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Debra Conner - Creative Writing/Drama

Debra offers a choice of four renowned figures: Emily Dickinson, Margaret Blennerhassett, Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F.Scott Fitzgerald and America's first "flapper", and Margaret Mitchell (Gone With the Wind). The character, dressed in period costume and brought to life by Debra's talents, discusses her life, interacts with the audience, answers questions, and recites excerpts of poetry (Dickinson). Junior High: Debra's presentation as Margaret Blennerhassett recreates and explores a fascinating time in local history. Her performance as the poet Emilly Dickinson brings to life the spirit and poetry of a unique American writer. Debra's writing workshop helps every student think and write cratively. Study guide available. Debra also offers a writing workshop which focuses on poetry. (teacher workshops available: call for more information)

Age level: grades 4 and up for in-character presentations, K-6; 7-9 for writing workshops Time: 45 minutes Availability: flexible with notice

Debra has her MFA in creative writing; she serves as a writer-in-residence for the Ohio Arts Council and the WV Arts Commission. She has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Her poems and essays have been published in a number of literary journals, and she has received numerous awards, including the Martha Richford Roberts poetry prize from the University of Virginia. Debra is a member of the West Virginia Humanities Council's "History Alive" program.

Curriculum Guide

Language Arts & Social Studies
K-2: stories from history, characterization, creative writing

3-4: oral communication, creative writing, drama, timelines, U.S. history

5-6: critical thinking, poetry, journals, WV heritage, U.W. history

Math and Science

K-2: time seasons, patterns

3-4: estimating, comparing, time periods

5-6: inferential reasoning, timelines

Arts

K-2: theater, dramatic play, characters, use of props, costumes

3-4: appreciation of theater arts, characters: attitudes and empathy

5-6: appreciation of theater arts, culture as context for drama, character development; audience's role