Brian Baumgartner, best known for his role as Kevin Malone on the hit television series “The Office,” is an esteemed actor with a captivating personality. His portrayal of the lovable, bumbling accountant has endeared him to millions of fans worldwide. As a teacher, incorporating a discussion about Brian Baumgartner into your curriculum can offer various learning opportunities for your students. This article will explore who Brian Baumgartner is and how to teach your students about his life and career.
Who is Brian Baumgartner?
Born on November 29, 1972, in Atlanta, Georgia, Brian Baumgartner grew up with an early interest in acting. He studied theater at the Southern Methodist University before moving on to perform at various regional theatres. His career skyrocketed when he was cast as Kevin Malone in the US adaptation of “The Office” in 2005. Since then, he has made several guest appearances on other shows and has even delved into voice acting, podcasting, and producing.
Teaching About Brian Baumgartner’s Acting Career
1. Start by providing a brief biography: Begin your lesson by presenting basic information about Brian Baumgartner’s background and early life. Tell your students about his upbringing in Atlanta and his passion for acting from a young age.
2. Explore his role as Kevin Malone: Introduce your students to the character of Kevin Malone and discuss how Baumgartner’s portrayal contributed to the show’s success. You might consider showing clips from “The Office” that feature some of Kevin’s most memorable scenes.
3. Analyze his acting technique: Bring attention to the unique mannerisms that make up Kevin’s character, like his slow speech pattern and distinct facial expressions. Analyzing these elements can help students appreciate an actor’s craft and attention to detail.
4. Discuss his other roles: While “The Office” may be his most well-known role, it is essential to highlight Baumgartner’s other acting credits. Talk about his guest appearances on shows such as “Arrested Development” and “Criminal Minds,” as well as his role in the movie adaptation of “Four Christmases.”
Incorporating Brian Baumgartner into Drama Lessons
1. Perform a character study: Ask students to choose a character from “The Office” or another show that features Brian Baumgartner. Have them analyze the character by considering their background, motivations, and relationships with others.
2. Hold a scene study workshop: Assign students a scene featuring Brian Baumgartner and have them break down the script to understand its structure and content. Encourage them to perform the scene, focusing on mastering their chosen character’s mannerisms and speech.
3. Create an original skit: Challenge your students to write and perform an original skit inspired by one of Brian Baumgartner’s characters. This activity fosters creativity while deepening their understanding of character development and acting techniques.
