In this unit, students will work with their peers through a series of exercises and activities designed to lead them through the process of creating, writing, rehearsing, and performing a new, original script.
The overview lays out the objectives, description, and lessons for the unit, including pre-knowledge requirements and review.
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.
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.
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.
In this lesson, students discuss and choose a topic for their devised piece.
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.
In this lesson, students continue to build the play by writing and revising scenes, reading each other’s work, and providing feedback.
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.
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.
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?
Students continue to rehearse. In this lesson, character development exercises deepen the students’ experiences and final products.
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.
Students run the show before their performance. Pre- and post-show discussion questions are included as well as a post show reflection.
TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Cr1.1.6.b - Identify solutions to design challenges in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Cr1.1.7.b - Explain and present solutions to design challenges in a drama/ theatre work.
TH:Pr4.1.HSI.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr4.1.HSII.a - Discover how unique choices shape believable and sustainable drama/ theatre work.
6.TH:Cr1.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Cr1.c - Identify solutions to design challenges in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr1.c - Explain and present solutions to design challenges in a drama/ theatre work.
Prof.TH:Pr4.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
Acc.TH:Pr4.a - Discover how unique choices shape believable and sustainable drama/ theatre work.
Acc.TH:Cr2.b - Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
TH.912.C.1.7 - Justify personal perceptions of a director's vision and/or playwright's intent.
TH.912.S.1.6 - Respond appropriately to directorial choices for improvised and scripted scenes.
TH.912.S.2.4 - Sustain a character or follow technical cues in a production piece to show focus.
TH.912.S.2.8 - Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
TH.912.S.3.3 - Develop acting skills and techniques in the rehearsal process.
B.C.1.2 - Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
B.C.1.3 - Understand how to read and write scripts that communicate conflict, plot, and character.
P.C.1.3 - Create original works, such as monologues, scenes, or performance pieces.
A.C.1.3 - Use constructive criticism to improve original works both written and read orally.
C.1.E - identify theatrical vocabulary and terminology, including basic anatomy of theatre spaces.
C.2.B - imagine and clearly describe characters, their relationships, and their surroundings.
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
B.2.B - define characters by what they do, what they say, and what others say about them.
B.2.C - select movements and dialogue to portray a character appropriately.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
C.1.B - develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
C.1.D - develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
C.1.I - identify and practice memorization skills.
C.1.J - identify the principles of improvisation.
C.1.K - identify and recognize the importance of safe theatre practices.
C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.B - define creativity as it relates to personal expression.
C.2.C - employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
C.2.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.
10 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal methods
13 - communicate meaning without words
26 - use body language to add physical dimensions and depth to a character
30 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concepts of a character’s objectives and motivation
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage properties
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
share ideas confidently with others
show awareness of story sequence
17 - use movement to communicate non-verbally
4 - recognize the need for and demonstrate warmup activities
25 - communicate environment, character and situation nonverbally
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
16 - use movement and gesture to clarify and enhance speech and character
12 - make logical choices within the boundaries of situation and character
15 - use the body and body language to enhance characterization
16 - demonstrate economy in movement and speech
17 - select and use language appropriate to a given character and situation
20 - enter and exit in character
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 willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
6 - demonstrate understanding of the importance of planning and organization
apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations
demonstrate a sense of inquiry and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate a sense of responsibility 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
extend physical and vocal capabilities
demonstrate behaviour appropriate to given circumstances
demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
make effective decisions or choices
positively support the work of others
solve problems imaginatively and creatively