Historical Perspectives Playwriting

The American Revolution

Using the fourth grade Common Core curriculum, we have developed an engaging residency that ignites students’ understanding of history through theater.

In the initial stages of the residency, students work closely with our teaching artists to understand the nature of drama, conflict and character. While they explore the actor’s toolbox through improvisational exercises, they will also hone their listening skills, teamwork, bravery, commitment and specificity. They then apply those principles to their own playwriting, as they use their knowledge of the Revolutionary War to generate original material.

Students select a voice they want to represent in a theatrical performance as well as a creative/dramatic writing style they wish to use. They write an original piece in the voice of their character and have the opportunity to present this work in a way that will showcase their self-expression. The culminating experience is a celebration of the creative process and multiple perspectives as they make history come alive.

This work not only activates students’ interest in American History, but gives them practice with empathy and perspective-taking: key social emotional-learning tenants.

Learn more about the benefits of our residencies and contact us to bring this residency to your school.