Unit
East Meets West: Theatre Traditions
Created by Marsha Walner
9 lessons
We spend a lot of time in the classroom exploring, applying, and creating in a western theatrical tradition. But there are many more styles that students can explore, particularly to the east: Kabuki, Noh, Chinese Opera, and Sanskrit Theatre, for example. In this unit, students will be introduced to an element from each of these eastern styles, they will apply that element and build towards a culminating project. Throughout, students will develop a stronger understanding of both the theatre from their own culture and that of Eastern cultures.
-
1Lesson 1Western TheatreStudents will define Western theatre based on what we know about our culture and its storytelling traditions.
-
2Lesson 2Kabuki Theatre from JapanStudents explore Kabuki from Japan and use the Mie technique to display character in this for-the-masses spectacle form of theatre.
-
3Lesson 3Noh Theatre from JapanExploring Noh from Japan and how masks and movement techniques communicate character in a unique style of storytelling.
-
4Lesson 4Chinese OperaStudents explore Chinese opera and how some of what culture values can be seen in an exaggerated way on stage.
-
5Lesson 5Sanskrit Theatre from IndiaStudents explore Sanskrit theatre from India and how rituals and intentional actions give strength and unity to the creative process.
-
6Lesson 6Scene DevelopmentStudents will form small groups and delve into one style. They will use that style to retell a common folktale or story, conceptualizing how their story will unfold on stage.
-
7Lesson 7Scene Building and PolishGroups will polish their piece, ensuring everyone is clear on their responsibilities as well as requesting any production elements necessary.
-
8Lesson 8Final PreparationsFinal preparations for the performance during this class, including making and incorporating props or costumes and polishing the scenes.
-
9Lesson 9PerformanceFinal performances will occur on this day, with audience members offering observation-based feedback.
Standards Addressed
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Proficient
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Proficient
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 6
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 6
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 8
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
7.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Prof.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
6.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Acc.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Adv.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Sixth Grade
- DT.6.1.3.b Students Can: Investigate the time period and place of a drama/theatre work to better understand performance and design choices.
- DT.6.2.3.a Students Can: Establish a relationship with the audience and the ensemble during a performance of a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.2.4.a Students Can: Adapt a drama/theatre work and present it for an audience.
Seventh Grade
- DT.7.2.1.a Students Can: Experiment various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.3.a Students Can: Incorporate music, dance, art, and/or media to heighten the connection between performer and audience in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.4.a Students Can: Participate in rehearsals for a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
Eighth Grade
- DT.8.1.1.a Students Can: Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.1.3.b Students Can: Identify and use research and design choices in a drama/theatre work to enhance the work.
- DT.8.2.4.a Students Can: Perform/present a rehearsed/designed drama/theatre work for an audience.
High School - Fundamental Pathway
- DT.H1.1.2.a Students Can: Explore the function of history and culture in the development of a dramatic concept through a critical analysis of original ideas in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.H1.1.3.b Students Can: Explore how personal, cultural, global, and historic belief systems affect creative choices in a drama/theatre work.
High School - Advanced Pathway
- DT.H2.1.1.a Students Can: Investigate historical and cultural conventions and their impact on the visual composition of a drama/theatre work.
- DT.H2.1.2.b Students Can: Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
- DT.H2.1.3.a Students Can: Choose and interpret a drama/theatre work to connect and question beliefs.
- DT.H2.3.1.a Students Can: Respond to what is seen, felt, and heard in a drama/theatre work to critique artistic choices and justify meaningful feedback based on historical, cultural, and personal context.
- DT.H2.3.2.b Students Can: Apply concepts from a drama/theatre work for personal realization about cultural perspectives and understanding.
- DT.H2.3.4.a Students Can: Analyze and assess a drama/theatre work by connecting it to art forms, history, culture, and other disciplines using supporting evidence and criteria.
High School - Professional Pathway
- DT.H3.1.1.c Students Can: Integrate cultural and historical contexts with personal experiences to create a character that is believable and authentic in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.H3.1.2.b Students Can: Collaborate as a creative team to discover artistic solutions and make interpretive choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
- DT.H3.1.3.a Students Can: Collaborate on a drama/theatre work that examines a critical global issue using multiple personal, community, and cultural perspectives.
- DT.H3.3.4.a Students Can: Research and synthesize cultural and historical information related to a drama/theatre work to support or evaluate artistic choice.
Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2 Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Language
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.68.C.1.4 Create and present a design, production concept, or performance and defend artistic choices.
- TH.912.C.1.2 Create, refine, and sustain complex and believable characters for performance through the integration and application of artistic choices based on research, rehearsal, feedback, and refinement.
- TH.912.C.1.3 Justify a response to a theatrical experience through oral or written analysis, using correct theatre terminology.
- TH.912.C.1.6 Respond to theatrical works by identifying and interpreting influences of historical, social, or cultural contexts.
- TH.912.C.2.2 Construct imaginative, complex scripts and revise them in collaboration with actors to convey story and meaning to an audience.
Historical & Global Connections
- TH.68.H.1.1 Explore potential differences when performing works set in a variety of historical and cultural contexts.
- TH.68.H.2.3 Analyze theatre history and dramatic literature in the context of societal and cultural history.
- TH.68.H.2.5 Compare decorum, environments, and manners from a variety of cultures and historical periods to discover and influence historical acting styles and design choices.
- TH.68.H.2.6 Describe historical and cultural influences leading to changes in theatre performance spaces and technology.
- TH.912.H.1.3 Present a design or perform in the style of a different historical or cultural context to gain appreciation of that time and culture.
- TH.912.H.2.1 Research the correlations between theatrical forms and the social, cultural, historical, and political climates from which they emerged, to form an understanding of the influences that have shaped theatre.
- TH.912.H.2.5 Apply knowledge of dramatic genres and historical periods to shape the work of performers, directors, and designers.
Organizational Structure
- TH.68.O.2.2 Explain how a performance would change if depicted in a different location, time, or culture.
- TH.68.O.2.4 Perform a scene or pantomime to demonstrate understanding of blocking and stage movement.
- TH.912.O.1.2 Compare the conventions of western theatre with eastern theatre practices.
- TH.912.O.1.4 Write an original script or a dramatic adaptation of a literary work to demonstrate knowledge of theatrical conventions.
- TH.912.O.2.2 Perform a scene or monologue in a non-traditional way that stays true to its dramatic structure and can be justified within the script.
- TH.912.O.3.1 Analyze the methods of communication among directors, designers, stage managers, technicians, and actors that establish the most effective support of the creative process.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- TH.68.S.2.4 Memorize and present a character's lines from a monologue or scene.
- TH.68.S.3.2 Use the elements of dramatic form to stage a play.
- 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.
Grade 6 - Performing
- TA6.PR.1 Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.<br/>a. Demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, physical movement).<br/>b. Execute character creation in a performance.<br/>c. Demonstrate a variety of types of theatre performances.
- TA6.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Incorporate technical elements in performance.
Grade 7 - Performing
- TA7.PR.1 Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.<br/>a. Execute effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in performance (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, physical movement).<br/>b. Participate in a variety of acting exercises and techniques that can be applied in a rehearsal or theatre performance.<br/>c. Engage in various performance styles.
- TA7.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Select a variety of technical elements that can be applied to a theatrical work.<br/>b. Incorporate artistic and technical elements into a theatre performance.
Grade 7 - Connecting
- TA7.CN.1 Explore how theatre connects to life experience, careers, and other content.<br/>a. Compare and contrast theatre with other art forms.<br/>b. Articulate relationships between theatre and life.<br/>c. Utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to create original theatre.<br/>d. Describe the careers and professional responsibilities associated with theatre production (e.g. director, stage manager, designer, technician, playwright, actor).
- TA7.CN.2 Examine the role of theatre in a societal, cultural, and historical context.<br/>a. Examine theatre development throughout history.<br/>b. Identify and analyze cultural influences on theatre.<br/>c. Utilize multi-disciplinary research skills to obtain cultural and historical information to justify artistic choices (e.g. costuming, make-up, setting of a time period in relation to the play).<br/>d. Draw conclusions about the influence of theatre on society.
Grade 8 - Performing
- TA8.PR.1 Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.<br/>a. Demonstrate the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a character in different types of theatre performances (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, motivation, physical movement).<br/>b. Demonstrate appropriate ensemble skills throughout a performance.<br/>c. Use appropriate listening and response skills during performances.
- TA8.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Incorporate artistic and technical elements into a theatre production.<br/>b. Resolve conflicts in technical applications.
Grade 8 - Connecting
- TA8.CN.1 Explore how theatre connects to life experience, careers, and other content.<br/>a. Investigate and prove common themes and structure among theatre and other disciplines.<br/>b. Defend how theatre reflects life.<br/>c. Incorporate multi-disciplinary aspects into theatre performance.<br/>d. Identify and analyze professions associated with different forms of production (e.g. director, stage manager, designer, technician, playwright, actor).
- TA8.CN.2 Examine the role of theatre in a societal, cultural, and historical context.<br/>a. Compare and contrast how theatre evolves through time.<br/>b. Examine how culture is defined through theatre and other media.<br/>c. Apply advanced research skills to obtain appropriate cultural and historical information to rationalize artistic choices (e.g. costuming, make-up, setting of a time period in relation to the play).<br/>d. Discuss theatre’s role in reflecting the culture of a society.
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
- TAHSA.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Use script analysis in the development and presentation of formal and informal theatre performances.<br/>b. Examine various theories of dramatic structure.<br/>c. Engage in and apply meaningful cultural, literary, and historical research to create acting choices or directorial concepts.
- TAHSA.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Examine theatre practices regarding the development, structure, layout, and format of scripts.<br/>b. Use improvisation, personal experiences, heritage, imagination, literature, and history to develop scripts.<br/>c. Perform formal and informal monologues and scenes based on published and original scripts.
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Responding
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
- TAHSA.CN.1 Explore how theatre connects to life experience, careers, and other content.<br/>a. Examine multiple facets of the business of theatre.<br/>b. Examine the methods of pursuing various acting careers, including demonstrating audition etiquette and techniques.
- TAHSA.CN.2 Examine the role of theatre in a societal, cultural, and historical context.<br/>a. Examine and apply theatrical theories, performances, and conventions from a variety of theatrical literature, historical periods, and cultures.
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Performing
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Responding
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
- TAHSFT.CN.1 Explore how theatre connects to life experiences, careers, and other content.<br/>a. Examine how theatre reflects real life.<br/>b. Analyze how theatre employs aspects of other art forms and disciplines to effectively communicate with a live audience.<br/>c. Demonstrate awareness of the discipline, knowledge, skills, and education required for careers in theatre.<br/>d. Explore various careers in the theatre arts (e.g. performance, design, production, administrative, education, promotion).
- TAHSFT.CN.2 Examine the role of theatre in a societal, cultural, and historical context.<br/>a. Identify and analyze plays and dramas from a variety of historical periods and cultures.<br/>b. Explore the works of milestone playwrights and plays, and the relevance of historical theatre.<br/>c. Recognize historical events that have influenced the role of theatre and how theatrical events have impacted cultural development.<br/>d. Interpret cultural and historical research for use in a production.
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Creating
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Responding
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Connecting
Seventh Grade Present
Eighth Grade Create
Eighth Grade Respond
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
Intermediate High School Connect
Accomplished High School Respond
Advanced High School Connect
Advanced High School Create
Advanced High School Respond
- AD.RE.1.1 Analyze aesthetics in various settings, production situations, time periods, or audiences in written and presented theatrical works.
- AD.RE.1.2 Evaluate the impact of theatrical works on intended audiences.
- AD.RE.2.1 Justify personal preferences for theatrical elements acknowledging the influence of history, society, culture, and professional theatre.
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
MS 117.211 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.212 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
- C.4.A portray theatre as a reflection of life in particular times, places, and cultures.
- C.4.B relate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
- C.4.C identify the impact of live theatre, film, television, and electronic media on contemporary society.
- C.4.D appreciate the cultural heritages of world drama and theatre and identify key figures, works, and trends in dramatic literature.
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production
- C.3.B read and analyze cultural, social, and political aspects of a script to determine technical elements.
- C.3.D perform a role such as actor, director, designer, technician, or editor in production decision making and collaborate with others to tell a story through live theatre or media performance.
HS 117.316 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.316 LII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
- C.3.D perform a role such as actor, director, designer, technician, or editor in production decision making and collaborate with others to tell a story through live theatre or media performance.
- C.3.E perform the role of actor, director, or technician, demonstrating responsibility, artistic discipline, and creative problem solving.
HS 117.317 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.317 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.318 LIV - Historical and cultural relevance
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Costume
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Goal III Objectives
Junior Orientation
- communicate through use of voice and body
- listen effectively
- meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
- move in a variety of ways
- offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
- recognize that there is an historical and cultural aspect of drama/theatre
- support positively the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Junior Goal I Objectives
Theatre Studies Level II - Intermediate (Theatre History)
Senior Goal I Objectives
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Grade 6 - Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 8 - Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Grade 8 - Creating and Presenting
- B1.1 engage actively in drama exploration and role play, with a focus on examining multiple perspectives and possible outcomes related to complex issues, themes, and relationships from a wide variety of sources and diverse communities
- B1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama by selecting and manipulating multiple elements and conventions to create and enhance a variety of drama works and shared drama experiences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
- C.2.1 identify ways in which dramatic expression and performance reflect communities and cultures, past and present (e.g., the prominence of socially and/or politically powerful characters in the drama of pre-industrial societies; the use of boy actors for female roles in Shakespearean theatre; the emphasis on religious themes in the drama of many cultures in different eras)
- C.2.2 describe how drama is used for various purposes in a range of social contexts (e.g., to express or celebrate group or community sentiments or values in street theatre or parades; to mark important historical or religious anniversaries of a country or culture; to raise awareness of social, environmental, and political issues; to explore personal relationships or social arrangements)
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
- B.2.1 identify different types of drama and explain their function in diverse communities and cultures from the past and present (e.g., the function of television, film, or video game dramas with predictable plot lines and stock or stereotypical characters in today’s society; the function of theatre in ancient Greece, liturgical drama in medieval Europe, Shakespearean drama in Elizabethan England, and/or “social problem” dramas today)
- B.2.4 identify ways in which dramatic exploration contributes to their understanding of diverse cultures and traditions (e.g., identify insights they gained through exploring the role of ritual in Greek theatre and/or Aboriginal ceremonies)
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Grade 11 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grade 12 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grade 12 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Grade Eight
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
Theatre Arts IV: Advanced Acting And Directing
Theatre Arts IV: Advanced Acting And Directing
Theatre Arts IV: Advanced Acting And Directing
Theatre Arts IV: Advanced Acting And Directing
Get instant access to this and everything else in the Drama Teacher Academy
