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Creating a Blackbox Theatre for the new Theatre Program

School:: Hinson Middle School
Subject:: Other
Teacher:: David Bell
Students Impacted:: 150
Grade:: 6-8
Date:: September 10, 2023

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

FUTURES Foundation - $999.74

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 65

Working on this project certainly got the 8 students who came up with the design, plan, and list of materials excited and engaged, as they were hands on taping, painting, learning and setting up the lighting system, and constucting the pipe and drape backdrops. However, the other 55 or so theatre students in the other classes made suggestions on what could be included in the near future, (rugs, rehearsal cubes, platforms, etc.). The students all became very excited to have a dedicated rehearsal and performance space for class. Many wish to use the completed space for end of the year projects, but all of them (except the few 8th graders) are already planning on taking theatre as their elective, knowing we have the blackbox theater at our disposal. Several have already expressed interest in learning how to operate the new lighting system for class presentations but also for public performances. The immediate impact is just beginning to be seen, but the lasting impact on future students will grow exponentially, and the new space will grow with us, year-by-year as well.

Original Grant Overview

Goal

To create a versatile blackbox theater in my double sized classroom, to give theatre students a viable rehearsal and performance space for all theatre presentations, classroom activities, extra curricular activities and performances. One side room would be designated as the "classroom" and the other side the "theater."

What will be done with my students

Students would assist in minimal painting and also in construction of pvc pipe and drape curtains. The area will be used for rehearsals, staging, performances and presentations. Students can learn the basics of stage lighting as well.

Benefits to my students

Having a blackbox theater area in the classroom would positively impact the learning of a multitude of Florida State Standards. Some are listed below: TH.68.C.3.1 Show visual and aural design elements communicate environment, mood, and theme in a theatrical presentation.
TH.68.H.2.4 Discuss the differences between presentational and representational theatre styles.
TH.68.H.3.3 Use brainstorming as a method to discover multiple solutions for an acting or technical challenge.
TH.68.O.2.4 Perform a scene or pantomime to demonstrate understanding of blocking and stage movement.
TH.68.O.1.3 Explain the impact of choices made by directors, designers, and actors on audience understanding.
TH.68.S.1.1 Demonstrate the responsibilities of audience members, to the actors and each other, at live and recorded performances and demonstrate appropriate behavior. Giving children a place to freely move ,create, rehearse and perform that is designed with theatre in mind, as opposed to a regular classroom would motivate, empower, and engage the students. They will learn all areas of theatre by participating in all areas of theatre in this space, through staging, blocking, rehearsing, creating scenery, and also mood and tone with lighting lighting. It will also give students the proper atmosphere to observe and critique performances from the perspective of the "audience member" as opposed to the "classroom student." This space would be accommodating to special needs students in that they would not have steps or ramps to negotiate.

Budget Narrative

The main supplies to convert the classroom space into a blackbox theater will be paint supplies and drapery and lighting equipment. Approximately $265 to be spent on paint supplies, $460 on curtains (pipe and drape) and $275 on a basic lighting system that includes 8 LED spot lights with cables and a control board. All prices verified through Walmart.com and Amazon.com.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	Black, Zinsser Flat Dryfall Commercial and Industrial Waterborne Coating- 5 Gallon	$126.00
2	ValueMax Paint Roller Kit, 16 Piece, Steel, Polyethylene @$30	$30.00
3	Wagner Paintstick EZ Roller, Paint Roller for Walls & Ceilings	$35.99
4	Premier Paint Roller 9" x 3/8" Premier Plus Deluxe Polyester Roller Covers 6pk X 2 @ $12.97	$25.94
5	10ftx20ft Portable Pipe and Drape Backdrop Stand for Parties Wedding Curtain Stand Studio Photography Background Support System Frame Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Pole Stage Decor Trade Show Display X 2 @ $102	$204.00
6	10 Rolls Painters Tape 2 inch Bulk Painter Tape Blue Wide Roll, Blue Masking Tape, 2 Inches x 55 Yards, 550 Yards Total	$36.99
7	Black 100% Cotton Muslin Fabric/Textile - Draping Fabric - by The Yard (60in. Wide)	$259.95
8	CO-Z LED Stage Lights DMX, 8 pcs 18x3W RGB Par Can Lights Package Stage Effect Lighting	$274.00
9	Bestt Liebco 10' x 20' Clear 1 mil Plastic Drop Cloth	$5.15
10	Brixwell Pro Blue Painters Masking Tape 3/4 Inch x 60 Yard	$1.72
	Total:	$999.74