Tableau

Definition
A group of models or motionless figures representing a scene from a story or from
history
Students representing people, places, things, or ideas using their bodies
Students working together to create a frozen picture or snapshot to communicate
content in any subject
Purpose
Tableau uses theater and creativity to give students a different and unique way of relating to
content and with each other. It teaches team work, problem solving, body control, and
collaboration. It also gives teachers a snapshot insight into the creative minds of their students.

Vocabulary
Focal point- where students should be looking or focusing
Actors neutral- a comfortable and controlled way of standing to show focus and preparedness
1. Actors voices are off
2. Actors make the facilitator or current speaker their focal point
3. Actors relax their arms to rest at their side and stand with feet shoulder width apart
On - Actors face center focusing on the focal point in actors neutral
Off- Actors turn their back to the inside of the circle and stand in actors neutral listening to
instructions and getting ready to begin

Techniques
On/ Off
Useful for warm-up, formative assessment, or introduction to tableau
Students have two different modes on and off
Off is actors neutral facing out from the group
On changes to whatever trait , character, noun or principal you are trying to demonstrate

Example: Teacher says Class show me off.

Every student turns to faces the outside in actors neutral
Teacher says Class when I say On you will show me the precipitation phase of the water
cycle.
All students turn when you say on and are in a frozen snapshot of what they think precipitation
is.
You can then have them explain, discuss the different types of precipitation, and see who might
need further explanation and assistance.

Human Slideshow
Visually demonstrates story elements like beginning, middle, and end,
Visually demonstrates the progression of plot
Or the flow of archetypal structures such as the Heros Journey
 Any cycle, process, or rate of change can be demonstrated through this technique
Example: Tableau of the cycle of the Heros Journey archetype

Thought Trafficking
Perfect to further the single tableau or human slide show
Useful for reflection
Students are chosen by the facilitator and able to share a thought.
Actor who is chosen from the tableau steps out of the tableau into actors neutral shares
their thought and then returns back to tableau.

Materials suggested
Chime, Claves, or another signal to indicate shifts- useful for nonverbal shifts in the
activity
Open space to work in
Visual representations of commands in classroom as reminders

Tips
Avoid props Students need to use their bodies to express all parts of the picture
Use different levels every student should be on a different physical level in the tableau
Encourage students to use their entire bodies including their faces
Set appropriate time limits for students to hold the tableaus
Kinder/ 1st= 1-20 seconds
2nd/ 3rd =20-40 seconds
4th/5th = 40-60 seconds
6th and up 60-90 seconds

Resources to help you plan

http://dramaresource.com/tableaux/
https://www.learner.org/libraries/makingmeaning/makingmeaning/dramatic/lessonplan.html
http://www.theteachertoolkit.com/index.php/tool/tableau
http://www.artsintegrationconsulting.com/resources/videos/tableau-in-the-classroom.html
http://susanpope.com/lesson-plans/science-drama-lessons.html
https://artmuseumteaching.com/2012/12/06/tableaux-vivant-history-and-practice/