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Unit

Screenplays 101: Basic Structure Unit

Created by Nicholas Pappas

5 lessons screenplays

Screenplays 101 is divided into two separate units: Basic Structure and Basic Formatting.

It is highly recommended that you complete the Basic Structure unit before moving on to the Basic Formatting unit.

In this unit, we will focus on a basic history of screenplays, screenplay terminology, and the most common screenplay structure in film—the three-act structure. Theatre is important because it allows our young artists to be trained and learn about work ethic and discipline, and it creates community. But, we should also give our students opportunity and access to the cinematic arts. This is primarily a lecture-based unit with a lot of new information, with opportunities for students to apply knowledge including a final culminating project.

Start here
The overview lays out the lesson plan outline, materials provided, time management, and assessment overview for the unit.
  1. 1
    Lesson 1
    What is a Screenplay
    In this lesson, students will be introduced to the origins of screenplay writing and be able to answer the question “What is a screenplay?”
  2. 2
    Lesson 2
    Theatre vs Film from the Writer's Point of View
    In this lesson, students will learn about the differences between screenplay writing for film and stage playwriting for theatre.
  3. 3
    Lesson 3
    The Three-Act Structure
    In this lesson, students will learn about the three-act structure and see this structure in action through a case study.
  4. 4
    Lesson 4
    Goals, Obstacles, and Tactics
    In this lesson, we look at the protagonist of the screenplay with a focus on their goals, obstacles, and tactics.
  5. 5
    Lesson 5
    Culminating Project
    In this lesson, students will demonstrate their learned knowledge on the craft of screenplay structure. This project is structured as a group project, but it could easily be an individual project if you have a small class or if you have students working online.

Standards Addressed

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 7

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Proficient

Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished

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