Seussical the Musical: Set Design

I work at an amazing school!  One thing to certainly experience here is IPW, also known as Integrated Projects Week.  Kids get to propose topics they would like to engulf themselves in for one week before spring break.  Teachers look through the list and plan accordingly.  Kids vote, teachers group and away it goes!  It is certainly a lot of work, but more importantly, it is an amazing opportunity for both kids and teachers. It truly gives everyone the rare opportunity to really get into something they are curious or passionate about. To learn new things and have new experiences.  I have taught such week long projects such as: Cooking Healthy, Express Yourself, Central Park Leaders, Harry Potters, Museum Madness, Locks of Love..and this year Set Design for the 8th grade musical, The Seussical. For three classes before IPW week all 8th grade students researched set design, Dr. Seuss books, and drew out plans for what they thought the backdrops and props should look like.  The Friday before, they voted.  During the week of IPW 8th grade is practicing the play, the songs, the choreography, the staging, and also, making the set.  It was quite an eventful week!

After the winner sketched the idea on four large canvas backdrops Monday morning, students came in during their down time to paint.  They began with the background colors, which were inspired by the Dr. Seuss book The Lorax.

I loved how it looked before the color too!

 Then they moved into the color of the Truffula Trees.  These moments were filled with excited 8th graders who felt extremely successful!..and lots of singing!

 The final backdrop.  WOW!

The Pillberry Bush, and making the Clover Field.

There were many things I did not photograph yet, including the Bathtub, the Circus Train, The Circus Flags, The Fish and Horton's Tree, Nest and Egg. The performance is in April, and I will post the rest then!