Instructor Laramie Dean uses this unit as the final project for his Drama 2 students. Drawing upon any of the skills students have developed throughout they create a product that could be used within a new piece of musical theatre.
Students start by analyzing three musicals, study guides included, and practice creating musical elements. They are then giving class time to prepare in groups as many elements as their can for a new musical using devised theatre techniques.
There are 24 lessons in this unit which culminates in a final assessed performance.
The overview outlines the guidelines for the unit, including a full list of lessons, time management tips, and learning targets.
In this lesson, we define devised theatre and use a piece of music for students to create their own performance inspired by the music.
In this lesson, we try a different devised theatre technique using a photograph to inspire students to create their own performance.
In this lesson, we define musical theatre and spend a little bit of time on the history and structure. Students also receive information on their performance and their independent written projects.
In these two lessons, we begin and continue viewing Singin’ in the Rain. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
In this lesson, students will finish watching Singin’ in the Rain (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.
In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to watch the next musical, Sweeney Todd.
In this lesson, we begin viewing Sweeney Todd. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
In these two lessons, we continue viewing Sweeney Todd. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
In this lesson, students will finish watching Sweeney Todd (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.
In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to watch the next musical, Dreamgirls.
In this lesson, we begin viewing Dreamgirls. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
In these two lessons, we continue viewing Dreamgirls. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
In this lesson, students will finish watching Dreamgirls (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.
In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to create their own musicals.
In this series of lessons, students will use class time to work in groups to create as many musical components as they can given the time available.
This is the last lesson before students present their pieces for assessment.
Students present their original musicals components for assessment.
TH:Pr5.1.6.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
6.TH:Pr5.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
Tennessee Theatre standards (2018) standards were built using the framework of the NCAS which is built on four key domains: Creating, Performing/Presenting/Producing, Connecting, and Responding. Within each of these domains are foundations and standards to support the development of curriculum, programs, and learning.
(source: Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts, Summer 2018)
Please refer to National Core Arts Standards to determine the standard that best suits your needs.
C.1.C - respond to sounds, music, images, and the written word, incorporating movement.
C.1.E - identify theatrical vocabulary and terminology, including basic anatomy of theatre spaces.
C.1.F - identify the structure and form in examples of dramatic literature.
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
C.5.C - offer and receive constructive criticism of peer performances.
C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
demonstrate awareness of the multidisciplinary nature of drama/theatre
focus concentration on one task at a time
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
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
25 - communicate environment, character and situation nonverbally
13 - recognize the techniques of offering, accepting, advancing and blocking
develop a sense of responsibility and commitment
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
develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
1 - demonstrate understanding of the need for analysis of the work of self and others
apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations
demonstrate a sense of inquiry and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
demonstrate the ability to assess critically the process and the art
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
Collaborate through reciprocal relationships during creative processes
Create dramatic works with an intended audience in mind
Create dramatic works for an intended audience
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas
Develop dramatic works for an intended audience
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas