Learning

7 Circus Company

In groups of 5-6, you will create, rehearse and perform your own 5-7 minute unique circus show which includes the following performance acts, in the provided episodic structure.

  • 30-second ringmaster introduction
  • 1-2 minute clown skit                                                                
  • 1-2 minute magician/ assistant skit
  • 2-3 minute acrobatic ‘trapeze’, finale & bows

You will be assessed individually on the following marking criteria.

Movement Voice Performance Style Rehearsal & Group Work Processes

Facial Expressions

Projection

Structure (episodic)

Safe theatre practices

Posture/Alignment

Pace

Audience engagement

Expresses ideas

Hand Gestures

Pitch

Use of production/design elements (costumes, make-up, props)

Listens to others

Space/levels/blocking

Pause

Focus on performance

Reviews own work & that of others for improvement

Timing/rhythm

Emphasis

  

Retention of movement, choreography & dialogue

Energy

      

Choreographic devices (unison, canon, repetition)

      

 

Inclusions

 

Circus act What to include
Ringmaster   Introduction
  • Welcome the audience to your circus performance and give a brief outline of the performance acts.
  • Create an introduction for each of your circus acts and rehearse transitions between this and the act itself. 
  • Use a rhyme or jingle to create an engaging presentation.
  • Use vocal & non-verbal communication techniques.
  • Select a costume and prop that suits your character.
Clown Skit
  • Decide on a humorous scenario, that has a clear beginning, middle and end.
  • Include exaggerated non-verbal communication and slapstick tricks and use of levels.
  • Use vocal communication techniques to engage the audience.
  • Select props, set and costumes to create your clown character and enhance vibrancy.
  • Interact with the audience during the skit, including them in your scenario.
Magician &   Magicians   Assistant  Skit
  • Plan your entrance and exit for the skit.
  • Select and rehearse a magic trick that includes jobs for the magician assistant.
  • Consider transitions used between each phase of the magic trick. Ensure they are smooth and avoid the audience seeing the ‘magic’.
  • Select props, set and costumes to enhance audience engagement.
  • Use strong non-verbal and vocal communication techniques to present your character and create dramatic tension.
Acrobatics ‘Trapeze’ routine
  • Plan your entrance and exit, decide if you will have a starting and/or ending position.
  • Devise a routine which includes the use of choreographic devices: canon, repetition and unison.
  • Select music to suit your routine and ensure all movement is in time and rhythm.
  • Consider use of the space and how varied formations can be used to enhance this.
  • Use expressive non-verbal communication techniques and appropriate vocal choices to increase audience engagement
  • Select props, set and costumes to enhance your skit and engage the audience.

                                                        

The Clown

In School

Student Performance