Bio
Dane Hosler received his bachelor of fine arts degree from Missouri State University in 1983 and his master’s of fine arts in drama from the University of Georgia in 1987. Dane has been bringing drama to students of all ages, Pre K thru college, throughout Kentucky, since his arrival in the state over 20 years ago. Both in the classroom and before an audience, Dane has brought a spirit of excitement to teaching not only drama, but history, literature and science as well. He has even created math-based theater games for the classroom. Getting both students and teachers on their feet and moving, Dane creates an entertaining environment to teach the elements of drama. He has brought to life historical figures such as Ben Franklin and helped students understand how drama reflects the people and cultures from which it originates. From Greek drama to the modern stage, from myths and legends to Shakespearian verse, Dane will create programs that fit your needs. Dane is available to teach classroom workshops, professional development workshops, one-man shows or student performances at your school. His philosophy of “Drama by Design” brings drama to fit your education needs.
Potential Residency Project
Theater Basics 101 (K-12)
In these sessions, your students will have the basic elements of theater (literary, technical and performance) reinforced. Lessons are specifically targeted at designated grade levels for each residency. Analyzing the literary elements (plot, dialogue, conflict); the technical needs (scenery, props, costume, makeup, lights and sound) and the elements of performance (character, movement and acting) your students will understand how time, environment, action and social class affect the choices of the actor, director and designer. Using the Actor’s Tool Box (voice, body and mind), your students will learn how the actor uses these tools to create his/her character.
Bringing Stories to Life (K–5):
Bring stories to life with your students as they explore the myths and folktales of West African, Native American and Appalachian cultures. Core groups will learn the basics of theater while bringing these myths and/or folktales to the stage. The students and teachers will work with the basic theater terminology in learning how to use voice, body and mind to create their characters. The students will understand how technical elements are used in bringing the world of the story to life for the audience. Art, music and P.E. teachers can help add scenic elements, cultural dance and music to all-encompassing culminating event during the school day.
Theater through the Ages (6–12):
Put your students on their feet as they get a hands-on chance to explore the development of western drama through the ages. Let them see for themselves how each period of drama grows and transforms into the next. They will learn how the philosophies and technical developments of each age are reflected in the drama of the period. A week could break down as follows:
- Greek, Roman and Medieval
- Commedia dell’Arte, Shakespeare and the Renaissance
- Baroque Neo-Classicism, Molière and the three Unities
- Romanticism, Melodrama and the Industrial Revolution
- Modern, Realistic and Experimental Theater
The Renaissance: Shakespeare and Commedia dell’Arte:
Put your students through their paces as they work with the language of the Bard of Avon and the techniques of Commedia dell’Arte to bring to life the theater of this bygone age, one of the most influential on the English-speaking world.
Any of these residency ideas can be used for core groups. Dane will provide resource material for teachers so they may continue working with these ideas after the residency has been completed. Dane also welcomes the challenge of finding ways to fit the needs and ideas of teachers into new, unique programs or professional development workshops focused on drama, history or arts across the curriculum.