In this workshop, students will be led through a series of exercises geared towards unlocking collaborative imagination and play. Starting with theatre games to prep the playful mind, body, and spirit, and flowing into exercises that help shape play into structure (improv games, movement work, script writing, props making, scene building—depending on amount of time allocated to this workshop), students will get a chance to explore a predetermined subject matter through the lens of creative, intuitive, playful exploration.
Learning outcomes: Students will build awareness of their breath, bodies, imagination, and creative intuition. They will practise teamwork by collaborating on creative assignments in small groups. They will explore vulnerability by sharing their work with the class. Depending on which direction they want to go in and the time allocated for the workshop, they may get a chance to learn some basics of playwriting, scene building, and/or props design.
Finished results: This workshop can be used to explore subject matter already present in the curriculum (i.e. a work of literature, historical event, social justice theme). It can also be used as a foundation or building block for a larger theatrical project (i.e. a showcase or school play).
This workshop is designed for theatre classes and can also be adapted for English classes as a way of adding another dimension to texts being studied (Shakespeare, “classics”, novels, poetry).
The artist is available for short workshops as well as longer/more in-depth projects.
| Grade Suitability | 5-12 (open to discussion for teaching younger grades, especially for school-wide projects) |
| Maximum Class Size | 28 |
| Time Required | 1-3 hours |
| Material Required | Written prompts, basic props, cardboard, sharpies, paint |
| Material Cost | $30 |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Communities | Carcross, Carmacks, Haines, Junction Teslin |
Hakim (they/them) is an artist: theatre deviser, director, musician, kitchen witch, puppeteer, and designer, they have roots in the Nile Delta and northern France via Abenaki, Anishinaabe, Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish territory. Slow and playful, their practice is process-oriented and uses laughter and pleasure as entry points into difficult topics.
Hakim has many years of experience leading kids and youth through the basics of collective theatrical creation: they have led workshops in schools, facilitated summer camps, and directed community theatre shows. They know that kids and youth are innately creative and playful beings and believe the job of helping them access that potential to be a great privilege and joy.
As a trans, non-binary, and racialized artist, Hakim brings their lived experience into the classroom and strives to make the playing space as safe and comfortable as possible for the diversity of students they work with. They know that creativity and curiosity flourish best from a place of comfort and they do their best to extend that as far as they can.
Let’s play!