Rethink Pacing in the Drama Classroom
Created by Matt Webster
Pacing is one of the invisible hands of good teaching. Pacing is a fundamental component of a well run classroom. Many challenging issues that teachers face in the classroom stem from undiagnosed pacing issues: From comprehension to classroom management, pacing can be identified as both the source, and the solution of these problems. This course covers the Definition of Pacing, Non-Standardized curriculum, Pacing and Authentic learning, Expanding and Contracting The Pace, Transitions, Rehearsals and Hidden Pacing.
-
0Module 0Introduction1:36 FREE PREVIEWThe introduction lays out the structure of the course, including an overview of pacing and the topics that will be covered.
-
1Module 1The Definition of Pacing3:14 FREE PREVIEWThis module defines pacing, and discusses how the concept of pacing relates to the drama classroom.
-
2Module 2Non-standardized Curriculum4:36 LockedThis module looks at the concept of pacing as it relates to non-standardized curriculum, such as found in a drama program.
-
3Module 3Pacing and Authentic Learning7:00 LockedThis module looks at pacing and authentic learning or what can be called “Goldilocks Pacing.”
-
4Module 4Expanding and Contracting the Pace5:29 LockedThis module reviews the concept, and how to expand and contract the pace of curriculum delivery in the drama classroom.
-
5Module 5Transitions, Rehearsals, and Hidden Pacing9:49 LockedTransitions, rehearsals and what I call “hidden pacing” are three very different things but all with their own challenges. This module will look at each, and how to handle in the drama classroom.
-
6Module 6Wrap-Up1:57 LockedThis module wraps up the course with a review of key concepts.
Standards Addressed
Grade 7 - Creating
- TA7.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Identify and rehearse effective communication skills.<br/>b. Compare and contrast character types and relationships by analyzing character motivations, objectives, and goals.<br/>c. Compare the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a character.<br/>d. Investigate the role and responsibility of the cast and crew.<br/>e. Identify and model ensemble skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>f. Utilize staging and blocking choices to enhance the performance.<br/>g. Compare, contrast, and design elements of technical theatre.<br/>h. Utilize theatre vocabulary throughout the rehearsal process.
- TA7.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Create ideas for stories.<br/>b. Analyze the theme and structure of a play.<br/>c. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.<br/>d. Utilize dramatic conventions in the scriptwriting process (e.g. stage directions, dialogue, scenes).
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Performing
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
- TAHSFT.PR.1 Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.<br/>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).<br/>b. Construct and interpret artistic choices in performance including the objectives, decisions, and actions of characters.<br/>c. Explore various acting methods and techniques (e.g. Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, sense memory, emotional recall) for the purpose of character development.<br/>d. Perform acting choices for an audience based on critiques.
- TAHSFT.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Identify and define the various collaborative roles and relationships of technical production personnel (e.g. sound, lighting, set, scenic, costume, dramaturge, makeup, marketing, business aspects) in relation to the directors and performers.<br/>b. Identify and apply the various aspects of directing, staging, performance spaces, and rehearsal management.<br/>c. Recognize and apply the basic elements and procedures involved in the construction of props, scenery, and platforms.<br/>d. Formulate effective theatrical designs in order to support the text and directorial concept.
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
- TAHSMT.PR.1 Act and direct by communicating and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments.<br/>a. Examine and implement the skills and tasks associated with acting, singing, and dancing, incorporating vocal and movement technique, observation, and imagination to create characters for formal and informal performances.<br/>b. Identify and examine the responsibilities and tasks of an actor in relation to directors, designers, choreographers, technical crew, and production staff.<br/>c. Use the skills and tools of a director to develop a presentation of formal and informal musical theatre performances.<br/>d. Conduct rehearsals to present a musical theatre performance for a live audience.
- TAHSMT.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Engage as a creative team in script analysis to plan and create technical elements of a theatre production, including sets, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, and sound.
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE MANAGEMENT - Creating
Get instant access to this and everything else in the Drama Teacher Academy