6th Graders Create Original Fairy Tales

Drama teacher Lydia Horan shares what this semester's 6th graders worked on in Drama class: "This semester the 6th grade wrote their own original fairy tales and monologues. They became the “Masked Players” and with masks on, simple costumes and set pieces, both 6th grade classes performed and video recorded their theatrical pieces as a group. As I watched them write, rehearse and record, I was struck by their creativity, their teamwork and their courage to “put themselves out there.” Clearly, the 6th grade has had a challenging year and I feel like the fairy tale theme allowed them to express themselves in a unique way - exploring death, loss, anger and camaraderie in a safe and playful space. I allowed them free reign to create whimsical stories and play with pretend swords - and many of their pieces seem to not only channel Grimm’s fairy tales, Aesop’s fables and other folktales, but also Greek tragedies, Sondheim’s Into the Woods, and Sci-Fi Fantasy shows. Their work even included a re-enactment of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. I think exploring the world of fairy tales (whether silly or dark) gave the students agency, created catharsis and brought them light.  They were at ease with each other and the material and loved putting on the costumes and pretending. I’ve really enjoyed working with this compassionate, prolific, fun and generous group of students! I will miss teaching them!"

Check out the videos of their original fairy tales here.

Check out their original fairy tale monologues here.