News
Jul 14 2023
The Comedy Workshop at MeWe
Cecilia PEI
As one of the favorite TV shows for the Z generation, the "Super Sketch Show" by MeWe, a reputable media company, never fails to delight our students. Recently, students from G10 and G11 drama classes and IDEATE students took a step into the comedy "classroom" they had longed for at MeWe.
How does MeWe produce such oft-quoted and widely loved comedy? The students were eager to find out. MeWe's director led the students to the "Yes and" game. The core of the game is that no matter what your teammates describe, you must first agree, and continue to make up the following plot. Student groups created an impromptu story based on the premise "We came back from..., this trip was...". From beach trips to outer space, group members continued to brainstorm and had a lot of fun. As MeWe’s teacher explained in the process, there is no need to refute any creativity, but to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of co-creation.
After understanding the methodology behind it and gaining some inspiration, the next step is to start creating. In just 20 minutes, the short plays created by groups of BCIS students really impressed MeWe directors, including the founder and famous TV host, Mr Ma Dong. The students portrayed the characters of a nervous team leader, a kidnapped couple, and tough young people vividly on stage. The MeWe hall was filled with laughter throughout these confident and humorous performances by BCIS students.
Tai, coordinator of the BCIS IDEATE program, saw the workshop as a perfect opportunity for exploratory learning. Behind the humor lies a profound logic and methodology for creation. After understanding the workflow, the students can quickly execute this framework in the workshop, demonstrating their exploration and creativity skills developed in IB inquiry-based classrooms. For BCIS, we believe that exploratory learning is not limited to the school but can be found in any corner of the city, with more three-dimensional learning experiences. "MeWe's trip allowed me to see the reality of the comedy industry and made me look forward to the future of drama creation!" Mia said.
More than just the dazzling performances in events like the New Year Assembly and BCIS Idol, systematic knowledge in the courses, drama learning is ubiquitous in BCIS community. It is a unique way for students to think independently and exercise the interdisciplinary skills required by the IB MYP curriculum. When Catherine from Grade 10 talked about her love for drama, she was curious about every part of it. BCIS empowers her to develop her interest in drama. In addition to actively participating in the performances and lighting design work, Catherine also engages in independent script writing outside class.
After the MeWe comedy workshop, the G10 students hold their SS drama performance, which Leon explained was an interesting interdisciplinary assessment method in their IB Chinese class. Leon and his team members decided to explore the "rat race" issue and share their critical understanding of the issue through drama and performance. The team members carefully considered every line, the plot development, and the message they wanted to convey. "Not only written exams can showcase people's Chinese proficiency. When exploring drama as an unique literary genre, you will find it closely related to Chinese learning," said Leon. "The fun of the IB curriculum is that we often need to integrate knowledge into different real scenarios," added Leon.
When talking with drama enthusiasts in BCIS, they often mentioned that the impact of drama is often more profound than coursework. It provides confidence and requires real life reflection. Drama is a unique way to enhance our understanding of the world. Catherine's passion lies in this aspect. At the same time, Annie also shared, "When people truly experience those life scenes previously depicted in theatrical performances, they may recall how the characters confronted the similar struggles in the plays, which might give them the fortitude to live, and to appreciate the beauty of mundane." BCIS believes that the introspection students obtained from drama can be transferred to other aspects of life, making them better people.
