Teacher Resource Guide

Transcription

1 Teacher Resource Guide and Lesson Plan Activities Featuring general information about our production along with some creative activities which will help you make connections to your classroom curriculum, before and after the show. The production and accompanying activities address North Carolina Essential Standards in Theatre Arts, Goal A.1: Analyze literary texts and performances. Look for this symbol throughout the resource guide for other curriculum connections. About the Play Created just for Children s Theatre of Charlotte, Twas the Night Before weaves together stories and music celebrating the spirit and traditions of three festivities: Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. About the Playwright Written and Directed by April A. Jones April A. Jones has a history with CTC that began in 1995 when she moved to Charlotte from NYC. She directed and performed in a number of productions in CTC s original home on Morehead Street including Boundless Grace, Jungalbook and Babe the Sheep Pig. In 2001, she was selected locally as Theatreperson of the Year. At ImaginOn she performed the role of Charlotte in Charlotte s Web and shared the role of Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. She holds an MFA in Theatre from Virginia Commonwealth University and has had two of her plays Negras Erors and Tellin' Tales produced. She is also a proud member of Actor s Equity Association. She hopes to continue to pass the light, and encourages others to do the same. About Children s Theatre of Charlotte Library Storytimes-to-Go Kits Founded in 1948, Children s Theatre of Charlotte has been opening young minds to the wonders of live theatre for over half a century. Today it continues to be one of the most technically imaginative and resourceful theatres in the country. Annually it reaches nearly 300,000 young people and their families with multiple program areas: Mainstage productions, a Professional Touring Company and a full scope of Education classes for both schools and the community. Children s Theatre of Charlotte is housed in ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center. The facility is shared with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: Schools in Mecklenburg County can acquire activity kits from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Each kit is designed to encourage pre-literacy development and includes picture books, a booklet of activities, flannel board activities, a puppet or educational toy, and music recordings. Kits can be reserved through the library catalog at cmlibrary.org and can be delivered and returned to any branch within the CML system. The Hanukkah Kit, the Kwanzaa Kit or the Christmas Kit would align specifically to Twas the Night Before... Over 100 kits are available in all, with themes that could be used throughout the year!

2 Lights in the kinara or sparkling on trees; candles in the menorah twinkling with ease. - From Twas the Night Before In Twas the Night Before a theatre troupe prepares for a performance and discovers that an actor in the show is running late. Since the audience has already arrived, a stage hand steps in for the missing actor and the company creates a clever compilation of holiday stories. Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa are explored in this charming play performed for the first time ever by Children s Theatre of Charlotte. Character List Each character in the play has a name with a subtle connection to the holiday season. Imani is the seventh principal of Kwanzaa and represents faith. Chris is part of the word Christmas. Noel has Hebrew origins and also means Christmas in French. Roadie is short for Rudolph. (It also represents the job he has as a road manager for theatre shows.) What other names have connections to holidays? What origin or history is represented by your name? The Show Must Go On In show business, there is an unwritten rule that no matter what happens, the audience deserves the performance they were promised. Twas the Night Before gives a glimpse into the backstage action of a performance including what happens when an actor isn t present for the show! Below are a few theatrical words and phrases found in the story: We re getting ready to open the house means that the theatre doors are opening so the audience can enter. Sound check is when microphones and music cues are tested. Places is the instruction that a director or stage manager gives to an actor when it s time to get in place for the beginning of the show. Preshow refers to music or activities that happen as the audience is entering the theatre before the show begins. Warm ups are actions or exercises that actors use to prepare their voices and bodies for the performance. Cue is a warning for something about to happen. That s your cue means it s your turn to say the next line! Cue up a song means to prepare for the start of a musical number by setting a recording to start playing or giving a signal to the musicians to begin. Going off script is when an actor says words that weren t written for the play or shows actions that were not instructed by the director. Curtain call is the point at the end of a play when the actors take a bow. Questions for Discussion 1. What are some holidays we celebrate? Write a list on the board. In the play, the characters talk about food, memories and traditions associated with holidays. On your list, add some of your own ideas of holiday traditions. 2. Why do people celebrate holidays? What are some ways that holidays are alike and different from one another? 3. The Hanukkah portion of the play represented many years. How was action and dialogue used to express the passage of time? 4. From whose point of view was the Christmas section of the story told? How was this different from other versions of the Christmas story that you may have heard? 5. The story suggests that Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates looking backward as well as looking ahead. How is the timing of Kwanzaa on the calendar (Dec. 26-Jan. 1) significant in relation to the concepts it represents? 6. How is light symbolic or significant in each holiday story? Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy: SL2: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media; 1.H.1.2 Explain the importance of folklore and celebrations and their impact on local communities.

3 About Hanukkah History of Hanukkah The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah (or Chanukah) celebrates the triumphs of ancient Jewish heroes. Thousands of years ago, a Greek king named Antiochus was unfair to a group of Jewish people. Antiochus forced the Jewish people to worship Greek gods instead of allowing the people to worship as they wished. A horrible war broke out. Even though they were outnumbered, the Jewish army known as the Macabees were able to drive the Greek king out of Jerusalem and reclaim their temple. Hanukkah is the celebration of this victory. After the war, the Jews prepared the Temple for rededication. There was only enough oil to burn for one night, but miraculously the lamp burned for eight nights straight. The Menorah Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of a menorah: a candle holder with eight candles one for each day of Chanukah and a helper candle called a shammash which is used to light the others. Each evening of Hanukkah, a candle is lit with a special blessing. The menorah symbolizes the burning light in the temple and celebrates the light of freedom won by the Macabees for the Jewish people. Hanukkah means festival of lights. Chanukah or Hanukkah? There are at least 16 spellings of the English translation of the Hebrew word, the two most popular being Chanukah and Hanukkah. Traditionalists typically favor Chanukah because it more accurately reflects the pronunciation of the Hebrew word with the beginning letter pronounced in a guttural way. The traditional pronunciation is challenging for English speakers, so Hanukkah tends to be more popular. The Dreidel A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side. The letters (Nun, Gimmel, Hey, Shin) are the beginning letters of four words that make a Hebrew sentence - Nais Gadol Haya Shom - which means A great miracle happened there. Spinning the dreidel is a traditional game played during Hanukkah. The game has historical roots: during the time of King Antiochus, studying the Torah was forbidden. When children would gather to study or worship, they would bring along a dreidel. If a soldier came upon them, they would hide their studies and play with the dreidel as a distraction. To play, each player puts one chocolate coin (gelt) into the center (pot). Then players take turns spinning the dreidel. If it lands on Nun, don t take away or put anything into the pot. If it lands on Gimmel, take all of the gelt from the pot. If it lands on Hey take half of the gelt from the pot. If it lands on Shin put one piece of gelt in the pot. Every time the pot is emptied, each player puts one piece of gelt into the pot and the game continues. If you run out of gelt you are out. If you gather all the gelt, you re the winner! Vocabulary Jerusalem: a city in Israel Emperor: a ruler decree: an official order or decision temple: a building for gathering and prayer worship: to pray, honor or idolize occupant: a person who is living or staying in a place oil: a liquid substance that comes from a plant or animal used to fuel to produce heat or light miraculous: wonderful, amazing and sometimes hard to explain shammash: the helper candle in a Menorah used to light other candles North Carolina Essential Standards in Social Studies C.2.2: Recognize key historical figures and events that are associated with various cultural traditions.

4 About Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is celebrated to honor African-American heritage and culture. This holiday is based on a Swahili celebration called matunda ya kwanza which means the first fruits : it symbolizes when the first crops of the year are harvested. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 through January 1. A table is set with a mkeka (mat), a cup (kikombe cha umoja), a basket of fruit (mazao), and ears of corn (muhindi); one for each child in the family. Using a candlestick called the kinara, a candle is lit on each day to represent the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. Each night the principles are discussed and stories are shared. On the seventh night there is a feast called karamu and handmade gifts are exchanged. Karamu involves celebration and reflection. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa Umoja (oo-moh-ja) UNITY Building a community that holds together Symbol: Mazao - a small basket of fruit which represents the harvest Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-lee-yah) SELF DETERMINATION Speaking for yourself and making choices that benefit the community Symbol: Mkeka - a small mat that symbolizes experiences and foundations Ujima (oo-jee-mah) COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY Helping others within the community Symbol: Kinara - a wooden candleholder that represents the principles Ujamaa (oo-jah-ma) COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS Supporting businesses that care about the community Symbol: Muhindi - ears of corn which represent the future Nia (nee-ah) A SENSE OF PURPOSE Setting goals that benefit the community Symbol: Zawadi - a handmade gift or book Kuumba (koo-oom-bah) CREATIVITY Making the community better and more beautiful Symbol: Kikombe Cha Umoja - a Unity cup which represents family Imani (ee-mah-nee) FAITH Believing that a better world can be created now and in the future Symbol: Mishumaa Saba - seven candles which represent the principles During the festive celebration of Kwanzaa, it is customary to greet friends and family with the Swahili phrase, "Habari gani", meaning, "What s the news? To respond, answer with the principle of the day. The kinara holds seven candles: the black candle in the center represents the unity of black people. The three red candles on the left side represent the past: ancestors and their struggles and triumphs. The three green candles on the right side represent hopes and dreams for the future. North Carolina Essential Standards in Social Studies: 1.H.1.2 Explain the importance of folklore and celebrations and their impact on local communities.

5 About Christmas Christmas is both a religious holiday and a cultural celebration. For centuries, early Europeans celebrated light and birth during the darkest days of the winter season. Many rejoiced during the Winter Solstice when the darkest days of winter were behind them and they could celebrate the lighter, shorter and warmer days ahead. As the religion of Christianity began to emerge and expand, Christian followers believed it was important to honor the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, whom they revered as a savior. Although the bible does not mention a day for Jesus birth, December 25 was chosen by the church, possibly to coincide (or detract from) the earlier celebrations of the Winter Solstice. The Twelve Days of Christmas Still today, Christmas is celebrated in some churches starting on December 25th and lasting for 12 days, until the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. This is the day that it is believed that wise men finally found Jesus in a manger in the city of Bethlehem. The song heard in the play The Twelve Days of Christmas represents this time between Christmas Day and Epiphany. Some stories have suggested that each of the gifts represents a hidden meaning, and that the song was used as a way to teach children in secret about their Catholic faith. Ten Lords a Leaping were said to represent the Ten Commandments; the five golden rings thought to represent the first five books of the Old Testament and the four calling birds meant to symbolize the four gospels, for example. However, there is very little evidence to support such findings; most scholars agree that the song is simply a secular one, celebrating the Christmas season with imagery of gifts, dancing and music. The Star of Bethlehem In Christian tradition, the Christmas Star or Star of Bethlehem led the wise men to the city of Bethlehem and revealed the birth of the baby Messiah. Many theologians believe that the star fulfilled a prophesy. Several scientists and astrologers suggest that the light seen by the wise men may have been a conjunction of two planets. Around 3/2 BC, Jupiter and Venus were said to have overlapped, causing a very bright light. Others claim that the overlapping planets causing the light of the Christmas star were Jupiter and Saturn. Symbolically, the planet Jupiter is called the Planet of Kings and Saturn as the planet that rules the Jewish people. Together, their intersection would be King of the Jews. Fun Facts About Christmas The traditional three colors of Christmas are green, red, and gold. Green has long been a symbol of life and rebirth; red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and gold represents light. Christmas wasn t declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, Evergreens (from the Old English word aefie meaning always and gowan meaning to grow ) have been symbols of eternal life and rebirth since ancient times. The pagan use and worship of evergreen boughs and trees has evolved into the Christianized Christmas tree. Because they viewed Christmas as a decadent Catholic holiday, the Puritans in America banned all Christmas celebrations from with a penalty of five shillings for each offense. President Teddy Roosevelt, an environmentalist, banned Christmas trees from the White House in The French gave the biggest Christmas present ever in 1886 to the United States of America. It was the Statue of Liberty weighing in at 450,000 pounds.

6 MORE HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD Holiday traditions are celebrated around the globe. Below are some international examples of holiday traditions. After exploring celebrations around the world, it may be interesting to conduct a Holiday Poll in your classroom and compare different ways that friends and families celebrate the holidays. Le Re veillon is celebrated in France and some parts of Canada. A late supper is held on Christmas Eve and a large candle, symbolizing the light of the world, burns all night long. Children leave their shoes or wooden clogs called sabots in the hearth for Pere Noel to fill. In Holland, St. Nicholas wears Bishops robes and arrives in a boat or on a white horse. December 5 th is called Sinterklass Eve, when presents are given and received. Farmers in Holland blow long horns at sunset every night during Christmas to announce the joyful day. In Sweden, Christmas begins with a Santa Lucia ceremony. On Christmas Eve, a magical gnome called a Tomten speaks funny rhymes and leaves gifts. Omisoka is a Japanese tradition which celebrates the year and longevity. People gather to eat long noodles called toshikoshi which symbolize crossing over from one year to the next. A kadomatsu decoration is placed on each side of the front door. Made of pine, bamboo and straw, the decoration symbolizes longevity, prosperity and purity. Los Posados is celebrated in Mexico beginning December 16 and lasting for 9 nights. Children and their families reenact the story of Mary and Joseph by traveling house to house with lighted candles. One of the main holiday festivals in China is the Chinese New Year. Families celebrate by sharing food, honoring ancestors and giving lucky money in red envelopes to symbolize a prosperous new year. Celebrated by millions of people across the globe, Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days. The lighting of a candle each night during Hanukkah represents the rededication of the temple of Jerusalem where oil burned in the temple for eight days straight. Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, which emphasizes seven cultural values: Unity, Self Determination, Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. Each night one candle is lit to represent each cultural value. Islam is a widespread religion practiced in Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as certain countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, China, Europe and North and South America. Each year, Muslims observe Ramadan for 30 days. During this time, they honor their religion by fasting, praying, receiving religious instruction and feeding the poor. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims observe a three day celebration called Eid al-fitr (the Festival of Fast Breaking). During this time, celebrants give in charity to those in need and celebrate with family and friends. Boxing Day, Celebrated in Great Britain, Australia, Bermuda, and some Caribbean Islands, occurs on the day after Christmas and represents the opening of alms boxes (offerings) for the poor. The Winter Solstice is celebrated by many countries throughout the world. The word solstice literally means sun standing still. At the moment of the winter solstice, the path of the sun has reached its furthest southern position and begins its turn northward. Festivals of the Winter Solstice have ancient origins. It is celebrated by adorning the home with herbs and evergreen and joining friends and family for food and festivities. North Carolina Essential Standards, Social Studies 1.C.1.1: Compare the languages, traditions and holidays of various cultures.

7 Theatre Corner Every play produced by Children's Theatre of Charlotte is created in the city of Charlotte by a talented team of designers, carpenters, stitchers, props masters and lighting technicians, not to mention the director and the actors. Because it is presented live, a play is very different from a television show or a movie. As a class, discuss what you experienced when you went to the theatre. 1. What was the first thing you noticed on the stage? 2. Name three things you noticed about the set. Did the set help tell the story? What sort of set would you have designed? 3. What did you like about the costumes? Did they fit the story? What sort of costumes would you have designed? 4. What role did lighting play in telling the story? How did the lights enhance what you were seeing? 5. Talk about the actors. Were there moments you were so caught up in the story that you forgot you were watching a play? Talk about those moments. 6. Is there a TV or movie version of the play you saw today? What makes a stage play unique? 7. Were there any actors who played more than one character? At what point in the play could you tell that it was the same person? What are some ways that you can be the same person but play different characters? Write to us! Meet the Company Leslie Ann Giles is in her 10th season touring with Children's Theatre of Charlotte! She is originally from Anderson, SC, and graduated from Winthrop University with a BA in Theatre Performance. She spent a year as an acting apprentice at Round House Theatre in MD before calling CTC her home. She won the 2011 MTA award for Outstanding Lead Actor (female) for her work with Stephen Seay Productions, and has been nominated several times for her roles with CTC. "Thank you to my ever supportive family, to Michael and Girlie for all their love, and to our wonderful audiences for making my dream a reality!" FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES ON THE ROAD VIA Veda Covington is thrilled to be one of the newest members of the Resident Touring Company for the season. It has been a remarkable journey for her to make it to this level in her artistic career. Previous Children's Theatre of Charlotte credits include; Balloonacy & Don't Tell Me I Can't Fly. Veda truly has a passion for performing, and believes that this opportunity will continue to help polish those skills that define her craft. She would like to thank those that have taken part in this process thus far, and is looking forward to the lasting impressions our company will make on the lives of each of our audiences. Scott A. Miller is in his 4th season with CTC. He has been featured in The Emperor s New Clothes, Interrupting Vanessa, Mike Mulligan, Spelling 2-5-5, A Commedia Christmas Carol, Hansel and Gretel, Too Many Frogs, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, and Tales of Edgar Allan Poe, among others. Scott has also been on stage with many Charlotte theatre companies such as Actor s Theatre of Charlotte, CAST, Queen City Theatre Company, Three Bone Theatre, and the Charlotte Shakespeare Festival. Originally from Newport, NY, Scott couldn't be happier to call himself a transplant here and share his love of theatre with children and families of Charlotte and beyond! Rahsheem Shabazz is best known for his role in the feature film Blood Done Sign My Name (Student #1) and the CBS television series Under the Dome (Jones). He has done numerous stage plays which include: Othello (Iago), A Raisin in the Sun (Walter Lee), Fame (Goody), A Soldiers Story (Private Anthony Smalls) and Stick Fly (Kent Levay). Rahsheem has been performing since he was 3 years old in New York City where he was born and raised. He is extremely excited to be back on the stage and performing with the Resident Touring Company. Children s Theatre of Charlotte is sincerely grateful to our generous sponsors and supporters: Letters to the actors can be addressed to: Children s Theatre of Charlotte 300 E. 7th Street Charlotte, NC Children s Theatre of Charlotte is supported, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.