Macro Theatre Project

I did this project with my students in CPT (computer class) 2 years ago and they really enjoyed it. I call it Macro Theatre. I have my students use a digital camera with video capability (macro setting), and have them film an audio/video story that they have created themselves. The students write and create a "local legend" or re-create an existing legend story, and they find pictures/draw their own pictures/take their own pictures to represent the events in the story. These are used to show the actions of the legend as it is being read. Confused? I know, it seems complicated but the process is easy and the end result is really fun. I have the students choose a backdrop to do this on, and one/two student(s) are the 'picture movers' and the one or more students tell the legend like a story. All the audience sees is the pictures on a backdrop/background and can only hear the characters/narrator's voice. 

The point is to have students work more behind the camera while creating a fun tale! Many students do not like to be in front of a camera, and this is a great way for them to be involved and feel like they were really part of something great. I have had a great reception from this assignment and I am super excited to try it again this year.

This concept can be applied to ANY subject area or ANY topic you want. I have seen students create a biology video using the same method to have them explain a concept they just learned or researched - it sure beats the old "create me a poster and present it" assignment!

My hopes this year, are to try to use an audio overlay instead of just relying on the audio from the digital camera, which can be muffled during the best of scenarios. I am also looking into using some sort of program to insert action sounds instead of the students using onomatopoeia like "BANG" when a gun goes off. I am still looking...any ideas for these programs? Free preferably.


Here is the videos my students did last time....
THE MASSACRE OF JILL WATSON

THE HAUNTED TRAIN STATION

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE CREEPY THIN MAN?