PD Course
Exploring Viewpoints
Created by Erin Carr
11 modules
3 hours, 28 minutes
5 Credit Hours
Viewpoints is used to create dynamic moments of theatre by simply existing on the stage. However, Viewpoints is more than just an acting technique to understand your own physicality and more than a directing technique to create “ah-ha!” moments on stage. It is first and foremost the philosophy that to create an organic performance, you must see obstacle as opportunity, and that by simply standing in space, your creativity can spark.
This course by Erin Carr will help your students discover fresh impulses that motivate their performance in the moment. We will go through the Viewpoints technique, as created by Mary Overlie, and learn how to tap into kinesthetic awareness as individuals and as an ensemble. Through this style of play, students learn to release their thoughts on what they “should” do, and instead just respond organically to their surroundings and ensemble!
We’re going to break down each of the Viewpoints, there’s lots of visual demonstration, so you can see each Viewpoint in action, and I’m going to provide tips and side coaching examples.
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0Lesson 0Overview3:21 FREE PREVIEWThis lesson gives an overview of the course and what is covered in each module.
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1Lesson 1Introduction8:06 FREE PREVIEWThis lesson introduces the technique of Viewpoints and ways to apply it in the classroom.
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2Lesson 2History & Terminology9:13 LockedThis lesson reviews the history of Viewpoints and some of the terminology used with this technique.
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3Lesson 3Warm-ups20:52 LockedLesson 3 takes you through some of the warm-ups inspired by Viewpoints for both individuals and ensembles.
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4Lesson 4Time17:05 LockedThis lesson breaks down the Viewpoint of Time, and students learn how to introduce tempo, kinesthetic response, duration and repetition.
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5Lesson 5Shape38:38 LockedThis lesson breaks down the Viewpoint of Shape, and students learn how to introduce general shape as well as gestures.
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6Lesson 6Space38:20 LockedThis lesson breaks down the Viewpoint of Space, and students learn how to introduce spatial relationship, topography, and architecture.
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7Lesson 7Open Viewpoints Session16:45 LockedThis lesson introduces what an Open Viewpoints session might look like, and the benefits of taking this time to combine the Viewpoints.
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8Lesson 8Scene Work24:59 LockedThis lesson introduces the use of Viewpoints in scene work.
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9Lesson 9Review4:59 LockedThis final lesson reviews how the Viewpoints technique is used, and where you can continue to take this work.
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11BONUS LessonDistance Learning Option26:22 LockedErin Carr and Lindsay Price discuss how to use the Viewpoints course for distance learning.
Standards Addressed
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 8
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Sixth Grade
- DT.6.1.4.b Students Can: Identify and employ effective physical and vocal traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.2.1.b Students Can: Experiment with various physical and vocal choices to communicate character in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.2.2.a Students Can: Participate in a variety of acting exercises and techniques that can be applied in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
- DT.8.1.4.b Students Can: Refine effective physical, vocal, and physiological traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.2.1.a Students Can: Explore different pacing to better communicate the story in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.2.4.a Students Can: Perform/present a rehearsed/designed drama/theatre work for an audience.
- DT.8.3.2.a Students Can: Summarize and share artistic choices when participating in or observing a drama/theatre work.
High School - Fundamental Pathway
High School - Advanced Pathway
Reading: Literature
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.68.C.1.2 Develop a character analysis to support artistic portrayal.
- TH.68.C.1.4 Create and present a design, production concept, or performance and defend artistic choices.
- TH.912.C.1.5 Make and defend conscious choices in the creation of a character that will fulfill anticipated audience response.
- TH.912.C.2.7 Accept feedback from others, analyze it for validity, and apply suggestions appropriately to future performances or designs.
- TH.912.C.2.8 Improve a performance or project using various self-assessment tools, coaching, feedback, and/or constructive criticism.
Organizational Structure
- TH.68.O.1.1 Compare different processes an actor uses to prepare for a performance.
- TH.68.O.2.4 Perform a scene or pantomime to demonstrate understanding of blocking and stage movement.
- TH.912.O.2.2 Perform a scene or monologue in a non-traditional way that stays true to its dramatic structure and can be justified within the script.
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Seventh Grade Present
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
- B.PR.1.2 Communicate characters, situations, and scenarios using body and voice while adhering to staging conventions.
- B.PR.2.1 Develop scripted or devised theatre for presentation.
- B.PR.2.2 Demonstrate appropriate theatre audience behavior with the understanding of the impact on performers and technicians.
- B.PR.2.4 Identify the responsibilities of a performer in a variety of theatrical venues.
Intermediate High School Create
Intermediate High School Present
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Present
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
- B.C.1.1 Use non-verbal expression to illustrate how human emotion affects the body and is conveyed through the body.
- B.C.1.2 Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
- B.C.2.1 Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization in a variety of theatre exercises.
- B.C.2.2 Interpret various selections of dramatic literature through formal and informal presentations.
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
- I.C.1.1 Use non-verbal expression to illustrate how human motivations are prompted by physical and emotional needs.
- I.C.1.2 Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression appropriately to theatrical texts, such as monologues and scenes.
- I.C.2.1 Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization, to demonstrate given situations.
- I.C.2.2 Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
- P.C.1.1 Use non-verbal expression and physical self-awareness to communicate movement elements and characterization, including size, weight, and rate of movement.
- P.C.1.2 Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression to develop characters.
- P.C.2.1 Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization, to create extended scenes.
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
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 - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
- C.1.B develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
- C.1.C develop and practice stage movement techniques such as mime, pantomime, stage combat, Laban, Lecoq, or Viewpoints consistently to express thoughts, feelings, and actions non-verbally.
- C.1.E analyze characters by describing attributes such as physical, intellectual, emotional, and social dimensions through reading scripts of published plays.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
- C.2.A demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
- C.2.D use physical, intellectual, emotional, and social awareness to portray believable characters and convey a story when applying acting concepts, skills, and techniques.
- C.2.E employ physical techniques consistently to express thoughts, feelings, and actions non-verbally.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
- C.2.A model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
- C.2.B explore creativity as it relates to self and ensemble.
- C.2.D apply physical, intellectual, emotional, and social interactions to portray believable characters and convey a story when applying acting concepts, skills, and techniques.
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
Improvisation Drama 10
- 1 use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
- 13 communicate meaning without words
- 14 discover how various emotions affect one vocally and physically
- 24 select and use vocal techniques appropriate to a character
- 26 use body language to add physical dimensions and depth to a character
- 32 sustain a character throughout a scene or exercise
Acting Drama 20
Movement Drama 10
- 1 display the ability to be still
- 10 demonstrate focus, concentration and energy in all movement and gesture
- 12 demonstrate knowledge of elements of space
- 14 create physically shapes in space
- 15 use basic locomotor movements (eg. walking, running, crawling) to explore space
- 16 create and repeat patterns of movement
- 17 demonstrate freezing of movement in space
- 18 appreciate that physical expression can enhance language
- 19 demonstrate qualities of energy
- 20 create appropriate personal physical warmup routines
- 21 demonstrate the ability to extend a movement
- 22 translate words, images and emotions into movement
- 23 demonstrate non-verbally the who, what, where, why and when of a story
- 24 demonstrate understanding of mood, and communicate mood
- 3 recognize the necessity for physical warmups
- 4 perform a physical warmup
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Orientation
- communicate through use of voice and body
- demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable, physically and emotionally, with others
- focus concentration on one task at a time
- listen effectively
- meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
- move in a variety of ways
- 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 positively the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Movement Level I - Beginning
- 1 demonstrate understanding of and apply appropriate safety procedures
- 10 use varying speed of movement
- 11 use directions and pathways
- 13 control focus and energy in movement and gesture
- 14 create shapes with the body
- 16 demonstrate freezing of movement
- 17 use movement to communicate non-verbally
- 18 create movement in response to music
- 19 translate sounds, words, images, and emotions into movement
- 2 demonstrate awareness of personal and shared space
- 3 use physical relaxation techniques effectively
- 4 recognize the need for and demonstrate warmup activities
- 5 move individual body parts
- 6 use proper posture
- 7 demonstrate awareness of his or her own body and its movement potential
- 8 display increased freedom of movement
- 9 travel through space in a variety of ways e.g., running, creeping and jumping
Movement Level II - Intermediate
Movement Level III - Advanced
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
Junior Goal I Objectives
Senior Goal I Objectives
- demonstrate a sense of inquiry and commitment, individually and to the group
- demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
- demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
- demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
- extend physical and vocal capabilities
- extend the ability to concentrate
- extend the ability to control and express emotions
- increase self-confidence
- increase self-discipline
Senior Goal II Objectives
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
- Describe, interpret and evaluate how artists (dancers, actors, musicians, and visual artists) use processes, materials, movements, technologies, tools, techniques, and environments to create and communicate ideas
- Develop, refine ideas, and critically appraise ideas, processes, and technical skills in a variety of art forms to improve the quality of artistic creations
- Respond to works of art using one’s knowledge of the world
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Grade 6 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
- A.3.1 identify and use a variety of techniques to influence the audience in specific ways (e.g., have actors enter the performance space from the audience to increase audience connection to the drama; use blocking to focus audience attention on key characters or relationships between characters)
- A.3.2 use a variety of voice and movement techniques to support the creation of character or atmosphere during rehearsal (e.g., use voice and movement to suggest an airport, circus, or factory environment)
Grade 11 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grade 12 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
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.
Grade Seven
Grade Eight
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
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