computing Plan, I suggest that Teachers look at successes and difficulties experienced with past projects. Devise a plan with your class to map out the year.

Some of these articles about theatre projects suggest ways that computing has been used to enhance learning. I also suggest Theatre Teachers streamline projects so that they are quicker, more practical as well as easier to store and to share with others.

Digital Projects

• The article Online Jigsaw Theatre Invitations outlines a successful project about sending email jigsaw invitations. Students use original artwork or photos from the show as classy promotion. Now is the time to show the students these types of ideas so that they can begin to think about how and when they will generate the required images. Show them how to keep a digital journal so that when the time comes you have plenty of process photos from which to choose.
• Use Digital Frames as a way to focus throughout the year. What a great way to motivate and affirm students.

Digitalise These Projects

• In the article exploring Emotions Through Colour, I show how colour is an important aspect of theatre. Using the information contained in this article, create the colour wheel in an online paint application and file it in a digital journal that it can be a resource book and sharing tool for students.
• When painting a theatrical backdrop digital art can be used to preview designs. Computer generated images make it easier to match up bits and pieces of larger projects. They can be worked and reworked with ease until theatre students settle on a design that suites all.

Use an Inspirational Journal keep track of the various aspects of your projects.