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Unit in Drama Two Curriculum

Devising

Created by Corinna Rezzelle

13 lessons devising playwriting

While the Drama Two Curriculum has a focus on acting, it’s always important to include a unit on the technical theatre skills that are necessary to any production. Students will also be able to use what they’ve learned in this unit in their upcoming devising project.

Students will begin by exploring design for the stage by experimenting with line, shape, texture, size, and color. They will expand their understanding of stage properties and scenic flats. They will then apply their knowledge of these building blocks of design to create a high-concept design for a miniature “stage.”

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The overview includes information on the unit, a list of the lesson plans, materials needed, and unit goals, objectives, and assessment tools.
  1. 1
    Lesson 1
    Characterization
    Students explore what makes a character interesting through the examination of physical objects. What do objects say about us? What can you infer about a person by the objects they carry with them? Students will role-play in process drama activities to explore characters and to create their own.
  2. 2
    Lesson 2
    Physicalization / Stage Movement
    Students explore how body language can show a story (i.e. how someone is feeling, character traits, relationships between characters, etc.). The lesson culminates in students using a physical elliptical scene (a scene with just stage directions) and adding movements, gestures, and body language.
  3. 3
    Lesson 3
    Contentless Scenes / Building Scenes
    In this lesson, students will start their scene work first with a contentless scene, a one-minute scene, and then (for homework) write a one-page scene based on a real life experience.
  4. 4
    Lesson 4
    Choosing a Topic
    In this lesson, students discuss and choose a topic for their devised piece.
  5. 5
    Lesson 5
    Beginning to Write
    In this lesson, students begin putting the pieces together for their devised work. Students brainstorm on their topic, then participate in a movement piece and a forum theatre activity to explore their topic.
  6. 6
    Lesson 6
    Building the Play
    In this lesson, students continue to build the play by writing and revising scenes, reading each other’s work, and providing feedback.
  7. 7
    Lesson 7
    The Ren Run
    In this lesson, students will work in groups to create transitions in improvised tableaux and movement pieces. They will also participate in a “ren run” to practice improv blocking.
  8. 8
    Lesson 8
    Revision
    In this lesson students watch the Ren Run then discuss the topic of revision. What is the message of the play? How do the scenes communicate the message? Note: Depending on the amount of revisions your students feel the play needs, revising might take longer than one lesson. Feel free to add time, if need be.
  9. 9
    Lesson 9
    Rehearsal
    In this lesson, students finalize casting, then start rehearsing. Focus the rehearsals on blocking. What is the necessary movement to communicate the content of the scene?
  10. 10
    Lesson 10
    Rehearsal / Character Development
    Students continue to rehearse. In this lesson, character development exercises deepen the students’ experiences and final products.
  11. 11
    Lesson 11
    Rehearsal / Designing the play
    Students continue to rehearse. They also move on to the design phase of the project. The group will decide upon costuming and props for the performance. NOTE: Keep costumes and props simple. Black works well for costumes with colourful accents.
  12. 12
    Lesson 12
    Final Rehearsal & Performance
    Students run the show before their performance. And then on the decided upon date and time, they perform!
  13. 13
    Lesson 13
    Post-Show Discussion and Reflection
    This lesson happens after the performance. Post-show discussion questions are included as well as a post-show reflection.

Standards Addressed

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Proficient

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Accomplished

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