Project Coordinator:
Jonathan Fairman
Creative writing teacher
jgfairman@telecollaborate.net
Cleveland School of the Arts 		Project Design:
Nancy Schubert,
Curriculum and Instruction
B.A.S. Degree Program
University of Minnesota 		 
Mary Todd Kaercher,
Drama and English teacher
Grandview Middle School

Project Summary
Three age-grouped classes, teamed in a learning circle, collaborate to write the scripts of three different one-act mystery plays. Each play will consist of (3) scenes, with one scene written by each of the classes in the circle. At the conclusion of the project, each class will have three scripts that can be used for reader's theater and other dramatic activities.

Details. Each class in the circle writes Scene I of a play during the first week. On Friday they email the script to the next group. During Weeks 2 and 3, each class writes Scene II of the play they receive. On Friday of the third week they email this script to the next class. During Weeks 4 and 5, each class writes Scene III of the play they receive. On Friday of the fifth week they email this script to the next class. Each class will write three acts, each for a different play. When the originating class receives their completed play, they may develop the technical lists. The completed plays are emailed to everyone in the circle.

Process Emails. As a vital link in the collaborative process, each class sends (2) email messages to the three other classes in their circle every week of the project. The first email, sent on Wednesday, summarizes the play just received and their plan for the next scene. The second email, sent on Friday, summarizes their group's script writing process and challenges during the week.

Support. The project coordinator will be available weekly online to discuss playwriting strategies and processes. Discussions will be held in a private, moderated chat room on a secure server. At various times during the collaboration, IVDL conferences will be available for classrooms that have the equipment. The coordinator will facilitate timely transfers with emailed reminders and individualized support as needed.

Author's Conference.A final online conference via IRC may be coordinated in conjunction with class schedules at the conclusion of the project to discuss the playwriting process.

Grades
Grouping 1- Grades 6-8

Grouping 2- Grades 9-12

Number of participating schools or groups: Unlimited, with three groups assigned to each play writing circle. Similar grades will be grouped together (as listed above).

Project Commitment
Six weeks.

Participants commit to completing and sharing: one group introduction; weekly summary of their playwriting process; one play scene the first week, one scene every two weeks until completion(five weeks).

Skills and Objectives

Equipment Required


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