Facebook Pixel
Drama Teacher Academy Theatrefolk - The Drama Teacher Resource Company
Sign in Sign up Search
Click to Join the DTA for Instant Access

Acting

209 Lesson Plans to help you effectively plan your workshops and classes

A Cross-Curricular Performance Challenge

by Kerry Hishon

To use theatrical techniques to present a short lesson from another class in a creative and entertaining way. The lessons and methods of presentation are only limited by the students’ imaginations.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Abstract Scene Performance Unit

Abstract Scene Performances

by Annie Dragoo

Students will perform their abstract scenes for classes who have been invited to observe.
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation Unit

Accept the Offer

by Karen Loftus

Students apply this guidelines through the games “Yes and…” “Yes Let’s,” and Low Risk Experts.
Attachments
# Acting # improv # acting
Join now for instant access

Acting Techniques: A Method Exercise

by Lindsay Price

There are a number of different acting techniques: Method, Stanislavski, Viewpoints, Meisner, Viola Spolin. Use this lesson plan as an introduction to a specific technique. Instead of learning by lecture, have students learn by doing. The Relaxation Exercise encourages students to focus on relaxing the body part by part. The Animal Exercise encourages students to observe an animal, take on the characteristics of an animal and reflect on how animal exploration would be helpful in character development.
# Technique # Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Acting the Monologue: Sugar and Salt

by Lindsay Price

This is a great exercise when students are in the middle of preparing a monologue. Students will apply variety to a monologue in the following ways: - Variety of pace (choosing a line to slow down or a place to pause) - Variety of tone (choosing a line to deliver with an opposite tone) Includes two sample monologues.
# Acting # acting # monologue
Join now for instant access

Part of The Actor in Transition: From Presentational to Three-Dimensional Unit

Acting the Other and Intensifying the Tactics

by John Minigan

This lesson includes a series of improv games to focus students on “the other” rather than “the self,” on listening, on sharing their energy with scene partners, and on collaboration in acting.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Musical Theatre Unit

Acting the Song - Musical Tactics

by Anna Porter

Students will understand how they can identify and create their own musical tactics and interpretation of a song by breaking down its music and lyrics. Students will build upon/review their understanding of basic music terminology and apply it to performance.
Attachments
# Acting # Musical Theatre # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Musical Theatre Unit

Acting the Song - Textual Analysis

by Anna Porter

Students will understand how to analyze a song to find meaning, objective, and tactics through textual analysis.
Attachments
# Acting # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Acting vs. Performing a Song

by Annie Dragoo

In musicals, it is important to remember that acting does not stop when the music begins. In this lesson, students will learn to find meaning behind the lyrics of a song so that they can convey the character’s feelings while performing.
# Acting # Musical Theatre # acting # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

After the Audition

by Lindsay Price

How did students feel about their audition? Did they get a part? What is their response if they didn’t? This wrap up lesson allows students to unpack their experience with this unit and participate in a final reflection. This is not a full class lesson.
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of The Actor in Transition: From Presentational to Three-Dimensional Unit

An Organic Approach to Objective, Obstacle, Action/Tactic

by Rachel Atkins

This lesson introduces the idea of “Objective/Goal, Obstacle, and Action/Tactic” as a powerful building block for actors and to introduce the concept of working with verbs as tactics.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologue Writing Made Easy Unit

Analyzing Monologues

by Matthew Banaszynski

Students will plot out the steps of the story mountain by using existing monologues.
Attachments
# Playwriting # Acting # monologue # playwriting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Analyzing the Play and Given Circumstances

by Drama Teacher Academy

This lesson marks the shift from working on exercises to working directly on the scenes. Students will revisit their scenes and do some preliminary analysis about the plot, style, and main ideas of the plays these scenes come from. They will learn about given circumstances and their importance. Students will complete a character analysis in order to give them information about the given circumstances of their character to use in scene work.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Virtual Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Analyzing the Play and Given Circumstances

by Drama Teacher Academy

This lesson marks the shift from working on exercises to working directly on the scenes. Students will revisit their scenes and do some preliminary analysis about the plot, style, and main ideas of the plays these scenes come from. They will learn about given circumstances and their importance. Students will complete a character analysis in order to give them information about the given circumstances of their character to use in scene work.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Appetite

by Todd Espeland

This lesson introduces the second tool: appetite. An appetite is a primal need that drives a character in a scene.
Attachments
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Script Analysis: The Actor's Perspective Unit

Applying Analysis to Performance

by Karen Loftus

Students continue their exploration of script analysis by applying objective, obstacles, tactics, and stakes within an open scene. They learn that they must apply their script analysis to their performance.
Attachments
# Acting # Analysis # acting # analysis
Join now for instant access

Part of Voice Unit

Articulation

by Karen Loftus

Students learn about the articulators and use them with tongue twisters and additional exercises.
Attachments
# Acting # voice # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Voice Unit

Articulation

by Anna Porter

Students will learn the importance of articulation, how to identify the articulators in their mouth, and how to use good articulation when speaking.
Attachments
# Acting # voice # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

Audition Etiquette

by Lindsay Price

Students will continue their journey toward the Mock Audition by exploring audition etiquette. How can an actor’s attitude and behaviour affect an audition?
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Beats and Action Words

by Lindsay Price

This unit now moves into the second phase of the rehearsal process: staging. Students will start by taking their script analysis work with beats and action words and apply it to their scenes through exploratory movement.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Becoming a Professional Actor: Getting Started

by Lindsay Price

Many students dream about becoming a professional actor. But what are the steps? How do you start? It’s not as simple as saying “I want to be an actor.” Students will move beyond this vague statement to research and present specific aspects of starting an acting career.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Becoming a Professional Actor: Headshots

by Lindsay Price

Many students dream about becoming a professional actor. The headshot is one of the most important calling cards of the professional actor. A bad headshot can get an actor rejected before they step through the door. Students will complete exercises that respond to the question What makes a good Headshot?
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

Becoming a Professional Actor: Headshots

by Lindsay Price

While the Mock Audition does not require students to bring in a headshot, it is an essential document in the “real world” audition process. A good headshot will help a director remember an actor. A bad headshot can get an actor rejected before they step through the door. Students will complete exercises that respond to the question What makes a good headshot?
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Blocking Brainstorm

by Lindsay Price

In this lesson, students will get on their feet and apply what they have learned through analysis in a blocking brainstorm.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Body Language

by Anna Porter

Students will explore body language by examining the art of flirting. Body language is further examined and explored through a living museum, as well as frozen scenarios that students will create.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of The Autobiographical Monologue Unit

Brainstorming for an Autobiographical Monologue

by Gai Jones

This is a brainstorming-through-exercises lesson to give students the opportunity to explore possible personal inspirations for their autobiographical monologue.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

British Panto Project

by Lea Marshall

Students will evaluate the unique elements included in British Holiday Pantomimes, write their own short plays in this specific and fun style, and then perform. This is a light lesson for the holiday season or the end of the semester after any major culminating project. It allows students to work on a form of theatre they may not be familiar with, it gives you a chance to observe student demonstration of ensemble skills, and it’s fun!
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime
Join now for instant access

Can You Hear Me Now? A Peer-Led Volume Exercise

by Kerry Hishon

The objective of this lesson is twofold: first, for students have the opportunity to perform individually onstage to practice volume, diction, and enunciation while speaking, and receive feedback from their peers on those elements. Second, students will then observe others’ performances and give feedback to their peers. Two challenges in one lesson!
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Foundations of Acting Unit

Character History

by Annie Dragoo

During this lesson, students are challenged to devise interesting characters by creating a character history and then using that information in a character improv. This exercise will allow students to practice a portion of the necessary work to build a multi-dimensional character.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Character Personality

by Todd Espeland

In this lesson students will start to physicalize Commedia characters by introducing the Character Zero concept, the Character Hop, and the poses of Arlecchino.
Attachments
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Character Physicalization, Part 1

by Lindsay Price

In this lesson, students will explore their character’s physicality. These exercises don’t require any assigned blocking, and students only have to memorize one line.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Character Physicalization, Part 2

by Lindsay Price

Students will revisit character physicality choices and solidify that they are a part of their staging. Additionally, there is an exercise to further explore character physicality.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Character Walks

by Todd Espeland

In this lesson, students will see a demonstration of two character walks and practice those walks.
Attachments
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Character Walks: Part Two

by Todd Espeland

In this lesson, students will see a demonstration of three character walks and practice those walks.
Attachments
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Mask Unit

Character Zero

by Allison Williams

In this lesson, students will learn what a character zero is, how to use the body to create a character zero, how to physically commit to that body before moving, and how to make bigger choices in their character zero and in their movement.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Script Analysis: The Actor's Perspective Unit

Characters in a Scene

by Karen Loftus

Students continue their exploration with script analysis by learning about objective, obstacle, stakes, and tactics and applying it to an exercise.
Attachments
# Acting # Analysis # analysis # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

Choosing a Monologue

by Lindsay Price

Students will continue their journey toward the Mock Audition by exploring what goes into choosing an appropriate audition monologue. This lesson takes 2 class periods.
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of The Autobiographical Monologue Unit

Comic and Serious Perspectives

by Gai Jones

In this lesson, students will experiment with thinking from a comic and a serious perspective, which might offer possibilities for their original monologue.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Commedia Characters

by Todd Espeland

This lesson focuses on the characters of Commedia including who they are, what they’re like and places that we can see them in modern society.
Attachments
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Virtual Acting for the Camera Unit

Commercials

by Ruthie Tutterow

Students will act in and direct a commercial. They will break down a script into shots to “cover” the script. They will also format a script into video and audio. Actors will need to hit marks, make a point concisely, and hit the time format of the commercial. They should use the acting techniques for film as much as possible. Students will also need to think creatively to work in socially distant circumstances.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Acting for the Camera Unit

Commercials

by Ruthie Tutterow

Students will act in and direct a commercial. They will break a script down into shots to “cover” the script. They will also format a script into video and audio. Actors will need to hit marks, make a point concisely, and hit the time format of the commercial. They should also use the acting techniques for film as much as possible.
Attachments
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Tools of Scene Work Unit

Contentless Scene - Preview Day

by Anna Porter

Students review what they have studied in this unit as well as how to give and use constructive feedback. Students will pair up with another scene group, then perform for each other. Students will use the Preview Worksheet to help guide and assess their previews and critiques.
Attachments
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Defining Pantomime

by Angel Borths

To define pantomime, build a working class definition then introduce the pantomime concept through class games.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Details of Pantomime

by Angel Borths

To recognize the importance of details in pantomime and practice pantomime details.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Virtual Acting for the Camera Unit

Differences Between Stage Acting and Film Acting & Vocabulary

by Ruthie Tutterow

Students will be able to identify some of the major differences between acting for the stage and the camera. They will also be able to understand and use vocabulary that is specific to working on film sets and acting for the camera.
Attachments
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Acting for the Camera Unit

Differences Between Stage Acting and Film Acting & Vocabulary

by Ruthie Tutterow

Students will be able to identify some of the major differences between acting for the stage and the camera. They will also be introduced to terms used on film sets and for acting for the camera and be ready to use those terms in upcoming projects.
Attachments
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologue Writing Made Easy Unit

Drafting a Monologue

by Matthew Banaszynski

Using their rough drafts from the starter prompts, students will work in pairs to edit their drafts to make cleaner stories. Students will also map out their drafts on a Story Mountain diagram to make sure that they follow the proper format.
Attachments
# Playwriting # Acting # monologue # playwriting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of The Actor in Transition: From Presentational to Three-Dimensional Unit

Eight-Line Power Plays

by John Minigan

This lesson combines the work done in Lesson 2 (scoring scenes by beats) with the physical work done in Lesson 3 (creating dynamically staged scenes by connecting choices in blocking/staging to the underlying structural elements in a scene).
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Foundations of Acting Unit

Enriching Your Choices

by Annie Dragoo

In this lesson, students will use the act of entering and exiting a scene in character to demonstrate character choice.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Tools of Scene Work Unit

Environmental and Personal Conflict

by Anna Porter

Students will play a drama game and participate in an exercise to explore how conflict affects their active tactics. Students apply conflict to a scene for performance.
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Exaggeration

by Anna Porter

Students will play with exaggerated resistance through a pantomime Tug of War and Object Toss. Students will further explore exaggerated emotion through a mirror exercise with a partner where they will progressively exaggerate an emotion physically. They will demonstrate their understanding of both exaggerated resistance and emotion by performing a short skit based on over the top soccer injuries.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Examining the Pause

by Lindsay Price

Students write a scene with five pauses. Students will rehearse the scene where the length of the pause varies. How does the scene change when longer and longer pauses are implemented?
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Virtual Acting for the Camera Unit

Exercises in Acting for the Camera

by Ruthie Tutterow

Students will watch some of a workshop in acting for the camera and do some exercises that help them practice some of the differences between stage acting and film acting.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Acting for the Camera Unit

Exercises in Acting for the Camera

by Ruthie Tutterow

Students will watch some of a workshop in acting for the camera and do some exercises that help them practice some of the differences between stage acting and film acting.
Attachments
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Exploring Principles of The Method

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will engage in activities to help them further their understanding of the principles of Stanislavski’s Method.
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Virtual Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Exploring Principles of The Method

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will explore and apply some of the principles of Stansislavski’s Method in a virtual environment.
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Exploring Spoken Word Poetry

by Kerry Hishon

The objective of the lesson is for students to create and perform a spoken word poetry piece. Spoken word is poetry that is meant to be performed for an audience, rather than just read on a page. It allows students the opportunity to share their thoughts, and provides a platform for them to do so. It also builds on important performance skills taught in the drama classroom, including memorization and rehearsal, vocal projection, enunciation, tone, gestures and facial expressions, and confidence.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Mask Unit

Exploring the Architecture of the Mask

by Allison Williams

Students will learn how to identify the architecture of a mask—that is to choose specific shapes that they can mimic in their bodies to find a mask character.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Final Assignment

by Todd Espeland

There are two possible assignments for this unit. One that will take a week of class time, including performances and one that can be completed in a class period.
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Tools of Scene Work Unit

Final Performance

by Anna Porter

Students will perform and be evaluated on the contentless scene that they have prepared during the unit.
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Part of Musical Theatre Unit

Final Project

by Anna Porter

This unit includes the opportunity for students to choose and perform a musical theatre piece using the oral techniques and textual analysis that they learned in the lesson.
# Acting # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Mask Unit

Final Project

by Allison Williams

Students will take everything they’ve learned and use it to create an original mask duo scene.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Final Rehearsal

by Lindsay Price

This is it! The final rehearsal before students perform. Students focus on getting those last few lines word perfect, reflect on where they are, and do final run-throughs.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Virtual Acting for the Camera Unit

Finding Your Quality

by Ruthie Tutterow

After discussing the essence and quality of their favorite actors, students will record themselves having a conversation. Then they will transcribe their conversation and perform it as a script. These “scenes” will be recorded. Students will then be assigned to describe the “quality” of a fellow student.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Acting for the Camera Unit

Finding Your Quality

by Ruthie Tutterow

After discussing their favorite actors, students will record themselves having a conversation. Then they will transcribe their conversation and perform it as a script. These “scenes” will be recorded. Students will then be assigned to describe the “quality” of a fellow student.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Gesture

by Karen Loftus

Students discuss and apply the different ways one can communicate through gesture.
Attachments
# Acting # acting # pantomime
Join now for instant access

Part of Script Analysis: The Actor's Perspective Unit

Getting to Know a Character

by Karen Loftus

Students learn the 5 ways we learn about a character in a script.
Attachments
# Acting # Analysis # analysis # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Ground Plans & Stage Directions

by Angel Borths

To learn how ground plans and stage directions can be used for pantomime.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

History of Commedia

by Todd Espeland

This lesson presents the history of Commedia; where it came from and introduces the main characters. It comes with a viewing quiz and reflection.
Attachments
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

How to Practice Cold Reading

by Kerry Hishon

The objective of this lesson is to introduce the concept of cold reading to your students, and provide them with an opportunity to practice and perform cold readings within the classroom.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation in Musical Theatre Unit

Improv for Character Study

by Annie Dragoo

Students will demonstrate ability to develop a character by participating in various improvisation exercises.
# Improvisation # Acting # improv # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation in Musical Theatre Unit

Improv Using Sensory Awareness

by Annie Dragoo

Students will demonstrate sensory awareness by improvising an everyday activity while paying attention to as many sensory details as possible.
# Improvisation # Acting # improv # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation in Musical Theatre Unit

Improv with Movement

by Annie Dragoo

Students will demonstrate ability to improvise movement by participating in a various activities.
# Improvisation # Acting # improv # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation in Musical Theatre Unit

Improv with Vocal Responses

by Annie Dragoo

Students will demonstrate ability to respond vocally by participating in various improvisation activities.
# Improvisation # Acting # improv # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation in Musical Theatre Unit

Improvisation Scenes

by Annie Dragoo

Students will demonstrate ability to use voice, body, and imagination/mind together by planning and performing an improvised scene.
# Improvisation # Acting # improv # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Theatrical Arguments: Pursuing Objectives, Communication, and Conflict Unit

Improvised Arguments

by Rachel Atkins

In this final lesson, students explore two different characters whose opposing points of view or arguments create a conflict. They will identify the objectives or arguments for each character. They will act out a scene between those two characters multiple times, playing both characters. Finally, they will write an argument from one character’s point of view – and support it with evidence.
# Acting # acting # improv
Join now for instant access

Inflection in Naked Scenes

by Marisa Peck

To identify and interpret inflection in a dialogue and be able to translate that into a script. Students work with a partner to interpret inflection in a "naked scene" and translate that inflection adding stage directions to the script. Students have to clarify their stage directions so that another pair can pick up the scene and deliver the intended intention.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Initial Blocking

by Lindsay Price

Students will identify and notate existing blocking for their scenes. They will also walk through each section beat by beat and notate further blocking.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Intention/Invention

by Todd Espeland

This lesson introduces the fourth tool: intention/invention. Intention is what a character wants (it can also be called their need). Invention is the thing they need to invent to get their need.
Attachments
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation in Musical Theatre Unit

Intro to Improv for Musical Theatre

by Annie Dragoo

Students will demonstrate an understanding of improv guidelines by using them in an exercise. This is an introductory improv lesson that is designed to build upon the actors’ tools in future lessons.
# Improvisation # Acting # Musical Theatre # improv # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia Dell'Arte Unit

Introduction

by Karen Loftus

Students begin their exploration of commedia dell’arte with some facts about the era and participate in some exercises that realize the concepts of the era.
Attachments
# Acting # Commedia # commedia # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Tools of Scene Work Unit

Introduction

by Anna Porter

Have students create a situation from a picture and examine the given clues to help fill in the gaps. Next, have students examine the clues in a contentless scene, then fill in the gaps to create their own scenario to perform.
Attachments
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Mask Unit

Introduction and the Running Man

by Allison Williams

Students will be introduced to the unit through the running man exercise. This exercise demonstrates how physically committing to a specific set of actions creates a sense of emotion without the actor having to play the emotion.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of The Autobiographical Monologue Unit

Introduction and Warm-Up Exercises

by Gai Jones

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the objective of the unit (to write an autobiographical monologue), reflect on their thoughts and fears when it comes to the writing process, and engage with exercises that introduce the concept of using personal connection and narrative to create characters.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Musical Theatre Unit

Introduction to Dance

by Anna Porter

Students will understand the importance of endurance, emotion, and commitment in movement when performing. They will also gain an understanding of how to pick up choreography by learning the concepts of routine and anticipation.
Attachments
# Acting # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologue Writing Made Easy Unit

Introduction to Monologue Writing

by Matthew Banaszynski

Students will start the process of writing a monologue by storytelling. They will tell a story based only on what they observe in a picture.
Attachments
# Playwriting # Acting # monologue # playwriting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Introduction to Pantomime

by Anna Porter

Students will warm up using a pantomime interview and a relaxation exercise. Students will go on a pantomime hike and participate in a “pretend you are walking” game at the end of the lesson.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

Introduction to the Audition Process

by Lindsay Price

In order to partake in the audition process, students need to identify and comprehend the necessary steps in that process. What is the auditioning process? Why is it used? Is the process fair? Why or why not? The class ends with students playing director in the “Who Would You Cast?” Exercise.
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

Ira Aldridge: Changing The Story

by Drama Teacher Academy

American actor Ira Aldridge was a pioneer and an activist. He was a celebrated 19th-century Shakespearan actor in England and Europe and one of the first black men to play the role of Othello. In this lesson, students will learn more about his story and about how he changed his story several times throughout his career. Students will reflect on the concept of changing one’s story in the face of adversity. Rubrics are provided.
# Acting # bipoc
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia Dell'Arte Unit

Lazzi

by Karen Loftus

Students learn about different commedia lazzi and create their own.
Attachments
# Acting # Commedia # commedia # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Lazzi

by Todd Espeland

In this lesson, students will be introduced to lazzi. Lazzi are solo comic beats to show off a character and their needs. Students will then create and perform a solo lazzi.
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation Unit

Make Choices/Bring Information

by Karen Loftus

Students learn the word “endow” and apply the concept through the exercise Low Risk Endowment.
Attachments
# Acting # improv # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation Unit

Make Your Partner Look Good

by Karen Loftus

Students apply this guideline through the games Cars, Vans, Buses, Blocking on Purpose, Questions Only and Here Comes Charley.
Attachments
# Acting # improv # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Mask Unit

Mask and Countermask

by Allison Williams

All masks can be played in more than one way, even if there’s a dominant look. In this lesson, students will explore how two physical interpretations paired with each other and opposite to each other become the mask and the countermask—the opposite reaction. They will then apply the qualities of movement to their mask/countermask.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Mask Unit

Mask Scenes

by Allison Williams

Short, simple scenes help the mask actors find character and start responding to each other in the moment as their characters. Students will explore solo, duo, and group scenes in their mask characters.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Memorization Techniques

by Lindsay Price

To apply memorization techniques as part of the goal of a staged scene with specific, dynamic blocking and three-dimensional characters. This lesson will focus on practicing a variety of memorization techniques.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Mid-Unit Assignment

by Todd Espeland

The mid-unit assignment requires students to prepare, rehearse, and memorize a scene using the tools learned in Part One of the unit.
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

Monologue Prep: Audition Set-Up

by Lindsay Price

Students will continue their journey toward the Mock Audition by exploring what they can do to prepare their monologue. They will practice their monologue and talk about dealing with nerves. This is the final lesson before the Mock Audition - you will review the audition procedure with the class and students will sign up for their audition slot.
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

Monologue Prep: Character Profile

by Lindsay Price

After students choose their monologues, the next step is to prepare. More often than not, students think that preparing means learning the lines and throwing in a few moves. When students do this in an audition, it shows. The character is one-dimensional and the movement looks out of place. You want to see three-dimensional characters. You want to see characters brought to life both physically and vocally. In this lesson, students are given time to practice their monologue and start working on the who, what, when, where, and why.
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

Monologue Prep: Vocal Profile

by Lindsay Price

Students will continue their journey toward the Mock Audition by exploring what they can do to prepare their monologue. Once students have completed the Character Profile, have them complete the Physical Profile. This will solidify how the character stands, gestures, and moves.
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

Monologue Prep: Vocal Profile, Slate, and Thank You

by Lindsay Price

Students will continue their journey toward the Mock Audition by exploring what they can do to prepare their monologue. The last profile students complete will be the Vocal Profile. This will solidify how the character communicates orally.
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologue Writing Made Easy Unit

Monologue Writing

by Matthew Banaszynski

Students will start writing their own monologue, using a pre-selected phrase as a starting point.
Attachments
# Playwriting # Acting # monologue # playwriting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologues - Part 2 Unit

Monologue Writing: Character Specific Voice

by Lindsay Price

Students will complete exercises that demonstrate how a character-specific voice results in a better monologue. They will then revise their monologues to apply this knowledge.
Attachments
# Acting # monologue
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologues - Part 2 Unit

Monologue Writing: The Need to Speak

by Lindsay Price

Students will complete exercises that demonstrate how a character’s need to speak results in a better monologue. They will then write a monologue that applies this knowledge.
Attachments
# Acting # monologue
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologue Writing Made Easy Unit

More Minds Are Better Than One

by Matthew Banaszynski

Students will work in groups to turn their previous drafts into completed monologues.
Attachments
# Playwriting # Acting # monologue # playwriting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Foundations of Acting Unit

Objectives and Tactics

by Annie Dragoo

During this lesson, the student will perform open scenes to practice using multiple tactics to achieve the character’s objectives in a scene.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Objects and Consistency

by Anna Porter

Students will explore the details associated with objects through a “Magic Box” activity. Students will then explore the importance of consistency in pantomime by preparing a simple action for performance. They will practice ensemble work and consistency by preparing a group task pantomime, then performing it in synchronized form.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Stage Movement Unit

Onstage Action

by Karen Loftus

After a warm up, student learn about onstage action. They will reflect on the question of how having something “to do” onstage can help overcome stage fright.
Attachments
# Acting # acting # popular
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Pantomime Final Showing

by Angel Borths

To apply knowledge through performance.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Pantomime First Showing

by Angel Borths

To apply knowledge toward a pantomime performance.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Pantomime Fix Day 1

by Angel Borths

To apply feedback and make revisions.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Pantomime Fix Day 2

by Angel Borths

To apply feedback and make revisions.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Pantomime Story and Performance

by Anna Porter

Students will create a simple pantomime story and prepare a pantomime for performance.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Abstract Scene Performance Unit

Peer Review Rehearsal

by Annie Dragoo

In this lesson, students will spend time rehearsing their abstract scenes. They will have an opportunity to both perform for their peers and to evaluate another group’s abstract scene using the performance rubric.
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Performance and Evaluation

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of everything they have learned through scene performance. They will watch the scenes afterward to self-evaluate. An optional quiz is provided.
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Virtual Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Performance and Evaluation

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of everything they have learned through scene performance. They will watch the scenes afterward to self-evaluate. An optional quiz is provided.
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologue Writing Made Easy Unit

Performing a Monologue

by Matthew Banaszynski

Students will perform their monologues in front of the class and reflect on the process.
Attachments
# Playwriting # Acting # monologue # playwriting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Performing the Scene

by Lindsay Price

Students perform their scenes and complete a Post-Performance Reflection.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Theatrical Arguments: Pursuing Objectives, Communication, and Conflict Unit

Persuasive Actions & Objectives

by Rachel Atkins

In this lesson, students explore character objectives: They will use facial expression and physical gestures to make statues of different actions that characters might take to get what they want. Students will work with a partner to create tableaux (frozen stage pictures) to show a specific action and response. They will write an argument in which they identify a specific action – and then support that claim with evidence from the statues and tableaux.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Theatrical Arguments: Pursuing Objectives, Communication, and Conflict Unit

Persuasive Actions With Vocal Expression

by Rachel Atkins

In this lesson, students explore word choice, emotion, and vocal expression in communication. They will select an objective or argument and actions to support it. They will write lines of dialogue to match different actions. They will choose an emotion that correspond with the line and action, and practice speaking their lines with emotion and vocal expression. Finally, they will write an argument explaining how a line expresses a specific action – and support it with evidence.
# Acting # acting # voice
Join now for instant access

Play in a Week

by Steven Stack

In this student driven activity, students will work together to put up a short one act play from audition to production within a one week time limit. The purpose of the activity is to show students, quickly, how important it is to work together, to collaborate, and to negotiate as a group. This is also a good activity to apply responsibility. The students themselves are responsible for all aspects of this activity - you should only take on an advisory role. Give feedback when asked but don’t act as a director or make decisions for your students. The point is not a “perfect” production but to give students an activity where they must work together in order to succeed. The process is more important than the product.
# Group Activities # Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Posture and Characterization

by Anna Porter

Students will explore characterization by examining posture and playing a version of Musical Chairs with “proper” posture. Students will also explore specific character physicality by playing a relay game where they must take on and then pass along the physical characterization of specific characters.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of The Actor in Transition: From Presentational to Three-Dimensional Unit

Power Plays in Three Statues

by John Minigan

This lesson incorporates physicality into stage relationships and learn to use stage position as an element of blocking that can show the dynamics of and changes in power in a scene.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Alexander Technique Unit

Practical Uses of the Alexander Technique

by Ruthie Tutterow

Students will go over some practical uses of the Alexander Technique. They will be asked to demonstrate an everyday activity to show their understanding of how to incorporate Alexander principles into their movements.
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Preparing a Scene

by Lindsay Price

What tools do students need to properly prepare a scene? What exercises? This multi-class lesson plan models and practices those tools and exercises with the full class before they have to take on a scene for assessment.
# Character Development # Acting # acting # character development
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologues - Part 2 Unit

Project: Performing Monologues

by Matt Webster

For this culminating project, students will perform their original monologue from the previous lesson.
Attachments
# Acting # monologue
Join now for instant access

Part of Voice Unit

Puppet Project

by Anna Porter

Students will create a character and design a puppet for performance.
Attachments
# Acting # voice # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Purposeful Action

by Lindsay Price

In their rehearsal today, students will review their blocking choices with a specific objective of making every action in the scene purposeful and theatrical through character wants, audience connection, and vocal clarity.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Real World Applications: Swings, Standbys, and Understudies

by Lindsay Price

In this real world application lesson students view videos of a theatre profession, complete viewing quizzes, and hand in a Reflection.
# Acting # Comprehension # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Rehearsal

by Lindsay Price

This lesson is a straight up rehearsal period. Students will have 30 minutes to rehearse and decide on a section they’re going to show the class. They will perform their section without scripts.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Abstract Scene Performance Unit

Rehearsal and Movement Practice

by Annie Dragoo

In this lesson, students will spend time rehearsing their abstract scenes. They will also practice and demonstrate movement skills such as facial expression, posture, gesture control, and balance.
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Rehearsal Day 1

by Angel Borths

To apply knowledge toward a pantomime performance.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Rehearsal Day 2

by Angel Borths

To apply knowledge toward a pantomime performance.
Attachments
# Acting # pantomime # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Rehearsals

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will put into action the Stanislavski principles, superobjective, and scene scores as they rehearse their scenes for performance. In these classes students will work through planning, blocking, specific details, a line check, and a final runthrough before the performance.
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Virtual Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Rehearsals

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will put into action the Stanislavski principles, superobjective, and scene scores as they rehearse their scenes for performance. In these classes students will work through planning, blocking, specific details, a line check, and a final runthrough before the performance.
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation Unit

Relax, Have Fun and Don’t Force the Humour

by Karen Loftus

Students discuss what it means to not “force” the humour. They play all the games from the unit in a high risk setting, as volunteers in front of the class.
Attachments
# Acting # improv # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Removing Actor-Driven Movement

by Lindsay Price

In this rehearsal, students will share their scenes with another group with the specific focus of examining it for actor-driven movement rather than character-driven movement: shuffling their weight back and forth between their feet, playing with their hair, vaguely gesturing with their hands, etc.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Voice Unit

Resonance

by Karen Loftus

Students learn about the resonators and use them in an exercise.
Attachments
# Acting # voice # acting
Join now for instant access

Rock Paper Scissors Status

by Karen Loftus

In this exercise, students will learn about the concept of status and how it affects character interactions. Using the good old system of “Rock, papers, scissors”, they’ll determine who moves up and down the status ladder.
# Acting # acting # character development
Join now for instant access

Same Lines, Different Meanings

by Kerry Hishon

The objective of this lesson is for students to explore different ways of analyzing text, to make their character’s lines rich and full of emotion and meaning. This lesson provides three exploratory exercises (which can be used individually as desired) as well as a culminating assignment.
# Acting # acting # character development
Join now for instant access

Part of The Actor in Transition: From Presentational to Three-Dimensional Unit

Scores and Beats

by John Minigan

This lesson introduces the idea of “Objective/Goal, Obstacle, and Action/Tactic” to simple scenes by scoring those scenes and playing the scored text.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Scoring the Script and Actions

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will get more instruction in scoring their scene. They will first define a super objective for their character, then break down the scene into beats. They will learn about defining those beats with compelling active verbs which should translate into strong actions and interesting acting choices in rehearsal.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Virtual Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Scoring the Script and Actions

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will get more instruction in scoring their scene. They will first define a super objective for their character, then break down the scene into beats. They will learn about defining those beats with compelling active verbs which should translate into strong actions and interesting acting choices in rehearsal.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Script Analysis: Close Reading

by Lindsay Price

Students will do a close reading of the text, multiple times, to mine for as much information as possible. At the end of each read, students identify possible staging idea for their character and for the plot.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Script Analysis: Scoring

by Lindsay Price

The last script analysis step is scoring. To score a scene means to divide the dialogue into beats and then add action words for each beat. Scoring gives students another avenue for exploratory blocking.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Script Analysis: The Basics

by Lindsay Price

Students will begin their staging journey by compiling the basics of the scene. They will read the scene and identify some general knowledge that will help them in the rehearsal process.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Tools of Scene Work Unit

Show and Tell Characterization

by Anna Porter

Students will use “Show and Tell” to create a detailed background for their contentless scene character and improvise a personal interview with that character.
Attachments
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Six-Second Scenes

by Kerry Hishon

Can you tell a great story in six minutes? How about in six seconds? You definitely can. Prior to TikTok, there was Vine—a short-form video hosting app where users created and shared six-second-long looping videos. Even within the limit of six seconds, creators were able to make fascinating and funny content to entertain and educate their viewers. The following lesson challenges students to make a scene and tell a story in only six seconds. They have to make quick, precise decisions and get to the point right away. And, of course, they have tobe clear and easily understood by the audience. Your students can choose to either create and perform a live six-second scene or create, film, and edit a six-second video.
Attachments
# Acting # scene work # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Tools of Scene Work Unit

Stage Business

by Anna Porter

Students will participate in an observation activity and play “What Are You Doing?” to explore how stage business affects performance. In this lesson, you will coach students through a scene with stage business, then they will apply stage business to their own performances.
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Part of Stage Movement Unit

Stage Directions

by Karen Loftus

Students identify the stage directions and actor needs to know onstage and the necessary shorthand notation for each. They then apply their knowledge in an exercise and exit slip.
Attachments
# Acting # acting # popular
Join now for instant access

Part of Scene Staging Unit

Stage Pictures

by Lindsay Price

In this lesson, students explore a variety of ways to create dynamic staging pictures when blocking a scene. They will discuss the results and reflect on whether or not what they’ve learned should be added to their blocking.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Stanislavski and "The Method"

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will be introduced to the history and background of Stanislavski, the Method of Physical Action and why he developed the method as a way of playing a character. Moving on, students will be introduced to the principles and techniques of the method. Students will also receive the scene they will work on for the entire unit.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Virtual Introduction to Stanislavski Unit

Stanislavski and "The Method"

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will be introduced to the history and background of Stanislavski, the Method of Physical Action and why he developed the method as a way of playing a character. Moving on, students will be introduced to the principles and techniques of the method. Students will also receive the scene they will work on for the entire unit.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Status

by Todd Espeland

This lesson introduces the first tool: status. Students will physically perform high and low status through status walks.
Attachments
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Status and Swing in Character

by Todd Espeland

In this lesson, students apply previously learned comedy elements of status and swing to Commedia characters.
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Status Games

by Todd Espeland

In this lesson students further explore status and using status to communicate physically through a variety of games. Students are also introduced to the game “Do It Get It Done” which will be re-visited throughout the unit.
Attachments
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia Dell'Arte Unit

Stock Character Walks

by Karen Loftus

Students continue their exploration of commedia dell’arte by practicing the specific character walks of Arlecchino, Pantalone, and Capitano.
Attachments
# Acting # Commedia # commedia # acting
Join now for instant access

Subtext: What’s hiding underneath?

by Lindsay Price

Students will discuss and participate in exercises that apply subtext in a conversation. The assignment for the lesson is a one minute scene - two people at a restaurant, preparing to order. Each pair chooses one of the provided subtexts to play in the scene. Their job is to present the scene so that the subtext is clear. Includes two assessment rubrics.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia dell'Arte Unit

Swing

by Todd Espeland

be important later on when it comes to applying the Commedia Dell’arte style to characters and lazzi. This lesson introduces the third tool: swing. Swing is the idea that a comedic character can move between two emotions, or two needs,immediately.
Attachments
# Acting # commedia
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Tableau

by Karen Loftus

Students continue exploring nonverbal communication through tableaux.
Attachments
# Acting # acting # pantomime
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation Unit

Take the Active Choice

by Karen Loftus

Students discuss what it means to take the active choice and apply the concept in Quiet Scenes.
Attachments
# Acting # improv # acting
Join now for instant access

The Acting Resume

by Todd Espeland

What should go on and what should stay off of an acting resume? What is an auditioner looking for? Students will discuss the purpose of an acting resume, review a model, create their own and reflect on the process.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

The Acting Resume

by Todd Espeland

An actor needs two documents when they audition for a role: a resume and a headshot. What should go on an acting resume and what should stay off of it? What is an auditioner looking for? Students will discuss the purpose of an acting resume, review a model, and reflect on the process. Students will use this template when they create a resume for their mock audition.
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Foundations of Acting Unit

The Actor and the Stage

by Annie Dragoo

In this lesson, students have an opportunity to explore all the different areas of the stage and the positions which an actor uses to command attention.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Foundations of Acting Unit

The Actor's Voice

by Annie Dragoo

In this lesson, students have an opportunity to practice vocal expression by reciting nursery rhymes with three different vocal varieties. They will receive instant feedback from their peers and teacher.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

The Audition Slate

by Annie Dragoo

Making a first impression is the most important part of an audition. By learning to slate with confidence, students will learn how to introduce themselves in an musical theatre audition.
# Acting # audition
Join now for instant access

Part of The Actor in Transition: From Presentational to Three-Dimensional Unit

The Beats in Every Scene

by John Minigan

Students will work in pairs to create and perform two-minute scenes focused on clear objectives, clear obstacles, multiple tactics – and they will learn to give focused feedback.
Attachments
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologues - Part 2 Unit

The Criteria of a Good Monologue

by Lindsay Price

Students will learn and then identify the elements of a good monologue. They will assess an existing monologue together as a class, and then they will work individually on a monologue.
Attachments
# Acting # monologue
Join now for instant access

The Environment of Sound

by Lindsay Price

Certain sounds are always connected to certain objects - the slam of a door, cowbell, a ringing phone. How does the environment change if the sounds are changed? Does the change of sound change the scene? Includes a list of websites to use for free sound effects.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

The Fourth Wall

by Elisabeth Oppelt

The fourth wall is an imaginary wall that stands between the actors and the audience. As actors we tend not to speak to, look at or acknowledge the audience when we are performing. We want the audience to be observers but not necessarily involved in the scene. There are times however when we want to speak directly to the audience. When we do, that is called breaking the fourth wall. It is a technique that can be useful in specific instances but should not be abused by actors.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Mock Audition Unit

The Mock Audition

by Lindsay Price

Today is the Mock Audition. In this lesson, you will play director and audition students for one of four roles in the play ‘Jealousy Jane.’ Use the Monologue Performance Rubric to assess their performance.
Attachments
# Acting # audition # acting
Join now for instant access

The Musical Theatre Audition Slate

by Annie Dragoo

Making a first impression is the most important part of an audition. By learning to slate with confidence, students will learn how to introduce themselves in an musical theatre audition.
# Acting # Musical Theatre # acting # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Alexander Technique Unit

The Power of Relaxation

by Ruthie Tutterow

Students will engage in a guided relaxation. Through this exercise, students will gain insight into some relaxation techniques and what intentional relaxation may enable them to do more easily.
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Introduction to Mask Unit

The Qualities of Movement

by Allison Williams

In this lesson, students will explore the eight qualities of movement to give more variety, texture, and richness to their movement choices and then apply the qualities of movement to their mask work.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Foundations of Acting Unit

The Scene

by Annie Dragoo

In this culminating exercise, students will prepare a scene using what they have learned throughout the unit.
Attachments
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

The Specifics of Holding an Object

by Karen Loftus

Students are introduced to the techniques of hand position, tension, follow through, action/reaction/interaction.
Attachments
# Acting # acting # pantomime
Join now for instant access

Part of Script Analysis: The Actor's Perspective Unit

The Stanislavski Method

by Karen Loftus

Students continue their exploration with script analysis by learning about objective, obstacle, stakes, and tactics and applying it to an exercise.
Attachments
# Acting # Analysis # acting # analysis
Join now for instant access

Part of Monologue Writing Made Easy Unit

The Story Mountain Framework

by Matthew Banaszynski

Students will understand the parts of a story and how it relates to a monologue through the story mountain framework.
Attachments
# Playwriting # Acting # monologue # playwriting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Stage Movement Unit

The Technicalities of Stage Movement

by Karen Loftus

Students discuss and apply technical aspects of moving on stage: sightlines and staying open. They then apply these aspects in a short scene.
Attachments
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Tools of Scene Work Unit

Thou Shalts of Staging and Performance

by Anna Porter

Students will participate in a demonstration to explore the rules of staging and performance and why they are important. They will perform a Bad Idea/Good Idea skit for the class, to demonstrate their understanding of the concept.
Attachments
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Transitions

by Kerry Hishon

To practice planning and performing transitions between scenes in a smooth and well-prepared manner, with increasingly shorter time frames and other challenges.
# Acting # Directing # acting # directing
Join now for instant access

Part of Pantomime Unit

Unit Project

by Karen Loftus

The final project for this unit is a simple two-person pantomime of up to one minute in length. The objective is for students to utilize mime, body language, and facial expression to tell a basic story: an activity that has an obstacle that they overcome or get past.
Attachments
# Acting # acting # pantomime
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation Unit

Unit Project

by Karen Loftus

The final project will allow students to demonstrate their improv skills in a two-person scene.
Attachments
# Acting # improv # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Commedia Dell'Arte Unit

Unit Project

by Karen Loftus

Students will be able to take everything they’ve explored about commedia and create a simple scene.
Attachments
# Acting # Commedia # commedia # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Script Analysis: The Actor's Perspective Unit

Unit Project

by Karen Loftus

For the final project, give students an assigned scene to analyze as if they were going to perform it. One option is to have students continue working on the “Still as Stone” scene. Alternatively, you could provide a selection for them to choose from, or have students choose their own scenes.
Attachments
# Acting # Analysis # acting # analysis
Join now for instant access

Part of Voice Unit

Unit Project

by Karen Loftus

This is a simple project. Your students are going to tell a joke or riddle to the class. The reason to use a joke or a riddle (rather than a poem, prose piece, monologue, or scene) is students in the audience will want to hear the answer. They will be more engaged in the simple joke or riddle than passively listening to something else. See the add-on if you wish to have students apply projection and articulation to a scene.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Improvisation in Musical Theatre Unit

Unit Reflection (Essay)

by Annie Dragoo

Students will evaluate the value of improvisation in musical theatre by writing a five-paragraph essay.
# Improvisation # Acting # improv # musical theatre
Join now for instant access

Part of Foundations of Acting Unit

Using Emotional Recall

by Annie Dragoo

During this lesson, students will explore how the five senses can be used by actors as a technique to create a character.
# Acting # acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Abstract Scene Performance Unit

Using Movement to Convey an Idea

by Annie Dragoo

In this lesson, students will participate in several activities that will help them devise, create, and rehearse movement that can be used in abstract scenes. They will practice and demonstrate their understanding of blocking and physicality by being able to add and execute movement in their abstract scene.
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Using Theatre to Share and Celebrate History

by Kerry Hishon

The objective of the lesson is for students to explore historical events that are significant to them through various theatrical mediums that may seem unusual or “out of the box.” The inspiration for this lesson plan comes from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s theatrical hit Hamilton, which utilizes rap and hip-hop music and colourblind casting to tell the story of the American founding fathers.
# Playwriting # Acting # acting # playwriting
Join now for instant access

Part of Voice Unit

Vocal Variety

by Anna Porter

Students will learn how to use vocal variety to communicate. Students will learn how to identify and apply Pitch, Tone, Rate, and Volume in performance.
Attachments
# Acting # voice # acting
Join now for instant access

What Do We “Do” on Stage?

by Karen Loftus

This Lesson Plan introduces one of the important tools of an actor: the body. Student actors often have difficulty getting out of their own body, especially if they suffer from any kind of stage fright. How do we move on stage? What happens when we’re afraid to move? How can we get beyond nerves to become comfortable with our bodies? What do we “do” on stage?
# Movement # Acting # acting # movement
Join now for instant access

Part of Abstract Scene Performance Unit

What is Abstract Theatre?

by Annie Dragoo

In this unit, students will create and perform an abstract theatre scene. Abstract is a genre that does not rely on realism and deliberately breaks the rules of a given form. In the case of theatre, this refers to the commonly presented rules of performance, acting, and the relationship with the audience. Movement is often stylized and symbolic. Ideas and themes are expressed visually and aurally with little dialogue using music, lights, costumes, and props.
# Acting # acting # scene work
Join now for instant access

Part of Alexander Technique Unit

What is the Alexander Technique?

by Ruthie Tutterow

Students will learn about the Alexander Technique and its six principles. Students will begin to explore how to make personal adjustments in their movements using the Alexander Technique.
Attachments
# Acting
Join now for instant access

Part of Voice Unit

What makes a “good voice?”

by Karen Loftus

Students discuss and apply aspects of what makes a voice a “good voice:” projection, articulation, posture, proper breathing.
Attachments
# Acting # voice # acting
Join now for instant access