Teaching Theatre with Divergent Students and Class Sizes in Mind

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6

TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7

TH:Cr1.1.7.a - Investigate multiple perspectives and solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8

TH:Cr1.1.8.a - Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a drama/ theatre work.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7

TH:Cr2.1.7.b - Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8

TH:Cr2.1.8.b - Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished

TH:Cr2.1.HSII.b - Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7

TH:Cr3.1.7.a - Demonstrate focus and concentration in the rehearsal process to analyze and refine choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7

TH:Pr6.1.7.a - Participate in rehearsals for a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8

TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.

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

6.TH:Cr1.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.

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

7.TH:Cr1.a - Investigate multiple perspectives and solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.

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

8.TH:Cr1.a - Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a drama/ theatre work.

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

7.TH:Cr2.b - Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

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

8.TH:Cr2.b - Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

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

Acc.TH:Cr2.b - Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.

7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.

7.TH:Cr3.a - Demonstrate focus and concentration in the rehearsal process to analyze and refine choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.

7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.

67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.

8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.

8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.

Sixth Grade

DT.6.1.1.a - Students Can: Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.

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.7.1.4.a - Students Can: Demonstrate focus and concentration in the rehearsal process to analyze and refine choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.

DT.7.2.4.a - Students Can: Participate in rehearsals for a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.

Eighth Grade

DT.8.1.1.a - Students Can: Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a drama/theatre work.

DT.8.1.2.b - Students Can: Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

DT.8.2.4.a - Students Can: Perform/present a rehearsed/designed drama/theatre work for an audience.

High School - Advanced Pathway

DT.H2.1.3.a - Students Can: Choose and interpret a drama/theatre work to connect and question beliefs.

High School - Professional Pathway

DT.H3.1.2.b - Students Can: Collaborate as a creative team to discover artistic solutions and make interpretive choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.

Speaking and Listening

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 - Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2 - Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.3 - Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

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.2.5 - Analyze the effect of rehearsal sessions and/or strategies on refining skills and techniques by keeping a performance or rehearsal journal/log.

TH.912.C.2.7 - Accept feedback from others, analyze it for validity, and apply suggestions appropriately to future performances or designs.

Skills, Techniques & Processes

TH.912.S.1.1 - Describe the interactive effect of audience members and actors on performances.

TH.912.S.1.3 - Develop criteria that may be applied to the selection and performance of theatrical work.

TH.912.S.1.5 - Write monologues, scenes, and/or short plays using principles and elements of writing found in dramatic literature.

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.
a. Identify artistic choices, utilize theatre vocabulary, and demonstrate non-verbal communication skills in the rehearsal process.
b. Interpret a character’s motivation by understanding the relationship between their background and their behavior.
c. Identify the variety of relationships between characters.
d. Identify, define, and classify character traits.
e. Recognize and demonstrate the roles, responsibilities, and skills associated with collaborative performance.
f. Use resources to identify and create technical elements of theatre.

Grade 6 - Responding

TA6.RE.1 - Engage actively and appropriately as an audience member.
a. Identify the role of the audience in different environments.
b. Analyze the relationship between an audience and a performer.
c. Create guidelines for behaviors appropriate to a theatre experience.
d. Model appropriate audience behaviors.

Grade 7 - Creating

TA7.CR.1 - Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.
a. Identify and rehearse effective communication skills.
b. Compare and contrast character types and relationships by analyzing character motivations, objectives, and goals.
c. Compare the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a character.
d. Investigate the role and responsibility of the cast and crew.
e. Identify and model ensemble skills in the rehearsal process.
f. Utilize staging and blocking choices to enhance the performance.
g. Compare, contrast, and design elements of technical theatre.
h. Utilize theatre vocabulary throughout the rehearsal process.

Grade 7 - Performing

TA7.PR.1 - Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.
a. Execute effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in performance (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, physical movement).
b. Participate in a variety of acting exercises and techniques that can be applied in a rehearsal or theatre performance.
c. Engage in various performance styles.

Grade 7 - Responding

TA7.RE.1 - Engage actively and appropriately as an audience member.
a. Assess the role and responsibility of the audience as an integral part of theatre performances.
b. Summarize the relationship between the audience and performers.
c. Predict how audience relationships will differ with venue and performance type.
d. Demonstrate appropriate audience behaviors.

Grade 8 - Performing

TA8.PR.1 - Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.
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).
b. Demonstrate appropriate ensemble skills throughout a performance.
c. Use appropriate listening and response skills during performances.

Grade 8 - Responding

TA8.RE.1 - Engage actively and appropriately as an audience member.
a. Evaluate the role and responsibility of the audience as an integral part of media productions.
b. Articulate why the relationships between the audience and performers is critical to the success of theatre productions.
c. Examine the differing audience relationships (e.g. various venues, performance styles).
d. Demonstrate appropriate audience behaviors.

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

TAHSA.CR.2 - Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.
a. Examine theatre practices regarding the development, structure, layout, and format of scripts.
b. Use improvisation, personal experiences, heritage, imagination, literature, and history to develop scripts.
c. Perform formal and informal monologues and scenes based on published and original scripts.

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 - Responding

TAHSA.RE.1 - Engage actively and appropriately as an audience member.
a. Examine and reflect on the relationship between actor and live audience in historical and contemporary performances.

Beginning High School Create

B.CR.1.1 - Devise a variety of scenarios and scenes through improvised and scripted activities.

B.CR.2.1 - Adapt theatrical works using personal experiences through a collaborative process.

Intermediate High School Present

I.PR.2.1 - Develop scenes for formal or informal presentations.

Accomplished High School Create

AC.CR.1.1 - Improvise a variety of extended scenes or performance pieces reflecting specific situations, styles, or genres.

Accomplished High School Respond

AC.RE.1.1 - Analyze the impact of historical and cultural context on written and presented theatrical works.

Advanced High School Create

AD.CR.1.2 - Create a variety of extended scenes or plays inspired by various time periods or cultures.

Advanced High School Present

AD.PR.2.1 - Develop contrasting theatrical works for diverse genres, audiences, auditions, or productions.

AD.PR.2.4 - Adapt staging and direction for various stage configurations.

Beginning High School Standards - Communication

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.

Intermediate High School Standards - Communication

I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.

Proficient High School Standards - Communication

P.C.2.1 - Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization, to create extended scenes.

Proficient High School Standards - Analysis

P.A.1.2 - Distinguish the evolution of written texts to theatrical performances.

Advanced High School Standards - Communication

A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.

Advanced High School Standards - Culture

A.CU.2.2 - Integrate conventions and structures of theatre when creating formal or informal theatre productions.

MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response

C.5.A - identify and apply audience etiquette at all performances.

MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

B.1.B - explore preparation and warm-up techniques.

B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.

MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response

B.5.A - understand and demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette at various types of live performances.

HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response

C.5.A - analyze and apply appropriate behavior at various types of live performances.

C.5.C - offer and receive constructive criticism of peer performances.

HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance

C.2.B - explore creativity as it relates to self and ensemble.

HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.

HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance

C.2.B - demonstrate creativity as it relates to self and ensemble and its effect on audience.

C.2.D - interpret scripted scenes of various styles to portray believable characters.

Improvisation Drama 10

1 - use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind

10 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal methods

32 - sustain a character throughout a scene or exercise

9 - use appropriate stage directions

Acting Drama 20

1 - analyze a script for explicit character clues

Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced

30 - analyze text for meaning and character development

32 - rehearse, polish and present text

Junior Goal II Objectives

become familiar with dramatic terminology and script format

Junior Goal III Objectives

develop awareness of drama and theatre presentations as possible

develop awareness of various conventions of theatre

develop recognition of and respect for excellence in drama and theatre

develop the ability to analyze and assess the process and the art

Junior Orientation

demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks

focus concentration on one task at a time

generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems

listen effectively

meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments

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 positivity 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

1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind

7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses

8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines

Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate

21 - sustain a character throughout an exercise or scene

Junior Goal I Objectives

develop a positive self-image

develop a sense of responsibility and commitment

develop self-confidence

develop self-discipline

develop the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines

develop the ability to interact effectively and constructively in a group process

develop the ability to offer and accept constructive criticism

extend the ability to understand, accept and respect others- their rights, ideas, abilities and differences

strengthen powers of concentration

Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)

7 - define the elements of script, dialogue, directions, characters and settings

8 - demonstrate understanding of directions used in a script

Senior Goal I Objectives

demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process

develop a positive and realistic self-image

extend the ability to concentrate

increase self-confidence

increase self-discipline

Senior Goal III Objectives

explore various conventions and traditions of theatre

Orientation Drama 10

concentrate on the task at hand

cope with success and failure in positive ways

demonstrate effective use and management of time

demonstrate willingness to challenge and extend oneself: physically, emotionally, intellectually and artistically

display consideration and respect for self and others

listen to self and others

positively support the work of others

share ideas confidently

solve problems imaginatively and creatively

GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating

Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation, and purposeful play

GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting

Develop and refine ideas, processes, and technical skills in a variety of art forms to improve the quality of artistic creations

GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting

Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts

Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences

GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting

Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts

Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences

GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting

Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences

GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating

Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning

GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting

Receive, offer, and apply constructive feedback

GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding

Reflect on creative processes to make connections to personal learning and experiences

GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create

Create dramatic works with an intended audience in mind

Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies

GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect

Apply feedback to develop and refine ideas

GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand

Demonstrate respect for self, others, and the audience

GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create

Create dramatic works for an intended audience

GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect

Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience

Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas

GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand

Demonstrate personal and social responsibility associated with creating, performing, and responding to dramatic works

GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create

Develop dramatic works for an intended audience

GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect

Describe, analyze, and evaluate ways in which props, technologies, and environments are used in drama, using discipline-specific language

Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas

GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand

Demonstrate respect for self, others, and audience

Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices

C.3.1 - identify and follow safe and ethical practices in drama activities (e.g., exhibit safe use of sound and lighting boards; follow procedures for the environmentally responsible use of materials and energy; prepare an individual or group seminar report on the nature and purpose of one or more of the following: copyright protection, royalties, public domain, intellectual property rights)

C.3.2 - identify and apply the skills and attitudes needed to perform various tasks and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., use active listening and cooperative problem-solving skills; practise punctuality; use tact in suggesting changes and improvements; demonstrate willingness to accept criticism and build consensus)

C.3.3 - demonstrate an understanding of theatre and audience etiquette, in both classroom and formal performance contexts (e.g., as a performer: show willingness to take direction and behave appropriately towards other actors; as a viewer: demonstrate respect for performers and other audience members by paying attention, not interrupting or talking, and applauding when appropriate)

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)

Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom

B.3.1 - identify and describe skills, attitudes, and strategies they used in collaborative drama activities (e.g., brainstorming, active listening, and cooperative problem-solving skills; strategies for sharing responsibility through collaborative team roles)