Theatre for

Youth and Families

By Neeley Gossett and Steve Coulter Directed by Rosemary Newcott

Study Guide, Grades 4-8

Created as part of the Alliance Theatre Institute Dramaturgy by Students Program

By 6th grade Junior Dramaturgs of Sequoyah Middle School

Under the guidance of Vallea E. Woodbury, Alliance Theatre Institute Teaching Artist, and Lois Jonneen Edwards, Drama Teacher at Sequoyah Middle School

On the Rich Theatre Stage, November 12 – 19, 2017

Dear Educators: Welcome to the Alliance Theatre’s production of Alice Between. This Study Guide was created by the Jr. Dramaturgs at Sequoyah Middle School to help teachers and students prepare for the play, and reflect on the production afterward. Your Junior Dramaturgs

Table of Contents

Introduction • Note from the Director ______pg. 2 • Georgia Standards of Excellence ______pg. 3

Before the Play • Synopsis ______pg. 4 • Pre-Show Questions ______pg. 4 • Character List ______pgs. 5-6 • Glossary ______pg. 7 • Alice Between vs. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland ______pg. 8 • Making Connections – Lewis Carroll ______pg. 9 • Making Connections - English Tea ______pg. 10 • Making Connections – Jabberwocky ______pg. 11 • Making Connections – Cyberbullying ______pgs. 12-13

After the Play • Post-Show Questions ______pg. 14 • Creative Writing Prompts ______pg. 14 • Word Search ______pg. 15 • Crossword Puzzle ______pg. 16 • Answer Key ______pg. 17

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INTRODUCTION:

Note from the Director:

Alice is everywhere.

Images from Wonderland permeate our culture at every turn, whether it is the iconic animated Alice dressed in blue with white pinafore or Johnny Depp’s charismatic Hatter. Lewis Carroll phrases like, “Mad as a Hatter” or “Down the Rabbit Hole” creep into our everyday conversations.

Fueled with these impressions, we set out to create a middle school “Alice in Wonderland.” Almost everyone can vouch for a certain degree of madness when you are caught “between” the world of child and adult.

As we explored the concept of our Alice experiencing a new middle school for the very first time, the inhabitants of Wonderland took on the blended identities of characters from the book and actual middle school students. Ultimately, in at least one important way, our middle school wonderland varies greatly from Carroll’s. Unlike Book Alice’s encounters with volatile characters and unresolved circumstances, in Landwunder Middle School, our Alice explores friendships of all kinds, and despite the madness around her, she is able to recognize what is authentic.

May every Rabbit Hole in which you fall lead you to rich adventures and authentic friendships.

Rosemary Newcott Sally G. Tomlinson Artistic Director of Theatre for Youth and Families

Set design for Alice Between 2

Language Arts Georgia Standards of Excellence:

ELAGSERL2: Determine a theme and/or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments. ELAGSERL3: Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves towards a resolution. ELAGSERL4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone. ELAGSERL5: Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot. ELAGSESL2: Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.

Theatre Standards

TA.RE.1 Engage actively and appropriately as an audience member. TA.RE.2 Critique various aspects of theatre and other media. TA.CN.1 Explore how theatre connects to life experiences, careers, and other content. TA.CN.2 Examine the role of theatre in a societal, cultural, and historical context.

Set design for Alice Between 3

BEFORE THE PLAY:

Synopsis:

Alice is the new girl at Landwunder Middle School. Today is her first day as a transfer into 7th grade and things are very different than at her old school. The one thing she’s most looking forward to is seeing her best friend Tory again, but when Alice finally finds her, it’s not the reunion she’d hoped for. Tory is rude and wants nothing to do with Alice, and Alice doesn’t understand why. She doesn’t understand a lot of things at her new school, but thankfully she makes some new friends along the way who help her out. After Tory tries to embarrass Alice in front of the entire school, Alice stands up for herself, and leads a showdown between the former friends.

Pre-Show Questions:

1) What is "mad" or makes no sense about the middle school experience? 2) What are some eccentric character traits your friends possess? 3) What are the qualities that make up a true friend? 4) What are the obstacles you face during the school day and how do you deal with them?

Set design for Alice Between

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Character List:

Character Name/Description Costume Rendering

Alice: Alice is inquisitive, friendly, and trusting. She is new to school, but she quickly makes friends with Caty, Hatter, and Cheshire. Alice is confused why her old friend Tory ignores her.

Caty: Caty can be blunt, but she cares for her friends deeply. She moves and talks slowly and always needs her inhaler because of her asthma.

Cheshire: Even though he does not speak in the play, Cheshire says a lot through his actions. He helps Alice transition between classes, stays by her side when they are “turtling,” and is trustworthy.

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Hatter: Hatter speaks with a British accent and enjoys drinking tea. He loves Doctor Who, likes to dance on tables in the school cafeteria, and doesn’t care what others think of him.

Tory: Tory used to be friends with Alice at their old school. She is now popular, and Hatter calls her “The Red Queen.” She tells others what to do and is narcissistic, cruel, and villainous. Tory tricks Alice and is disloyal.

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Glossary:

Croquet – English game played with mallets ¡Buenos días, niños y niñas! Bienvenidos al clase de Inglés! – Good morning, boys and girls! Welcome to English class! Doctor Who – a British science-fiction TV show where the main character, Doctor Who, explores the universe in a time-travelling space ship called the TARDIS Earl Grey – A type of tea, very popular in England, made with from black tea leaves and flavored with bergamot oil Humiliate – Make someone look foolish or feel ashamed Insecurity – Uncertainty or lack of confidence in yourself Intruder – A person who enters a space, especially into a building, with criminal intent Jabberwocky – Nonsense word from a famous poem by Lewis Carroll Landwunder – Alice’s new middle school Motto – A short sentence or phrase chosen to encapsulate a belief ¡Perdóname! – Forgive me! Symbolically – Purely in terms of what is being represented Tiara – Crowns for prom or homecoming Turtling – When Alice feels lonely, she pulls her shirt over her head

The TARDIS from Doctor Who A croquet set

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Alice Between vs. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Alice Between is based on the book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

ALICE BETWEEN ALICE’s ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

Alice has to switch to Landwunder Middle School in the Alice follows a talking rabbit down a rabbit hole and

middle of the school year because her mother lost her falls a very long way into Wonderland. job. No one will give her directions, and she can’t find her Setting friend Tory or hallway 700. Then, the principal thinks she’s an intruder and sounds the alarm!

Alice and her new friends have a crazy lunch in the Alice meets a Mad Hatter and attends a formal English s school cafeteria. Hatter drinks tea at the table. tea with him and some of his friends. Meal

Cheshire doesn’t speak in the play, but he helps Alice Cheshire is a mischievous cat who sometimes get to and from class with flashing lights, sound effects, misdirects Alice during her journey. The Cheshire Cat is and cool dance moves. a tabby British shorthair who always has a giant grin on his face. He frequently says the first verse of the Cheshire Jabberwocky poem.

Caty moves and talks very slowly. She has asthma and Alice does not like Caterpillar at first because he becomes friends with Alice. reluctantly speaks with her in short, rude sentences. Caterpillar likes eating leaves and smoking. Caty/ Caterpillar

Alice has an argument in gym class with her friend Alice meets and plays croquet with the Queen of

of Tory, who now goes by her full name Victoria and is Hearts, who chops off the heads of anyone who annoys not very nice at all. Hatter jokingly calls her the “Red her. Tory/ Hearts

Queen Queen.”

In the play, Tory and Alice play dodgeball. The Queen of Hearts and Alice play croquet. Sports

Alice sits on a large chair during study hall, and Tory Throughout the story, Alice changes size many times. and the other students make fun of her. First, she’s too large to enter the garden, but after she drinks a magic potion, she is too small to carry a key to

Size unlock the door. Then, when she eats a special cake, she’s gigantic, and Caterpillar’s mushrooms make her

Alice Changing smaller again!

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Making Connections – Lewis Carroll:

Lewis Carroll wrote the original Alice in Wonderland story. He was born on January 27, 1832 and died January 14, 1898. His real name is Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. Although he was shy, he enjoyed creating stories for children.

Carroll suffered from a bad stammer, but he found himself vocally fluent when speaking with children. The relationships he had with young people in his adult years are of great interest, as they undoubtedly inspired his best-known writings.

Alice was the daughter of Henry George Liddell, dean of Christ Church College, where Carroll taught math. Alice Liddell remembers spending many hours with Carroll, sitting on his couch while he told fantastic tales of dream worlds. During an afternoon picnic with Alice and her two sisters, Carroll told the first iteration of what would later become Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. When Alice arrived home, she exclaimed that he must write the story down for her.

In Alice Between, Alice’s stuffed rabbit is named Lewis!

Lewis Carroll Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/people/lewis-carroll-9239598. Accessed October 2017.

Lewis Carroll, author of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”

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Making Connections – English Tea:

In Alice Between, Mad Hatter wants to have a formal English tea in the school cafeteria.

Drinking tea in England is more popular than drinking coffee in the United States. Tea used to be an upper-class only drink in mainland Europe, but it became the drink of choice for every social class in Great Britain in the eighteenth century and has been ever since. Tea is a prominent feature of British culture and society. There are many ways to drink tea in England, including with honey and lemon, but it’s usually served with milk!

Afternoon tea is a British tradition in which people sit down for a small meal around 4:00 pm. Traditionally, they eat a variety of sandwiches, cakes, scones with clotted cream, and (of course) tea.

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Making Connections – Jabberwocky:

In Alice Between, Tory tricks Alice into reading a nonsense poem called Jabberwocky, written by Lewis Carroll.

What do you think this poem is about?!

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.

“Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!”

He took his vorpal sword in hand; Long time the manxome foe he sought— So rested he by the Tumtum tree And stood awhile in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood, The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, Came whiffling through the tulgey wood, And burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! And through and through The vorpal blade went snicker-snack! He left it dead, and with its head He went galumphing back.

“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!” He chortled in his joy.

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, Set design for Alice Between And the mome raths outgrabe.

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Making Connections – Cyberbullying:

What Is Cyber Bullying? The use of online, digital, or electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an humiliating, intimidating, or threatening nature. We see this in Alice Between, when Tory sends out a mass text about Alice to the whole school.

In addition to text messages, cyber bullying can include instant messengers, social media, email and other apps such as Snapchat.

Specific forms of cyber bullying include: ● Flaming: This is an aggressive exchange between two or more people online. ● Impersonation: Technology allows people to post or comment as others if they have gained access to another’s account. ● Cyber Stalking: Social media and messaging gives stalkers new opportunities to contact, follow, and harass their victims. ● Outing: Direct access to large groups of people can make outing, or sharing secrets and other personal information, all the more hurtful. ● Trolling: This involves trying to wind up others online with immature questions or mean comments.

We all know that if we get caught bullying someone at school, we get suspended or worse, depending on our school’s rules. However, cyber bullying can be just as hurtful as bullying in real life and can be more damaging to someone’s reputation. Since it is harder to see online, it is even more important to tell our friends and trusted adults about cyber bullying.

Cyber Bullying Statistics ● 25% of teenagers report that they have experienced repeated bullying by their cell phone, or on the Internet. ● 52% of young people report being cyber-bullied. ● 11% of adolescents and teens report that embarrassing or damaging photographs have been taken of them without their knowledge or consent. ● 55% of all teens that use social media have witnessed outright bullying online. ● 95% of teens that witnessed bullying on social media report that others, like them, have ignored the behavior. ● More than half of young people surveyed say that they never confide in their parents when cyber bullying happens to them. ● Only one out of every six parents of adolescents and teens are even aware of the scope and intensity of cyber bullying today. ● More than 80% of teens regularly use cell phones - a common medium for cyber bullying. ● About half of young people have experienced some form of cyber bullying. Of them, almost 20% experience cyber bullying regularly.

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● The most common types of cyber bullying tactics reported are mean, hurtful comments, as well as the spreading of rumors. ● Cyber bullying affects all races. ● Victims of cyber bullying are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and to consider suicide.

What Can We Do To Prevent Cyber Bullying? The sad part about cyber bullying is that the people who love these teens and adolescents – including their friends, parents and teachers – often don’t know what to do to help. Providing support to bullying victims is always encouraged and appropriate.

Ways to help: • Report incidents of cyber bullying to an adult. This is the most important thing you can do so that you are not alone. • Save cyber bullying messages as proof. This is especially important if the incidents are eventually reported to the police, parents or school officials. • If you are a victim of cyber bullying, get yourself a new email address and ask your parents to change your cell phone number. You can also ask them to have your cell phone provider block the bully and block them on social media as well. • Don’t send information or photos by text or instant messaging that you wouldn’t want shared publicly.

Cyber Bullying Statistics. https://nobullying.com/cyber-bullying-statistics-2014/. Updated June 12, 2017.

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AFTER THE PLAY:

Post-Show Questions:

1. How is Landwunder Middle School similar and different from your own school?

2. Did any of the characters in Alice Between reflect the way you act or remind you of someone you know? Which character and why?

3. If you were Alice, would you forgive Tory for being so mean and making fun of you? Why or why not?

4. What were the similarities and differences between Alice Between and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland?

5. What “hidden gems” did you discover related to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland? (For example, Alice’s stuffed rabbit’s name is Lewis, after Lewis Carroll!)

6. The characters decide that “embarrassing is good.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

Creative Writing Prompts:

1. Pick one of the characters and describe what would be on their Facebook profile. (i.e. What would they “like?” What groups would they be a part of? What events would they attend?”)

2. Write (or improvise) the conversation between Alice and her mother when she gets home and shares about her first day of school.

3. Write your own nonsense poem, like Jabberwocky.

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Word Search:

A S R L Q I H A D A A P S T C P U T D E G Y U U F D P I S H A L I C E W T D M A Y N D R E M I L K G G I E M I T T E U S O G F B Y Q R S U R L D A R H T R T K U K U S U Q N I E C I T K U E R X C D U U O T A X R O Z E L Y F E O W H T R H T E I N A L R R S D W A W C C W E Y O U O O O N P H R A R A I T S F S R T A I H J G E Z K O K P O K R L D D O D G E B A L L Y L L A C I L O B M Y S B U J E P M C R E D H L U I X T A S G N I L T R U T T Z P A O N J

ALICE LANDWUNDER CARROLL LEWIS CATY MAD CHESHIRE MOTTO CROQUET QUEEN DODGEBALL RED HATTER SYMBOLICALLY HUMILIATE TIARA INSECURITY TORY INTRUDER TURTLING JABBERWOCKY

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Crossword:

Across: Down: 3. Make someone look foolish or feel ashamed. 1. Alice’s puffy, very slow friend. 5. The new girl in school. 2. English game played with mallets that Hatter 7. He doesn’t speak much, but helps Alice get to wants to play in PE all her classes. 4. Uncertainty or lack of confidence in yourself. 8. Alice and Tory play this game during their 6. Nonsense word from a famous poem by Lewis showdown. Carroll. 9. Writing or posting negative or threatening 10. Alice’s new middle school. things about someone over the phone or online 11. This popular girl in school has her own theme music.

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Answer Key:

Word Search:

Crossword Puzzle: 1. Caty 2. Croquet 3. Humiliate 4. Insecurity 5. Alice 6. Jabberwock 7. Cheshire 8. Dodgeball 9. Cyberbullying 10. Landwunder 11. Tory 12. Hatter

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