PD Course

Approaching Drama Class with an Indigenous Perspective

Name: Approaching Drama Class with an Indigenous Perspective
Author: Allison Green

Created by Allison Green

6 modules 57 minutes 2 Credit Hours indigenous bipoc

This course is led by Allison Green, a member of the Algonquin Band of Mattawa, and a drama and social sciences teacher in Northern Ontario, Canada. She believes that drama teachers should look at their teaching through an Indigenous lens for a few reasons:

It is time in North America to take a conscientious look at Indigenous people’s approach to learning and teaching.
For our Indigenous students, it’s important to see themselves in materials, activities, and classroom routines.
It is also valuable for our non-Indigenous students to see and better understand the diverse nature of the creative process and ways of seeing our world through this lens.

This course aims to help teachers see their drama class through an Indigenous lens - by exploring the learning circle, culturally responsive approaches, and Indigenous pedagogy.

0
Lesson 0

Introduction

4:02 FREE PREVIEW

The introductory module lays out the objectives for the course, and explains the structure and lessons to follow.
- View Module: Introduction
1
Lesson 1

The Learning Circle

10:19 FREE PREVIEW

This module explores the learning circle. The circle is a sacred symbol in Indigenous culture, and many drama classes benefit from students and their teachers being part of a circle.
- View Module: The Learning Circle
2

Lesson 2A

Culturally Relevant & Responsive Teaching

11:19 Locked

This module shares a culturally responsive approach to teaching while really unpacking the difference between appropriation and appreciation. In drama class, we need to be aware and model for our students the act of appreciating and exploring diversity and culture with activities rooted in knowledge and avoid appropriation.
2

Lesson 2B

Appreciation Versus Appropriation

17:46 Locked

This module continues the discussion regarding a culturally responsive approach to teaching.
3

Lesson 3

Drama Teachers and Indigenous Pedagogy

10:12 Locked

This module focuses on drama teachers and Indigenous pedagogy.
4

Lesson 4

Wrap Up

3:40 Locked

This module wraps up the course material, and looks at next steps to take with your students, or for your own learning.

Standards Addressed

Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating

Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Performing

TAHSA.PR.1 Act and direct by communicating and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments. a. Examine and implement the voice, body, observation, and imagination as tools of the actor in presentations of formal and informal theatre. b. Research and assess the development of acting skills for character creation and performance including historical movements, personal experience, and cultural influences. c. Act by developing, communicating, and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments. d. Identify and examine the responsibilities and tasks of an actor in relationship with directors, designers, and technical crew. e. Use the skills and tools of a director to conduct rehearsals for performance.

Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Connecting

TAHSA.CN.1 Explore how theatre connects to life experience, careers, and other content. a. Examine multiple facets of the business of theatre. b. Examine the methods of pursuing various acting careers, including demonstrating audition etiquette and techniques.

Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating

TAHSFT.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work. a. Recognize and/or employ realistic and conventional speech patterns within dialogue or dramatic verse. b. Incorporate dramatic elements through improvisation. c. Recognize and interpret artistic choices in performance.

Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing

TAHSFT.PR.1 Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments. a. Observe and demonstrate aspects of verbal and non-verbal techniques in common human activity for performance (e.g. voice, breathing, posture, facial expression, physical movement). b. Construct and interpret artistic choices in performance including the objectives, decisions, and actions of characters. c. Explore various acting methods and techniques (e.g. Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, sense memory, emotional recall) for the purpose of character development. d. Perform acting choices for an audience based on critiques.

Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting

TAHSFT.CN.1 Explore how theatre connects to life experiences, careers, and other content. a. Examine how theatre reflects real life. b. Analyze how theatre employs aspects of other art forms and disciplines to effectively communicate with a live audience. c. Demonstrate awareness of the discipline, knowledge, skills, and education required for careers in theatre. d. Explore various careers in the theatre arts (e.g. performance, design, production, administrative, education, promotion).

Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating

TAHSMT.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work. a. Analyze various theories of dramatic structure in a musical and explain how text, music, and movement can be used to advance the plot of a musical. b. Engage in and apply meaningful cultural, literary, and historical research to support formal or informal theatrical performance.

Grades 9-12 - TECHNICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating

TAHSTT.CR.1 Create technical elements of theatre (e.g. sets, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound). a. Explore and utilize the elements of design and principles of composition for a theatrical context. b. Create basic to advanced technical elements by choosing appropriate materials, tools, and techniques. c. Analyze and/or develop choices in technical elements (e.g. sets, lights, costumes, sound) of informal and formal productions and theatrical texts as a part of the design process, considering mood, tone, and symbolism. d. Create industry standard paperwork (e.g. budgets, cut lists, materials, cue sheets, lighting and costume plots, schedules, calendars) as it relates to completing design renderings and/or models. e. Conceptualize and/or generate design elements for a dramatic work (e.g. scene, one act, full-length, musical).

Grades 9-12 - TECHNICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Producing

TAHSTT.PR.1 Produce technical elements in theatre. a. Identify, explain, and demonstrate standard safety guidelines and operating procedures for tools and equipment used in formal and informal theatre productions. b. Identify and interpret design and construction documentation, materials, techniques, and procedures for production. c. Differentiate between stock and non-standard material, scenic, or technical elements related to a production. d. Conduct initial research about design to inform further development of the production concept. e. Explore and/or produce an appropriate series of design documentation for a theatrical production (e.g. thumbnail sketches, swatches, first renderings, mixed media presentation).

Grades 9-12 - TECHNICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting

TAHSTT.CN.1 Connect technical elements of theatre. a. Explore and understand the collaborations between designers and directors to develop design elements. b. Investigate the history of theatre architecture, stage technology, and other technical elements. c. Understand technical theatre career options and various industry unions (e.g. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Actor’s Equity, United Scenic Artists, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, League of Resident Theatres). d. Explore connections with other disciplines associated with technical theatre (e.g. scientific principles behind technical theatrical practices, physics of electricity and sound, basic structural engineering, load ratings, working load limits). e. Connect design themes with historical and social relevance using dramaturgical research and an understanding of historical and cultural artistic movements (e.g. expressionism, realism, Kabuki, Sanskrit Drama).

Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Creating

TAHSTL.CR.1 Develop original theatre literature. a. Compare and summarize theatre literature from various historical periods, cultures, and styles. b. Examine and outline the steps and conventions involved in the creation of a theatre text. c. Develop original texts using theatre techniques (e.g. improvisation, adapting non-theatre literature, playwriting exercises).

Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Performing

TAHSTL.PR.1 Analyze characters in theatre literature from the perspective of an actor/performer. a. Use performance (e.g. oration, improvisation, rehearsed monologues, scenes) to analyze a character’s role and significance to the meaning of the play.

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Approaching Drama Class with an Indigenous Perspective

Standards Addressed

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7

Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade 7

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient

Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade HS Proficient

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished

Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade HS Advanced

Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 6

Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 7

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished

Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade HS Advanced

6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work

7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work

7.TH:Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work

Prof.TH:Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

Adv.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.

6.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.

7.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.

Prof.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.

Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

Adv.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.

Sixth Grade

Seventh Grade

High School - Fundamental Pathway

High School - Advanced Pathway

High School - Professional Pathway

Language

Language

Critical Thinking & Reflection

Historical & Global Connections

Innovation, Technology & the Future

Skills, Techniques & Processes

Grade 6 - Creating

Grade 6 - Connecting

Grade 7 - Creating

Grade 7 - Connecting

Grade 8 - Connecting

Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating

Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Performing

Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Connecting

Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating

Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing

Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting

Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating

Grades 9-12 - TECHNICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating

Grades 9-12 - TECHNICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Producing

Grades 9-12 - TECHNICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting

Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Creating

Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Performing

Sixth Grade Create

Seventh Grade Create

Seventh Grade Respond

Intermediate High School Create

Accomplished High School Create

Advanced High School Connect

Advanced High School Respond

Advanced High School Standards - Culture

MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance

MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance

HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance

HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production

HS 117.316 LII - Historical and cultural relevance

HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance

HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance

Acting Drama 20

Movement Drama 10

Playwriting - Drama 20

Junior Goal II Objectives

Junior Orientation

Junior Goal I Objectives

Theatre Studies Level II - Intermediate (Theatre History)

Senior Goal I Objectives

Senior Goal II Objectives

Orientation Drama 10