Beyond the Footlights: Cultural Identity and Representation in Musicals

Educator: Kim Davis, ELA

Teaching Artist: Marc Courtade, Theater

School: Wantagh Middle School, Grade 8

District: Wantagh UFSD: https://data.nysed.gov/profile.php?instid=800000049334

Summary

This partnership with middle school students, a theater artist, and English language arts teacher involved critical reading of the Diary of Anne Frank with analysis and making connections to “broader themes of tolerance, harmony, and cultural expression.” Students used their analysis to better understand the importance of exploring and representing diverse perspectives in musical theater performances and in their own art.

Rationale

Why did you work with this specific group of students? What issues were addressed during this project? 

This project encouraged drama students to critically engage with The Diary of Anne Frank and connect it to broader themes of tolerance, harmony, and cultural expression.

What learning goals/standards did this meet?

Arts

Relate and synthesize knowledge and experience to investigate ways that artistic work is influenced by social, cultural, and historical context and in turn how artistic ideas shape past, present, and future cultures.

Select, analyze, interpret, develop, and refine artistic work for conveying meaning and sharing with others.

CCCR

Apply knowledge of government, law, history, geography, culture, economics, and current events including inequities within democracy in different circumstances and settings.

CR-S 

Elevate historically marginalized voices by exploring power and privilege, biases and inequities, and decentering dominant ideas and voices.

Contribute to shaping an environment that welcomes and allows unique expression of identities, cultural backgrounds, and beliefs.

Outcomes 

KNOW… That speaking up for what is right may be frightening, but it requires courage and confidence in community and peers.

UNDERSTAND… There are many ways to speak up and lend support to others and that an action plan or organized approach can make this most effective and help with future career/college/life goals.

ARE ABLE TO… Create a message in the form of graphic organizers, letters, and spoken words, written texts, and more to demonstrate their ideas, vision, and build confidence.