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Atmospheres

Exploring Chekhov's Atmospheres

Objective: By the end of the 90 minute lesson, high school students will understand the concept of atmosphere in Michael Chekhov's plays and its significance in creating mood, tone, and character dynamics. They will analyze scenes from Chekhov's works and participate in activities to create and perform scenes focusing on atmosphere. Students will gain a deeper understanding of Chekhov's atmospheric techniques and enhance their ability to create and convey atmosphere in their own theatrical work.

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Standard: TH:Pr5.1.IIb Apply technical elements and research to create a design that communicates the concept of a drama/theatre production. 

 

Materials:

  • Excerpts from Chekhov's plays (e.g., "The Cherry Orchard," "Uncle Vanya," "The Seagull")

  • Whiteboard and markers

  • Copies of Chekhov's plays for reference

  • Large sheets of paper

  • Markers and art supplies

  • Audiovisual equipment for multimedia presentations (optional)

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Hook: (15 minutes) Abstract shapes

Start by giving the students a literal shape with their bodies (ex. Square. , the letter T, surprised shape, sad shape, etc), then move to more abstract images. Students will need to use their imagination to connect somehow to these images (ex. A flower, in response to a song, the great pyramids, the sunset, etc)

 

Discussion: Introduce Michael Chekhov, his contributions to theatre, and the concept of atmosphere. Discuss how atmosphere in a play refers to the overall feeling or mood created by the 

  • Setting

  • Characters

  • Dialogue

  • Personal interpretations

 

Explore: Analyzing Chekhov's Atmosphere (30 minutes)

  1. Reading and Analysis: Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with an excerpt from one of Chekhov's plays. Instruct them to read the excerpt and analyze the atmosphere. Encourage them to focus on elements like setting, character interactions, and dialogue to identify the mood and tone.

  2. Group Presentation: Each group presents their analysis to the class, discussing how Chekhov creates atmosphere in the given scene. Discuss common themes and techniques used by Chekhov.

 

Create: Creating Atmosphere (45 minutes):

  1. Discussion: Lead a class discussion on various ways atmosphere can be created on stage, including lighting, sound, set design, and actor performances.

  2. Practical Exercise: Divide students into new groups and assign each group a specific atmosphere or emotion (e.g., melancholy, anticipation, tension). Instruct them to create a short scene (2-3 minutes) that conveys the assigned atmosphere. They can use dialogue, body language, and minimal props to create the desired mood.

  3. Performance: Each group performs their scene for the class. After each performance, facilitate a brief discussion about how effectively the atmosphere was conveyed and what techniques were used.

  4. Respond/Class Discussion: Discuss the challenges students faced in creating atmosphere and how they overcame them. Encourage students to reflect on the importance of atmosphere in understanding and performing Chekhov's plays.

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Connect/Reflection: Have students write a brief reflection on what they learned about Chekhov's atmosphere and its impact on theatrical performances. What insights did they gain, and how might this knowledge influence their future acting or directing endeavors?

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Homework/Extension: Assign students to read a full Chekhov play (or a significant portion) for homework. Ask them to analyze the atmosphere throughout the play and identify key scenes where atmosphere plays a crucial role.

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Adaptations: Working with groups will be helpful for those students needing a little extra guidance. I might also suggest that the groups read their excerpt out loud to each other before their group discussions instead of reading to themselves.

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