Suggested Performance Strategies

The following are strategies for bringing together a culminating presentation using the creations the group has developed during their work with We Declare.

Selecting Elements

1. Divide participants into small groups.
2. Each group should compile a list of all performative items that they have created during work on this topic and performative ways they have shared their work. Participants should determine:
   • Which pieces and performance strategies they definitely want to include in their performance and are complete as they currently exist.
   • Which pieces they may want to include but that will need some additional work.
   • Pieces they do not want to include in the performance.
3. Using the pieces they want to include, groups identify common threads:
   • Are there themes, ideas, or characters that appear in most or all of the pieces?
   • In what ways do the pieces speak to each other? Do any of them answer questions asked by other pieces? Do any pieces directly contradict or debate with any others?
   • Are there ways to enhance existing pieces by layering in choral reading or choreographed movement?
   • Is there a message or takeaway that can be offered to an audience through these pieces?
4. Groups work together to assemble their pieces into one performance. In the process, they should expand pieces that need additional material.
5. For an in-class performance, position groups in their own space in a large circle around the room. Determine which group will begin and then the direction the performances will occur in the circle around the room. After a group performs, they immediately turn their attention to the next group, which will begin their performance, until all groups are done.

Structure

1. Use a timeline as a structure for performance.
2. Create a Continuum in which:
   • Tableaux of events on a timeline come to life with dialogue.
   • Sculptures of eventual signers of the Declaration of Independence speak monologues about their perspective on the pros and cons of independence.
   • Short scenes depict events that are the effect of eighteenth-century events.

Add Production Design

• Select pieces of instrumental music to underscore the performances or readings (or have any musically inclined students perform some music live!).
• Add simple costume pieces such as hats, coats, gloves, or scarves to suggest different characters.
• Use a dry erase board or other room divider on wheels to create a “backstage” space for offstage performers.