Workshops

Workshop Information
Hands-On Enrichment Sessions

Two Offerings - One Line drawing (Contour) - 25 minute sessions
Still Life Collage - 40-minute sessions

Who: Single classes of students meet with actor for workshops.
What: Workshop lessons may be either of the following topics:
One-Liners (based on Picasso's one line drawing of "Rooster," seen in Performance.
Still Life - Collage based on Picasso's "Violin and Music Sheet"
Where: In an Art room or classroom setting with chairs and tables.
When: Following the assembly performances.
How Long: One-Liner sessions are 25 minutes. Collage sessions are 40 minutes.

Supplies: Art teachers are asked to supply the following:

For One-Liner Lessons - Large size white paper (9 x 12) and one sheet larger black paper (12 x 18) and
pencils.

For Collage Lessons - Glue, scissors, (9 x 12) construction paper in blue, brown/ orange, black, white. Large
Black Construction Paper (12 x 18) We will provide the music sheets.

Residency Information ( Mask )

Who: A selected 5-6 classes of students, preferably in grades 4 - 6.
What: A 2 - 3 day residence at the school with the same selected classes meeting 2-3 times each to develop
characters based on portraits of any artists.
Where: In a large cleared space or stage area.
When: Following the assembly performances.
How Long: Each class meets once for 45 minutes each day of the residency.

Supplies: Art teachers are asked to work in advance on masks, which students can wear without using their
hands. It is suggested to have a skullcap type mask, using cardstock strips around the head and over the
top. Students are to choose any portrait to replicate in their own mask. Masks can be constructed in any
matter suitable for the chosen age level. Examples include one dimensional cardstock, 3-d paper mache,
soft sculpture. Masks are to be completed by the date of the performance /residency as they will be worn
beginning that day.
Supplemental worksheet (available on our website for download) focusing on Language Arts to assist the
school children in a work-study of the portrait they select.
Eg: Who was the Artist that painted your portrait?, When did this Artist live? What style is used in this
portrait? etc. etc.

5 Day Residency; Mask and Mime (limited venues)

This residency will work in conjunction with the art teacher. He/She will introduce various portraits to the students. (You
do not have to limit it to Picasso but it might be more consistent to do so) Children will then pick a portrait and make a
wearable mask of that portrait. Masks will then be utilized in the residency workshops. **Masks must be finished well in
advance of the Picasso People assembly program.

Day 1 Picasso People Performance

The performance will acquaint students with the artist and his goals for their future work with him. In addition to the
assembly program, a general workshop could be included. For example; two morning assemblies and one or two large
workshops in the afternoon.

Day 2 through 5 The artist will meet with individual classes throughout the day in 40-45 minute sessions. Limited to 5
classes per day. An additional fee is charged for a sixth class.

Day 2 Character Development

Students are asked to study their pre-made Picasso mask. Our performing artist will help the children develop a
character walk and movement, which will allow the child to become their new character. Students will be broken up into
small ensembles to work.

Day 3 Creativity and Cooperation

Children, in groups of 3 or 4, will be guided through the creative process. Each group will come up with an original
mini-play or vignette using their masked characters. Students become writers, directors and actors. They will be
encouraged to use a real story line format: beginning, middle, end. This could be worked on more in depth in the regular
classrooms. Some teachers find it useful to have students keep a journal of their work each day as an additional
enrichment project.
Furthermore, students will work on developing cooperative skills in working with and listening to other ideas from the
group.

Day 4 Rehearsal and Critique

Students bring their characters to life in the stories they have created. The artist gently guides and directs the student’s
work through repetition and rehearsal, bringing it to its final polished state. Students will also be asked to come up with
a title for their vignette and to make a title sign for their final performance. This will again bring an enrichment activity
outside the workshop where they will work on drawing skills.

Day 5 Student Presentations

Two classes are brought into the room to present their plays for each other. Some schools have carried this over into a
sixth day, performing for Kindergarten or First graders.

NOTE: Some additional regular class time with regular teachers should be made available during the weeklong residence
for the following activities: further development and refinement of the story line and creation of a title sign for each
small group.

Student Portrait Study Sheet

Title of portrait selected ______________________________________

Style of painting in which portrait was done _______________________
Year painted __________ Artist___________________________________

Artist dates born ___________________ died______________________________

Style of painting which artist primarily noted for________________________________

Below create a life study or Biography for the person in your selected portrait and mask..

You may do the actual individual (from the title) or invent a character and name for that person..

Be specific; age of individual, time or era person lived, occupation if any, clothing, home or dwelling they live in, status of
that person were they; rich, poor, peasant, worker, Lord, business person, teacher, artist. Mood of person sad, happy,
thoughtful, mean spirited etc.

Write between 9 – 12 sentences. Be descriptive (hint use adjectives)