Acting Lesson Plans

Lesson 13 of 14 in 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.

Lesson 2 of 14 in Commedia dell'Arte Unit

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.

# Acting # commedia

Lesson 3 of 5 in 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.

Slide Deck Lesson 3

# Acting # Commedia # commedia # acting

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

Lesson 4 of 14 in 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.

Laugh Cry Video Demo
Do it Swing Video Demo

# Acting # commedia

Lesson 3 of 4 in Pantomime Unit

Tableau

by Karen Loftus

Students continue exploring nonverbal communication through tableaux.

Slide Deck Lesson 3

# Acting # acting # pantomime # popular

Lesson 3 of 6 in 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.

Slide Deck Lesson 3

# Acting # improv # acting

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

Lesson 2 of 11 in 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.

Resume Handout
Slide Deck Lesson 2

# Acting # audition # acting

Lesson 1 of 7 in 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

Lesson 2 of 7 in 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

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

Lesson 6 of 6 in 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.

Short Scenes

# Acting # acting

Lesson 2 of 5 in 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.

Slide Deck Lesson 2

# Acting # monologue

Lesson 2 of 7 in Laban: Advanced Characterization Unit

The Eight Efforts

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will learn, explore, and apply Laban’s eight efforts and their specific elements through an Impulse Improv exercise.

# Acting

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

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

Lesson 10 of 11 in 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.

Slide Deck Lesson 10

# Acting # audition # acting

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

Lesson 1 of 3 in 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