Teaching Theatre with Divergent Students and Class Sizes in Mind
Created by Steven Stack
Have you ever wondered how in the world you can have a successful theatre classroom with so many variables that you have absolutely no control over? The two biggest ones being the size of your class and the students that you’re in charge of turning into some truly talented theatre geeks. This course by Steven Stack explores that wonderful and often ridiculous world of theatre classrooms while giving you the tools for you and your students to not only succeed but to flourish as well.
Lessons will include how to make any size class the Goldilocks class as in "just right", defining and working with all types of students you may encounter in your classroom, the seven must-haves of any theatre class, and the importance of structure in the theatre classroom by providing a guideline for setting up your day-to-day class time.
The course also provides tons of ideas, games and activities that you can use instantly in your classroom. So, if you’re a first-time theatre teacher or one just looking for new ideas, this is the course for you.
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1Lesson 1Introduction7:17 FREE PREVIEWThis lesson introduces the course, the instructor, and discusses the power that a theatre class possesses and also provides what to expect, look at upcoming class topics.
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2Lesson 2Seven Must-Haves for the Classroom25:24 FREE PREVIEWThis lesson discusses the seven must-haves for the theatre classroom.
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3Lesson 3Class Size36:26 LockedThis lesson explores how to make whatever class size you have, "just right".
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4Lesson 4Types of Students23:25 LockedThis lesson looks at the most important and complex aspect of the classroom – the students themselves.
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5Lesson 5Day-to-Day Theatre Class8:44 LockedThis lesson looks at what a day-to-day theatre class could look like, including items to include that will improve your students not only in class, on stage, but also in life.
Standards Addressed
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.68.C.1.4 Create and present a design, production concept, or performance and defend artistic choices.
- 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.
- 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.
Historical & Global Connections
Organizational Structure
- TH.68.O.2.4 Perform a scene or pantomime to demonstrate understanding of blocking and stage movement.
- 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.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.2.4 Memorize and present a character's lines from a monologue or scene.
- TH.68.S.3.3 Lead rehearsals of improvised and scripted scenes, communicating with cast and crew to create appropriate characterization and dramatic environments.
- 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.
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