THE BRAVE LITTLE TAILOR Educator Supplement

THE BRAVE LITTLE TAILOR Educator Supplement ABOUT THE PLAY The play is an adaptation by Brian Guering from the folk tale by The Brothers Grimm. SYNOPSIS Bullied and meek, a young tailor manages to kill seven flies in one blow while day- dreaming of slaying dragons. When exaggerated rumors of his skill spread throughout the village, the tailor is brought before the cowardly king and given the tasks of battling not only two troublesome giants, but also a fierce dragon. Only time will tell if he can summon the courage to prove to himself that one need not be big to be strong. CHARACTERS LITTLE TAILOR, a dreamer who thinks he is too small to achieve anything MA, his overprotective mother KING, a cowardly ruler of the kingdom PRINCESS, the King’s good-hearted and positive daughter JESTER, a court jester who narrates the story MASTER TAILOR, the Little Tailor’s overbearing boss BAKER’S WIFE, an overbearing woman BAKER, her shy husband JAM SELLER, A pushy and poor salesperson GIANTS, two big bullies DRAGON a huge dragon that is a threat to the kingdom. BEFORE THE PLAY Read a version of “The Brave Little Tailor” with your class. How do you think reading the book is different from watching the play? How might things from the book, such as the forest, the Tailor’s shop, and the great big giant, come to life onstage? Have students think of a time when they were in a situation that was very challenging for them. Did it challenge them in a positive way or a negative way? How did they handle it? What was the outcome? ATTENDING THE PLAY Theatre requires a large team of really talented people to create a show. Here is a look at the members of the team whose job it is to make your visit to our theater engaging and entertaining. The Playwright is the person who writes the play. Unlike a book the play is written so that actors in front of a live audience will perform it. The Director decides how the story will be told. It is the director’s job to hire the actors and then work closely with the actors, costume, set and lighting designers to make sure everyone tells the same story. The Stage Manager assists the director during rehearsals by recording their instructions and making sure the actors and designers understand these ideas. The Stage Manager then directs the cast and crew during each performance by calling cues for lights and sound. The Designers imagine and create the lights, scenery, props, costumes and sound that will help the director and actors tell the story. The Actors use their bodies, voices, and expressions to bring the author’s words and the director’s ideas to life on the stage. The Crew builds the set, props and costumes according to the designers’ plans. The Stage crew sets the stage with props and furniture, assists the actors with costume changes and operates sound and lighting during each performance. The Front of House Staff welcomes you to the theater, helps you find your seat and answers any questions you may have on the day of the performance What Part Do You Play? You play a very important role in the show. The actors need an audience to tell their story to. Unlike movies or television, however, the actors can hear and sometimes see you. So, we need you to help to make the performance the best it can be. Here are some tips to help you and your classmates be great audience members: • Please stay in your sea unless you get permission from your teacher or there is an emergency • Please do not eat in the theater. Crinkling candy wrappers, crunching chips or chewing gum can distract the people around you. • Watch closely and listen carefully to what the actors are saying and doing. Honest reactions such as laughter or applause let the actors know that you like the story and appreciate the work they are doing. AFTER THE PLAY Discuss with students the characteristics of the Little Tailor; e.g. clever, brave, confident, so on. Then have them write/describe the characteristics of the Giants and the King. How are they different from the Tailor? The Tailor’s job is to make and repair clothes for people. But who makes clothes for him? Have students imagine that they are tailors and as an activity design an outfit for the Tailor to wear while he confronts the Giant. Have them draw pictures of their designs, using extra materials such as fabric scraps, ribbon, glitter, etc., if you choose. They should think about important artistic elements, such as color and texture. Make drawings and/ or notes illustrating their favorite parts of the play. You may send them to Oak Ridge Playhouse at: P.O. Box 5705, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-5705 .

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