PD Course
Story Theatre
Created by Matt Webster
10 modules
1 hours, 23 minutes
2 Credit Hours
Instructor Matt Webster believes that Story Theatre is one of the most creative, most imaginative, most unique forms of theatre ever to make its way to the stage. His course introduces the style of theatre called story theatre, explores the steps needed to choose the best stories to perform, explains how to adapt a story into a script, and demonstrates a variety of story theatre styles from simple and contained to complex and crazy and everything in between.
When you are finished with this course, you’ll be able to bring nearly any story to any stage and present it to any audience. That is the power and promise of story theatre. Learn how to bring the page to the stage.
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0Lesson 0Introduction3:55 FREE PREVIEWThis module introduces the course material and lays out the plan for the subsequent lessons.
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1Lesson 1Choosing Stories12:46 FREE PREVIEWThis lesson explores what stories are best suited for adaptation into story theatre. Teachers will learn how to look for the kinds of stories that lend themselves to successful adaptation and performance.
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2Lesson 2Adapting and Dramatizing Scripts5:49 LockedThis lesson explores the process of adapting a story into a scripted form, and discusses the rules that maintain the integrity of the original story as it transforms into a performance piece.
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3Lesson 3Narrators11:54 LockedThis module dives deep into the power and perplexity of narrators and learn how to unleash that power as part of a unique performance style.
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4Lesson 4Stories on Stools8:23 LockedThis lesson explores bringing stories to their feet, or at least to their seat, discussing the building blocks of story theatre in a style of storytelling called stories on stools.
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5Lesson 5Dialogue Strategies11:56 LockedIn this module teachers learn that the voice of the story can come from onstage or off, from narrators or characters, or a combination of both.
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6Lesson 6People as Props15:13 LockedIn this module teachers learn a style of story theatre the instructor calls 'people as props', and it challenges performers to be both creative and complex. This module breaks the rules of proper theatre and pushes the boundaries of the audience’s imagination.
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7Lesson 7Props3:57 LockedThis lesson looks at alternative ways to dress your play through the use of imaginative props and scenery.
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8Lesson 8Touring6:01 LockedThis lesson will walk teachers through the process of taking your show on the road. Story theatre is designed to be portable, adaptable and flexible.
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9Lesson 9In the Classroom3:32 LockedThis lesson takes story theatre into the classroom and discusses all the ways it connects across the curriculum.
Standards Addressed
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Sixth Grade
- DT.6.1.1.a Students Can: Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.1.2.b Students Can: Contribute ideas and accept and incorporate the ideas of others in preparing or devising a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.2.1.a Students Can: Identify the essential events in a story or script that make up the dramatic structure 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
- DT.7.1.1.a Students Can: Integrate multiple perspectives and solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theater work.
- DT.7.1.2.b Students Can: Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.1.a Students Can: Experiment various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.2.a Students Can: Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Eighth Grade
High School - Advanced Pathway
Language
Reading: Literature
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.912.C.1.2 Create, refine, and sustain complex and believable characters for performance through the integration and application of artistic choices based on research, rehearsal, feedback, and refinement.
- TH.912.C.2.2 Construct imaginative, complex scripts and revise them in collaboration with actors to convey story and meaning to an audience.
Historical & Global Connections
Organizational Structure
- TH.68.O.2.1 Diagram the major parts of a play and their relationships to each other.
- TH.68.O.3.3 Discuss the collaborative nature of theatre and work together to create a scene or play, respecting group members' ideas and differences.
- TH.912.O.1.4 Write an original script or a dramatic adaptation of a literary work to demonstrate knowledge of theatrical conventions.
- TH.912.O.3.1 Analyze the methods of communication among directors, designers, stage managers, technicians, and actors that establish the most effective support of the creative process.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- TH.68.S.2.1 Discuss the value of collaboration in theatre and work together to create a theatrical production.
- TH.68.S.3.2 Use the elements of dramatic form to stage a play.
- TH.912.S.1.7 Interpret dramatic texts, organize and conduct rehearsals, and justify directorial choices for formal and informal productions.
- TH.912.S.2.4 Sustain a character or follow technical cues in a production piece to show focus.
Grade 6 - Creating
- TA6.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Identify artistic choices, utilize theatre vocabulary, and demonstrate non-verbal communication skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>b. Interpret a character’s motivation by understanding the relationship between their background and their behavior.<br/>c. Identify the variety of relationships between characters.<br/>d. Identify, define, and classify character traits.<br/>e. Recognize and demonstrate the roles, responsibilities, and skills associated with collaborative performance.<br/>f. Use resources to identify and create technical elements of theatre.
- TA6.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Identify the elements of a story.<br/>b. Identify the theme and structure of a play.<br/>c. Articulate creative ideas in oral and written forms.<br/>d. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.<br/>e. Demonstrate the conventions of dialogue and stage directions.
Grade 6 - Performing
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).
Grade 7 - Performing
- TA7.PR.1 Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.<br/>a. Execute effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in performance (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, physical movement).<br/>b. Participate in a variety of acting exercises and techniques that can be applied in a rehearsal or theatre performance.<br/>c. Engage in various performance styles.
- TA7.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Select a variety of technical elements that can be applied to a theatrical work.<br/>b. Incorporate artistic and technical elements into a theatre performance.
Grade 8 - Creating
- TA8.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Differentiate the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a variety of characters.<br/>b. Compare the relationships and interactions between characters by analyzing character motivation (objectives, obstacles, strategy, action, stakes, outcome).<br/>c. Incorporate dramatic elements through improvisation.<br/>d. Connect theatre vocabulary to the application of theatre performance.<br/>e. Identify and demonstrate both ensemble and leadership skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>f. Evaluate the effectiveness of artistic and technical elements used in a theatre production.<br/>g. Design and create scenery, props, costumes, lighting, and sound.<br/>h. Assume different roles and responsibilities in the rehearsal process.
- TA8.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Classify different points of view in a story.<br/>b. Identify, analyze, and articulate the structure of a script.<br/>c. Utilize improvisation techniques to generate script ideas.<br/>d. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.
Grade 8 - Performing
- TA8.PR.1 Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.<br/>a. Demonstrate the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a character in different types of theatre performances (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, motivation, physical movement).<br/>b. Demonstrate appropriate ensemble skills throughout a performance.<br/>c. Use appropriate listening and response skills during performances.
- TA8.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Incorporate artistic and technical elements into a theatre production.<br/>b. Resolve conflicts in technical applications.
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
- TAHSFT.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Recognize and/or employ realistic and conventional speech patterns within dialogue or dramatic verse.<br/>b. Incorporate dramatic elements through improvisation.<br/>c. Recognize and interpret artistic choices in performance.
- TAHSFT.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Differentiate between dramatic and traditional literary writing and utilize common steps of the playwriting process.<br/>b. Assess the need for script analysis, concept development, and directorial and technical concerns of a theatrical script.<br/>c. Construct and critique elements of dramatic structure, character, and dialogue.<br/>d. Create and perform scenes for audiences.
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
Seventh Grade Present
Eighth Grade Create
Beginning High School Create
Intermediate High School Create
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
- C.1.F demonstrate a working knowledge of the language of theatre such as stage terminology, elements of theatre, or theatrical conventions.
- C.1.H define the roles of and appreciate the collaborative relationships between all artistic partners such as playwrights, composers, directors, actors, designers, technicians, and audience.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production
- C.3.C analyze characters, themes, duties, and elements of a script to determine artistic roles and technical assignments.
- C.3.D perform a role such as actor, director, designer, technician, or editor in production decision making and collaborate with others to tell a story through live theatre or media performance.
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
- C.3.D perform a role such as actor, director, designer, technician, or editor in production decision making and collaborate with others to tell a story through live theatre or media performance.
- C.3.E perform the role of actor, director, or technician, demonstrating responsibility, artistic discipline, and creative problem solving.
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: production
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Costume
Acting Drama 20
Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late drama)
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Properties
Playwriting - Drama 20
Directing - Drama 30
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Orientation
- focus concentration on one task at a time
- generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
- listen effectively
- offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
- share ideas confidently with others
- show awareness of story sequence
- support positively the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
Junior Goal I Objectives
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
Senior Goal I Objectives
Senior Goal II Objectives
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 8 - Creating and Presenting
- B1.1 engage actively in drama exploration and role play, with a focus on examining multiple perspectives and possible outcomes related to complex issues, themes, and relationships from a wide variety of sources and diverse communities
- B1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama by selecting and manipulating multiple elements and conventions to create and enhance a variety of drama works and shared drama experiences
- B1.3 plan and shape the direction of the drama by negotiating ideas and perspectives with others, both in and out of role
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
- C.1.2 demonstrate an understanding of and use correct terminology to refer to the forms, elements, conventions, and techniques of drama, with a focus on ensemble drama works (e.g., chorus, protagonist, ingénue, supporting role, act, scene, climax, resolution, improvisation, mask, freeze-frame image)
- C.1.3 demonstrate an understanding of production roles, practices, and terminology when planning and presenting drama works (e.g., set design, costume design, lighting plot, light cue sheet, sound cue sheet, prompt book, set sketch, set model)
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)
- A.3.3 use a variety of technological tools (e.g., light, sound, set design, props, models) to enhance the impact of drama works
Grade 11 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grade Six
Grade Seven
Grade Seven
- 7.12 The student will develop physical and vocal technique for theatre performance.
- 7.13 The student will explain techniques and skills for actor preparation, including concentration, discipline, preparation, and imagination for theatrical performance.
- 7.15 The student will identify functions, skills, and responsibilities of the creative team and production staff.
Grade Eight
Grade Eight
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
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