Independent Projects Collection
Lesson Plan Categories
Lesson Plans
19th Century Actors on Acting: Cushman, Booth, Jefferson
by Lindsay Price
This lesson plan looks at three 19th century actors: Charlotte Cushman, Edwin Booth, and Joseph Jefferson. All three were heralded as “stars” and were well known in their time. Students will learn some information about each, read letters in which they talk about acting, and reflect on what they’ve learned.
Compare and Contrast: "To Be or Not To Be" on Film
by Lindsay Price
In this lesson plan, students will compare four different film versions of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark using the same scene: Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” speech. How do the four versions tackle the same text? Film is a visual medium – what visuals do they use to tell the story? Do they cut or adapt any of the text? Students will discuss their findings and write a Reflection.
A slide deck is provided as part of the materials for this lesson.
Compare and Contrast: Adaptation
by Lindsay Price
Students will compare and contrast a scene from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Lindsay Price’s adaptation Humbug High.
Compare and Contrast: Theatre spaces
by Lindsay Price
Theatre spaces have changed throughout history, from the outdoor amphitheatres of Ancient Greece to the black box of modern times. In this lesson plan, students will identify what makes a theatre space in a specific era and then compare and contrast two different theatre spaces.
Create A Playbill
by Lindsay Price
Students create a play program for a curriculum text based on their knowledge of the text and given criteria. This can be done physically in class using markers and magazine pictures, and online resources such as pixabay.com and canva.com.
Group Musical Poster
by Matthew Banaszynski
Students will read the description of a musical then break into groups to create a poster for the show. Each group will present their poster to the class and explain their representation. Note: This lesson works well if students have had a basic introduction to musical theatre.
Jobs in Theatre
by Elisabeth Oppelt
This lesson diagrams the main roles in a theatre. Students complete a graphic organizer describing each of these roles and allows students to decide which job appeals to them the most.
Includes a slide show.
Real World Applications: Dance Captain
by Lindsay Price
In this real world application lesson students view videos of an theatre profession, complete viewing quizzes, and hand in a Reflection.
Real World Applications: Dressers
by Lindsay Price
In this real world application lesson students view videos of a theatre profession, complete viewing quizzes, and hand in a Reflection.
Real World Applications: Swings, Standbys, and Understudies
by Lindsay Price
In this real world application lesson students view videos of a theatre profession, complete viewing quizzes, and hand in a Reflection.
The Masque of Red Death and Coronavirus
by Lindsay Price
In this compare and contrast lesson, students will read a dramatization of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Masque of Red Death. This story is the ultimate example of “social distancing.” Students will compare and contrast the dramatization to the current events surrounding Coronavirus and then write an adaptation focusing on modern viruses.
Who is Thespis? Project Version
by Lindsay Price
Thespis is often stated as being the first actor because he stepped away from the chorus. But who is he? What do we know as fact and what has been assumed as his origin story? What happens when unreliable evidence is recorded as historical fact? Does it matter?
In this lesson, students will research, present and draw their own conclusions about the validity of Thespis as a reliable figure in theatre history. They will then write and present a scene that showcases their viewpoint.
*This lesson requires internet accessibility (for students to research for the project) either during class time or afterward as assigned homework.
Writing a Reflective Review
by Lindsay Price
Writing a play review is an excellent way for students to apply critical thinking skills. A review is a subjective but educated response to a play. The reviewer gives an opinion and supports it with thoughtful analysis. What are the parts of a well
written review? What should a student do before, during, and after a performance?
The culminating exercise involves students writing a review of a show. Use this lesson as a precursor to students seeing a performance (i.e. a school production, a community play, or a touring show).
Resource Categories
Individual Resources
Drama One Curriculum Choice Boards
What if you are working on the Drama One Curriculum and you have an unexpected absence? We’ve put together Choice Board Activities for each unit in the Curriculum.
• The choice board is a tic tac toe grid (three rows of three activities) of independent drama activities.
• Each square of the grid has a different title of an activity. Each activity comes with an instruction sheet.
• There are activities that can be completed in the classroom or at home without internet access. There are a few activities that require access to materials (but are pretty flexible with that definition) or internet access for research. Some activities have a presentation as their final product.
Attachments
- Unit One: What is Theatre?
- Unit Two: Stage Movement
- Unit Two A: Pantomime
- Unit Three: Voice
- Unit Three A: Ancient Greek Theatre
- Unit Four: Improvisation
- Unit Four A: Commedia Dell'Arte
- Unit Five: Script Analysis
- Unit Five A: Elizabethan Theatre
- Unit Six: Playwriting
- Unit Six A: Japanese Theatre
- Unit Seven: Scenic Design
- Unit Eight: Front of House/Marketing
30 Second Monologues
Students will pick a monologue to perform, design a beginning and end, decide on their blocking and movement and add their thoughts on vocal variety. Students will apply this work to rehearse/memorize their monologue. Depending on whether you are available to watch the performances, students will either be assessed by the provided rubric, or they will self-assess and peer assess as they watch each other’s work. Finally, students will complete a post-performance Reflection.
Black Theatre Artists: Quote Reflection and Expression
Students will review quotes from a variety of Black Theatre Professionals, write out their first impressions and reflect on the quote, and then create a one minute theatrical expression. The focus here is time management and self management. How will students use their time to complete their expression and present in the same period?
Emergency Lesson Plans eBook
You need Emergency Lesson Plans. The unexpected comes up all the time.
This Emergency Lesson Plan Collection (30 lessons) will address all of your concerns and take into account all of your sub’s questions. Every Emergency Lesson Plan includes substitute instructions, handouts, and assessment suggestions.
Scene Analysis: Choosing a Scene
Students will read a handout on the criteria for choosing a good scene for themselves to prepare and perform as part of a class assignment. After reading the tip sheet, students will read three scenes and using the provided worksheet, analyze the scenes based on the criteria. Students will write a paragraph in which they identify which scene fits the criteria best, and why. They will then complete the provided reflection.
Send-Home Packet: Careers in the Arts
This packet includes an introduction for the teacher, and cover sheet for the student, to assign the Careers in the Arts packet for at-home distance learning, without technology.
The attachments include separate interviews with individuals who have careers in the arts, so teachers can choose which to assign. Each attachment includes an interview to read, pre-reading questions, quiz, and reflection.
Send-Home Packet: Careers in Theatre
This packet includes an introduction for the teacher, and cover sheet for the student, to assign the Careers in Theatre packet for at-home distance learning, without technology.
The attachments include separate interviews with theatre professionals, so teachers can choose which to assign. Each attachment includes an interview to read, pre-reading questions, quiz, and reflection.
Send-Home Packet: Monologue Writing
Packet for a monologue writing project that students can do on their own without access to the internet or a computer.
Song in a Box
Based on their analysis of an approved song, students will use their knowledge of line, shape, color, theme and mood to design and create a single abstract miniature set in a shoebox. Students will also give an oral presentation to explain and defend their design ideas.
The Black Arts Movement
Students will read, annotate, and reflect on an article about the Black Arts Movement. By participating in the annotation exercise, students will obtain background knowledge which will lead to a mini research project and presentation.
Theatre History Choice Boards
A choice board offers students a variety of activities on a topic. With this document you can create your own board for the various units in the DTA Theatre History curriculum. Mix and match activities to fit your situation and your students!
PLCs
Top 5 DTA Independent Projects - and How to Execute
Hosted by Matt Webster, Lindsay Price
In this PLC we are going to identify the top 5 Independent Projects in the DTA, and walk you though how to use them with your students. You won't want to miss it!