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Unit
in Middle School Curriculum
Unit Five: Intro to Script Writing
Created by Lindsay Johnson
7 lessons
middle school friendly
In this unit, students learn how to write their own scripts using correct formatting. These scripts will be more detailed than the contentless scenes. Students will learn how to write dialogue that provide information about relationships, conflicting objectives, and setting.
They’ll also learn how to correctly add expression and movement directions into the script itself. The unit will end with a partner script writing assignment which is performed in front of the class.
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The overview sets out the expectations for the unit, including outlines and assessment tools.
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1Lesson 1Partner Scene BrainstormingIn this lesson, students will create a scene outline by brainstorming and selecting the key foundations of their scene (setting, relationships, and conflicting objectives).
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2Lesson 2Script DraftingIn this lesson, students will create a script draft that includes the five required lines to establish character, setting, conflict, rising action, and resolution.
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3Lesson 3Script FormattingIn this lesson, students will create a script draft that includes scene setting, expression, and movement notes.
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4Lesson 4Peer Script WorkshoppingIn this lesson, students will review and help workshop a peer’s script before hearing feedback and making changes to their own scripts.
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5Lesson 5Set Design and BlockingIn this lesson, students will create a set design and add blocking notes to their scripted scenes.
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6Lesson 6Final Revision RehearsalIn this lesson, students will revise their set designs and scripts to achieve “Meets” or “Exceeds” on the rubrics. They will also give peer feedback and rehearse their scenes for vocal clarity, expression, and open body.
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7Lesson 7Scripted Scene Performance AssessmentIn this lesson, students will perform their final partner scene for assessment in front of the class. They will also complete an audience feedback sheet where they give their peers feedback on rubric skills.
Standards Addressed
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 6
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Adv.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
6.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Sixth Grade
- DT.6.1.1.c Students Can: Explore a scripted or improvised character by imagining the given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.2.1.a Students Can: Identify the essential events in a story or script that make up the dramatic structure in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.3.4.a Students Can: Use supporting evidence and criteria to evaluate drama/theatre work.
Language
Reading: Literature
Language
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.68.C.1.1 Devise an original work based on a community issue that explores various solutions to a problem.
- TH.68.C.2.1 Use group-generated criteria to critique others and help strengthen each other's performance.
- TH.68.C.2.2 Keep a rehearsal journal to document individual performance progress.
- TH.68.C.2.3 Ask questions to understand a peer's artistic choices for a performance or design.
- TH.68.C.2.4 Defend personal responses to a theatre production.
- TH.68.C.3.1 Discuss how visual and aural design elements communicate environment, mood, and theme in a theatrical presentation.
- TH.912.C.2.7 Accept feedback from others, analyze it for validity, and apply suggestions appropriately to future performances or designs.
Historical & Global Connections
- TH.68.H.1.2 Analyze the impact of one's emotional and social experiences when responding to, or participating in, a play.
- TH.68.H.1.4 Create a monologue or story that reflects one's understanding of an event in a culture different from one's own.
- TH.68.H.1.5 Describe one's own personal responses to a theatrical work and show respect for the responses of others.
- TH.68.H.3.3 Use brainstorming as a method to discover multiple solutions for an acting or technical challenge.
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
- TH.68.O.2.2 Explain how a performance would change if depicted in a different location, time, or culture.
- TH.68.O.2.4 Perform a scene or pantomime to demonstrate understanding of blocking and stage movement.
- TH.68.O.3.3 Discuss the collaborative nature of theatre and work together to create a scene or play, respecting group members' ideas and differences.
- TH.912.O.1.4 Write an original script or a dramatic adaptation of a literary work to demonstrate knowledge of theatrical conventions.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- TH.68.S.1.1 Describe the responsibilities of audience members, to the actors and each other, at live and recorded performances and demonstrate appropriate behavior.
- TH.68.S.1.2 Invent a character with distinct behavior(s) based on observations of people in the real world and interact with others in a cast as the invented characters.
- TH.68.S.1.3 Describe criteria for the evaluation of dramatic texts, performances, direction, and production elements.
- TH.68.S.2.3 Analyze the relationships of plot, conflict, and theme in a play and transfer the knowledge to a play that contrasts in style, genre, and/or mood.
- TH.68.S.2.4 Memorize and present a character's lines from a monologue or scene.
- TH.68.S.3.1 Develop characterizations, using basic acting skills, appropriate for selected dramatizations.
- TH.68.S.3.2 Use the elements of dramatic form to stage a play.
- TH.68.S.3.3 Lead rehearsals of improvised and scripted scenes, communicating with cast and crew to create appropriate characterization and dramatic environments.
- TH.68.S.3.4 Lead small groups to safely select and create elements of technical theatre to signify a character or setting.
- TH.912.S.1.5 Write monologues, scenes, and/or short plays using principles and elements of writing found in dramatic literature.
- TH.912.S.2.3 Demonstrate an understanding of a dramatic work by developing a character analysis for one or more of its major characters and show how the analysis clarifies the character's physical and emotional dimensions.
- TH.912.S.2.8 Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Sixth Grade Connect
Sixth Grade Create
Sixth Grade Present
- 6.PR.1.1 Apply feedback to refine choices in devised or scripted theatrical works.
- 6.PR.1.2 Communicate ideas and feelings through physical and vocal choices during presentations.
- 6.PR.2.1 Develop stories or scripts for presentation.
- 6.PR.2.2 Identify the responsibilities of an audience in a live performance.
- 6.PR.2.3 Identify simple technical theatre elements that enhance productions in various spaces.
- 6.PR.2.4 Identify how a performer responds to an audience during a live performance.
Sixth Grade Respond
Seventh Grade Connect
Seventh Grade Create
Seventh Grade Present
- 7.PR.1.1 Refine choices in devised or scripted performances based on objective feedback and criteria.
- 7.PR.1.2 Communicate character and story using physical and vocal control, observation, and concentration during theatrical performances.
- 7.PR.2.1 Apply dramatic styles to formal or informal performances.
- 7.PR.2.2 Compare the expectations of an audience in different venues.
- 7.PR.2.3 Present a variety of simple technical elements to reflect dramatic styles and choices in theatrical productions.
- 7.PR.2.4 Compare the theatrical modifications needed by performers in different venues.
Seventh Grade Respond
Eighth Grade Connect
- 8.CN.1.2 Explain how theatrical skills and processes can be applied to solve a variety of problems.
- 8.CN.2.1 Explain how theatrical skills, characteristics, and behaviors contribute to success in a broad range of careers.
- 8.CN.2.2 Evaluate how theatre tools and innovations are expanding opportunities in business, career, and life skills beyond the theatrical world.
Eighth Grade Create
Eighth Grade Present
- 8.PR.1.1 Apply critical elements of objective feedback and criteria for improvement in performance.
- 8.PR.1.2 Communicate various styles of character, conflict, and resolution through blocking as given by directors or indicated by playwrights.
- 8.PR.2.1 Develop various styles of literature into formal or informal presentations.
- 8.PR.2.2 Embody audience etiquette appropriately as a participant in productions.
- 8.PR.2.3 Employ technical elements in various theatrical presentations.
- 8.PR.2.4 Demonstrate performance etiquette during theatrical experiences.
Eighth Grade Respond
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Respond
Advanced High School Present
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Beginning High School Standards - Analysis
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
Improvisation Drama 10
Playwriting - Drama 20
- 1 demonstrate understanding of the basic structure of a play
- 10 define conflict
- 11 construct a conflict between two characters (protagonist and antagonist)
- 12 construct a scene with two contrasting characters
- 13 give and accept constructive criticism
- 2 define and identify plot, character, thought and diction
- 3 demonstrate understanding of script format
- 8 use effective diction
- 9 define character objectives
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Orientation
- focus concentration on one task at a time
- generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
- listen effectively
- meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
- offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
- recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
- share ideas confidently with others
- support positivity the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
Junior Goal I Objectives
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
Senior Goal I Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
- concentrate on the task at hand
- demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
- listen to self and others
- make effective decisions or choices
- offer and accept constructive criticism with a desire to progress
- positively support the work of others
- share ideas confidently
- work cooperatively and productively
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Grade 6 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 6 - Creating and Presenting
- B1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the element of role by selectively using other elements to build belief in a role and establish its dramatic context
- B1.3 plan and shape the direction of the drama or role play by introducing new perspectives and ideas, both in and out of role
- B1.4 communicate feelings, thoughts, and ideas to a specific audience, using audio, visual, and/or technological aids to strengthen the impact on the viewer
Grade 7 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
- B1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama by selecting and combining several elements and conventions to create dramatic effects
- B1.3 plan and shape the direction of the drama by working with others, both in and out of role, to generate ideas and explore multiple perspectives
- B1.4 communicate feelings, thoughts, and abstract ideas through drama works, using audio, visual, and/or technological aids to heighten the dramatic experience
Grade 8 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 8 - Creating and Presenting
- B1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama by selecting and manipulating multiple elements and conventions to create and enhance a variety of drama works and shared drama experiences
- B1.3 plan and shape the direction of the drama by negotiating ideas and perspectives with others, both in and out of role
- B1.4 communicate feelings, thoughts, and abstract ideas through drama works, using audio, visual, and/or technological aids for specific purposes and audiences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
- C.3.2 identify and apply the skills and attitudes needed to perform various tasks and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., use active listening and cooperative problem-solving skills; practise punctuality; use tact in suggesting changes and improvements; demonstrate willingness to accept criticism and build consensus)
- C.3.3 demonstrate an understanding of theatre and audience etiquette, in both classroom and formal performance contexts (e.g., as a performer: show willingness to take direction and behave appropriately towards other actors; as a viewer: demonstrate respect for performers and other audience members by paying attention, not interrupting or talking, and applauding when appropriate)
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grade Six
Grade Six
Grade Six
Grade Six
- 6.12 The student will demonstrate how meaning is expressed both physically (through movement, gesture, and other forms of physical expression) and verbally (through vocal choices).
- 6.13 The student will identify techniques and skills for actor preparation, including memorization and warm ups for performance.
- 6.14 The student will demonstrate theatre as dramatized storytelling by preparing and presenting short scenes that include characters, setting, properties, conflict, and a progressive chain of events.
- 6.15 The student will identify functions of a theatre director.
- 6.16 The student will develop technical theatre and production skills.
Grade Seven
Grade Seven
Grade Seven
- 7.12 The student will develop physical and vocal technique for theatre performance.
- 7.13 The student will explain techniques and skills for actor preparation, including concentration, discipline, preparation, and imagination for theatrical performance.
- 7.14 The student will research, analyze, rehearse, and present a scripted character in a memorized scene and/or monologue.
- 7.15 The student will identify functions, skills, and responsibilities of the creative team and production staff.
- 7.16 The student will develop technical theatre and production skills
Grade Eight
Grade Eight
Grade Eight
- 8.12 The student will develop physical and vocal technique for theatre performance.
- 8.13 The student will use character analysis techniques to research, develop, and present a scripted character.
- 8.14 The student will demonstrate the mental and physical discipline necessary for creating and maintaining an imagined reality during performance.
- 8.15 The student will fulfill the duties and responsibilities of a production staff member.
- 8.16 The student will develop technical theatre and production skills.
Technical Theatre
Technical Theatre
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