Baking Up Stories: A 'Waitress' Musical Adventure!
Hi Ella! Get ready to dive deep into the wonderful world of the musical 'Waitress'! Today, we're going to explore the amazing story, the unforgettable characters, and the beautiful songs. And then, you'll get a chance to step into their shoes and get creative!
Materials You'll Need:
- Access to watch or listen to parts of 'Waitress' the musical (if you want a refresher!)
- Your 'Waitress' Deep Dive Worksheet (see below)
- A pen or pencil
- A notebook or some paper for your creative writing piece
Activity 1: 'Waitress' Deep Dive Worksheet
Let's explore the ingredients that make 'Waitress' so special! Please fill out the worksheet below. Think carefully and have fun with it!
Worksheet: My 'Waitress' Discoveries
Instructions: After watching or thinking about 'Waitress', answer the following questions.
Part 1: The Characters
1. Main Characters: List at least three main characters from 'Waitress'. For each character, write 1-2 sentences describing them (their personality, what they do, or what's important to them).
- Character 1: _________________________
Description: ___________________________________________________________________ - Character 2: _________________________
Description: ___________________________________________________________________ - Character 3: _________________________
Description: ___________________________________________________________________
Part 2: The Story (Plot)
2. Key Plot Points: What are 3-5 major events or turning points that happen in the story of 'Waitress'? List them in order if you can.
- ___________________________________________________________________
- ___________________________________________________________________
- ___________________________________________________________________
- (Optional) _________________________________________________________
- (Optional) _________________________________________________________
Part 3: The Big Ideas (Themes)
3. Themes: What are some of the big ideas, messages, or lessons you think 'Waitress' is trying to share? (Examples: friendship, finding your strength, dreams, motherhood, escaping bad situations, hope, the power of kindness, etc.) List at least two.
- Theme 1: _________________________________________________________________
- Theme 2: _________________________________________________________________
- (Optional) Theme 3: _______________________________________________________
Part 4: Your Favorites & Reflections
4. Favorite Scene or Song: Which scene OR song from 'Waitress' was your absolute favorite, and why? What made it stand out to you?
My favorite scene/song: _____________________________________________________
Why it's my favorite: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. Food for Thought: Jenna often names her pies after events in her life. If you were to create a pie based on a feeling or event from 'Waitress' (besides the ones Jenna makes), what would you call it and what ingredients would it have? (Just for fun!)
Pie Name: __________________________________________________________________
Ingredients & Why: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Activity 2: Step into Their Shoes - Character Writing
Now it's time to get really creative and show your understanding of the characters!
Your Task: Choose one character from 'Waitress' (like Jenna, Dawn, Becky, Dr. Pomatter, Joe, Cal, Earl, or even Lulu!). Write a short monologue OR a diary entry from their perspective.
- A monologue is when a character speaks their thoughts aloud, perhaps to themselves or directly to an audience/another character who isn't speaking back.
- A diary entry is a character writing down their private thoughts and feelings, as if in a journal.
Think about:
- What is this character feeling at a particular moment in the story? (You can choose any moment!)
- What are their hopes, fears, or dreams?
- What challenges are they facing?
- Try to use language and a tone that you think fits the character.
Write your monologue or diary entry in your notebook or on your paper. Aim for about half a page to a full page. Have fun bringing your chosen character to life with your words!
Wrapping It Up!
Great job, Ella! I hope you had a wonderful time exploring 'Waitress' today. When you're done, I'd love to see your worksheet and read your wonderful character writing. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and connect with the story!
Think about how the creators of 'Waitress' used characters, plot, and songs to tell such a powerful story. Maybe it will inspire your own creative ideas!