Search the Drama Teacher Academy

Students will learn about two practitioners of avant-garde theatre. They will then reimagine a common fairy tale in the style of either Artaud or Grotowski, or a combination thereof. In doing so, they will acquaint themselves with non-realistic theatre production techniques.

Students will review their blocking choices with a specific objective of making every action in the scene purposeful and theatrical.

There are a whole host of careers in the theatre that aren’t acting. Students will discover and explore different jobs in the theatrical world, including experience needed, responsibilities, and possible salaries. Students will research an existing theatre professional and complete a written profile that demonstrates their knowledge.

Students will explore the origins of drama through ritual and chant. After discussing modern versions, students will create a ritualistic chant using choral speaking, and synchronized movements. Lesson Plan comes with an evaluation sheet and a rubric.

Students will go over some practical uses of the Alexander Technique. They will be asked to demonstrate an everyday activity to show their understanding of how to incorporate Alexander principles into their movements.

In this ELP, students will read and discuss a scene from an Ancient Greek theatrical text and a modern adaptation of that text: The Libation Bearers by Aeschylus (translated by H.W. Smyth) and The Exile and the Onion Girl by Lindsay Price.

This lesson plan works as a great complement to the DTA Research Lesson Plan: Theatre Company Profile. In that lesson, students are introduced to various theatre companies, all with unique histories, facilities, and artistic goals. It’s a natural next step to have students create their own theatre companies, specifically tailored to their unique interests and personalities.

Students will identify and understand the roles and responsibilities in a theatre company: artistic, production, and business.

In this lesson, students will work on a conflict profile and apply the details to a monologue. Student will also begin writing their first draft.

Theatre is about communication. A story is presented to an audience. Storytelling was one of the earliest forms of entertainment that we continue to use today. Even though the method for delivering the story has changed, the form itself has stayed the same for thousands of years. In this lesson, students will create their version of the 21st century story. What stories do we tell today? How do we tell them? Who do we tell them to? You can use this lesson as an intro to studying modern theatre, especially for students who don’t have a theatre background. You can also use this lesson as an intro for Ancient Greek Theatre. Start by examining stories in a modern context, then shift to the Ancient Greek era.

While the Mock Audition does not require students to bring in a headshot, it is an essential document in the “real world” audition process. A good headshot will help a director remember an actor. A bad headshot can get an actor rejected before they step through the door. Students will complete exercises that respond to the question What makes a good headshot?

To learn and execute a skill associated with a tech theatre role.

Students will be introduced to Boal’s Image Theatre. They will review the concept of tableau (frozen picture) from Lesson 1, and they will be introduced to the tableau rubric and the three tableau skills (frozen bodies, 3+ levels, and character). In small groups, they will create tableaux that capture an image of “Family” (whatever that word means to them).

In this lesson, we define musical theatre and spend a little bit of time on the history and structure. Students also receive information on their performance and their independent written projects.

In this lesson, students will complete three to five rehearsals of their scenes using a rehearsal checklist, focusing on projection skills (voice clarity, open body).

Students will identify and apply knowledge of different types of theatre spaces.

Students explore the effect scenic design can have on storytelling using designed environments from known TV shows and movies.

Students will be introduced to forum theatre by researching a video example. Students will then try their hand at forum theatre by acting out a middle school scenario of oppression, becoming spect-actors, and improvising solutions.

To apply knowledge in a unit project.

Students will explore Medieval Theatre by role playing what it would be like to perform at the time. Students form trade guilds, create a medieval market scene, and then work on a morality scenario. Lesson plan comes with a written assignment to be completed after the practical assignment.