Shortcuts To Happiness: The Performing Arts consists of ten - 15 minute instructional television programs that feature performing artists and schools. It is useful in middle and high school music, theater, TV production, dance, and speech classes. Each program introduces a professional performer and then captures students preparing a related performance. The series demonstrates real world applications of the techniques taught in performing arts classes. Each episode is based on national and Ohio writing and performing arts curriculum standards.
 
 

As a teacher of a performing arts curriculum, consider yourself a native and your students’ immigrants. An immigrant is reacting to a whole new set of stimuli like language, body language, a new perspective in the way they perceive the world, and the production of new sounds. You, on the other hand, have already taken this journey in your preparation for teaching about something you obviously love, performing. It’s your responsibility to help students adapt to the new world they have entered by encouraging them to take chances in a safe environment. 
 
 

The students will:

1. Develop a personal philosophy and articulate the significance of the performing arts in their lives.

2. Recognize the relationship between concepts and skills learned in the performing arts with knowledge learned in other curricular subjects.

3. Recognize the relationship between concepts and skills learned in other curricular subjects with knowledge learned in the performing arts.

4. Establish criteria and apply analytical skills to critique the work of self and others.

5. Identify opportunities for life-long involvement in the performing arts (e.g., career, patron, recreation, and/or entertainment).

6. Compile a portfolio of performing arts experiences and accomplishments.
    
    
   
   

Pre-viewing activities prepare your students to get the most out of the viewing experience with activities that set the stage for the learning process. Most students will have some pre-knowledge of the subject. For example, they’ll have watched a lot of acting on TV, listened to a lot of music, and given persuasive speeches to their parents. The pre-viewing activities are designed to bring their existing experiences into focus and to point out that they really aren’t as new at this as they think. 

Watch the video with your finger on the pause button. Stop the video when something important has happened and reinforce it by asking questions. The more interaction the students have, the better the learning experience. A fifteen-minute video can take a whole class period to show.

Do the follow-up activities. The videos help students take a look at the world of performance. It demonstrates how a professional goes about their daily business, then shows other students preparing for a similar performance. The classroom activities are designed as building blocks to get your students ready to do performances like the ones spotlighted in each video. 

Applying Their Knowledge: These activities encourage students to use the information learned in the pre-viewing activity, video, and follow-up activity. While these activities should be used for assigning grades, encourage your students to see them as opportunities to do performances. This project-based learning approach puts the writing and performing arts standards being addressed into a student friendly context. 
 
 

Rubrics are provided so they can be shared with your students as they prepare their performances. Ensure your students understand that critiquing their performance is an integral part of developing their performing skills. 
 
 

Venn Diagrams: Imbedded within each episode is an important discussion topic. These topics lead discussions past the “star quality” of each profession into the realm of what it really takes to make it in show business, or in some cases what it takes to be a good audience member. For example, If you are a drama teacher, you’ll want to watch What We Play is Life: Musician because it’s about all the mental preparation it takes to be a performer. Or, if you teach music don’t skip To Imagine is Everything: Video Production because it explores how performers are small business owners. Each special topic has a Venn diagram to guide the discussion.
 
 
 

Enjoy the process. Always remember the reason you decided to teach. Helping students focus their energy to learn something new is very rewarding. Giving students the tools to continue learning and to go beyond the level you have brought them to is an even greater reward.