Drama Director’s Report–1972 Christine Foshag
“Almost everyone wishes at times that for a little while at least she might become some other person—or a bird, an imaginary creature, or some animal”, wrote Christine in her first paragraph of the report. “A play, skit, creative dramatics or a puppet show may give her the perfect opportunity to be someone else.”
She described the values attributed to participation in dramatics, which included thinking creatively and independently, the ability to observe and then act like some other person, grow in understanding people with differing viewpoints, controlling emotional release, experience thinking on one’s feet, expressing ideas clearly and just plain fun! Add to that poise and initiative that come from expressing and the impression it leaves once it has been enacted and appreciated as an art form.
The puppets allowed the campers to act together without the fear of facing an audience self-consciously. They learned to come in on cue, listen and develop their voices. The skits allowed the campers to “throw” themselves into the part, acting and reacting with exaggeration. The plays allowed the campers to become real people for short periods, despite the length, and they were able to react to a given situation.
She said, “The unique thing about creative drama is that it is always improvised. When a story is put in dramatic form, the play is planned by the group, and then played with spontaneous action and dialogue.” She explained that it was different at each playing, an immediate experience and talent was not necessary, but the more unlike the character the child plays, the less self-conscious she will be.
