30 Lesson Plans to help you effectively plan your workshops and classes
by Karen Loftus
In this introductory lesson, students learn about Bunraku theatre, discuss its primary elements, and then do an exercise that puts those elements into practice.
by Lea Marshall
Students will explore the Absurdism theatrical convention of circular plot lines that appear to go nowhere and end in unresolved situations.
by Lea Marshall
Students will explore the Absurdism theatrical convention of circular plot lines that appear to go nowhere and end in unresolved situations by using the text from Max Frisch’s The Arsonists.
by Lea Marshall
To compare modern-day clichés and stereotyped phrases to those used in Theatre of the Absurd Plays to convey that style’s message of language’s meaninglessness.
by Lea Marshall
Students will explore the Absurdism theatrical convention of using cliches, stereotypes, or overused repeated phrases to communicate (or not communicate) a larger theme of interpersonal relationships and misunderstandings in the text of Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.
by Jenny Goodfellow
Students will bring in an object that they can turn into a puppet. Using the object puppet, students will create an original character and establish movement patterns and character voice. Character Worksheet and Practice Sheets are included, to perform their original puppet characters.
by Lea Marshall
Students will explore elements of Absurdism in their chosen Absurd play.
by Jenny Goodfellow
If you have the resources, purchase finger puppets for this lesson. It can also be easily done with drawn faces on index fingers, or faces on popsicle sticks. Using well known fairy tales like “Little Red Riding Hood” or “The Three Little Pigs,” students will retell these stories from a different perspective, using their finger puppet.
by Jenny Goodfellow
Students learn proper hand puppet technique and practice these techniques with a prewritten scene. Teachers can also choose to use traditional hand puppets, or students can make their own using socks/paper bags.
by Lea Marshall
Students will explore the Absurdist element of impossible things seen as normal or unremarkable in Ionesco’s play Rhinoceros.
by Lea Marshall
Students will explore the Absurdist plot convention of impossible things seen as normal or unremarkable.
by Bethany Kennedy
Students will learn about and then demonstrate their understanding of the Children’s Theatre audience through role play and writing a scene.
by Ruth Richards
Students will be introduced to the basic theory of Expressionism including expression of emotion, rapid disjointed dialogue, and stylistic movement. Students will practice moving and expressing emotion in an Expressionistic style. They will create a scene based on a nightmare using the principals of Expressionism. An oral presentation assignment is provided as follow up to this practical work. Lesson Plan comes with a practical task evaluation, assignment checklist, and rubric.
by Ruth Richards
Students are introduced to the basic theory of Melodrama and its characteristics; predictable plots, stock characters, and exaggeration. Students will role play the stock characters of melodrama both physically and vocally. They will rehearse and perform a Melodrama scenario and as a written assignment be asked to write their own melodrama scenario. Lesson Plan comes with practical assessment and written assignment rubric.
by Bethany Kennedy
Students will learn and practice pantomime skills by developing, communicating and sustaining the size and shape of mimed objects.
by Karen Loftus
In this introductory lesson, students learn about Kabuki theatre, discuss its primary elements, and then do an exercise that puts those elements into practice.
by Lea Marshall
Students will explore the Absurdism theatrical convention of using meaningless language to communicate (or not communicate) a larger theme of interpersonal relationships and misunderstandings.
by Lea Marshall
Students will explore the Absurdism theatrical convention of using meaningless language to communicate (or not communicate) a larger theme of interpersonal relationships and misunderstandings through the text of Ionesco’s The Bald Soprano.
by Karen Loftus
In this introductory lesson, students learn about Noh Theatre, discuss its primary elements, and then do an exercise that puts those elements into practice.
by Lea Marshall
Students will explore the historical and philosophical background for the ABSURDIST style of theatre.
by Jenny Goodfellow
Through a PuppetQuest, students will learn about the different types and origins of puppetry.
by Jenny Goodfellow
Using the guidelines provided and their previous scene, students will create a Puppet Company complete with a logo, the name of their production, and a picture that gives clues about the production. Students will also learn about professional puppet companies.
by Jenny Goodfellow
This final lesson is a culminating performance. Students practice their scene using their hand puppets, then perform. Those watching will fill out a feedback sheet, which is discussed after the performance. A Unit Reflection and a Performance Reflection are included.
by Jenny Goodfellow
Students will write their own puppet play using the same format as the prewritten scene. In pairs, students will go over guidelines for creating a character and writing a scene.
by Jenny Goodfellow
One of easiest and earliest forms of puppetry, students will learn to create shadow puppets using just their hands. After they have practiced their creations, they will create a group/partner scene using the shadow puppets.
by Jenny Goodfellow
Students learn how shapes create interesting dynamics in shadow puppets. Students will have a packet of shadow puppet cut-outs. These cut-outs include animals that can be attached to a popsicle stick. In groups/partners, students will use the cut-outs in the packet to create a scene. They will also create an original cut-out.
by Lea Marshall
Students will examine the effect of pauses in a scene and demonstrate the Absurdist dialogue convention of strange and ill-timed pauses.
by Lea Marshall
Students will examine the effect of pauses in a monologue from Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and demonstrate the Absurdist dialogue convention of strange and ill-timed pauses.
by Karen Loftus
There are 4 projects and written work that are provided as possible final assignments for this unit.
by Lea Marshall
To visually introduce the existential angst of World War II’s aftermath; to provide a historical setting for Theatre of the Absurd; as students, write a reflection monologue.
Our parent company Theatrefolk offers a fantastic selection of plays written specifically for high school and middle school students.
Whether for performances or class study, there's something for everyone: relevant & relatable themes, simple sets & costumes, flexible casting options and much more - a perfect addition to any drama program!