The Science of Acting
The Science of Acting Camp, our second camp of the summer in partnership with Trike Theatre, drew from themes common to both science and drama to create a unique and collaborative program. This camp was a perfect example of a partnership program as it offered a little bit of everything for both the performer and the scientist in all of us.
On the first day, campers fused plastics together to make props to use in their drama class. Using an iron, parchment paper, plastic grocery bags, plastic table clothes, and other plastics, we ironed together upcycled creations including bookmarks, bags, capes, notebook, cell phone, torch, and even a carrot on a stick.
On day two, campers learned how to create a simple circuit, how to test the conductivity of items, and how to make their own switches. Campers went deeper into concepts through hands-on investigations and guided discovery.
Day three, we put our knowledge of circuits to the test and created a chain reaction (think Rube Goldberg style). In pairs, campers worked on an assigned section to build a reaction that would knock over a block to set off their neighbor?s reaction. We had balls rolling, motors spinning, circuits connecting, and things falling all over the place. It was a fun (and intense) challenge that ended with an incredible collaborative chain reaction!
On Thursday, the campers investigated sound using unconventional materials. Who knew you could learn about sound waves, frequency, pitch, and volume using clothes hangers, string, and PVC pipe?
On the final day, we experimented with colored shadows. Everyone was scratching their heads when they saw red+green=yellow. Yes, folks these are light colors mixing, not pigments. On the last day campers also had a chance to share (and amaze!) their families with some of their favorite activities from the week.
All week long the campers recorded their questions, observations, and findings in their journals. The process of reflecting through journaling made the connection between science and acting apparent. One camper noted in her journal that ?fusing plastic relates to drama because when you iron two plastics together, they turn into one piece. When a bunch of individuals work together, they become one group that will help each other out.? That?s exactly it!
We are grateful to our friends at Trike Theatre for partnering to create an awesome week of camps!
