Unit
in Drama One Curriculum
Elizabethan Theatre
Created by Karen Loftus
6 lessons
theatre history
How do you introduce students to Shakespeare? This unit introduces the Bard through life in Elizabethan England and the playwrights, players, and playhouses. It also explores how to approach unfamiliar words and context clues in Shakespeare’s texts.
Start here
The overview lays out the structure of the unit, including objectives, materials list, lesson structure and assessment and time management tools.
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1Lesson 1Playwrights & PlayersThis session introduces students to the Elizabethan Era, and its’ key playwrights and players.
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2Lesson 2Strange LanguageStudents learn how to use context clues to approach the unfamiliar words they will find in Shakepeare’s language.
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3Lesson 3Context CluesStudents review context clues and apply it to the Prologue from Romeo and Juliet.
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4Lesson 4PlayhousesStudents are introduced to three of the most important playhouses in the Elizabethan Era, as well as the areas of the Globe Theatre.
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5Lesson 5Crime Scene CluesStudents apply their knowledge of context clues to find meaning in the Tomb Scene from Romeo and Juliet.
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6Lesson 6Expanding the UnitYou can add an additional three or four lessons to this unit by adding another performance opportunity.
Standards Addressed
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 6
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 6
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 7
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Prof.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
- Acc.TH:Cr2.a Refine a dramatic concept to demonstrate a critical understanding of historical and cultural influences of original ideas applied to a drama/theatre in western or non-western theatre traditions.
- Acc.TH:Cr2.b Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
7.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Adv.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Sixth Grade
- DT.6.1.2.b Students Can: Contribute ideas and accept and incorporate the ideas of others in preparing or devising a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.2.2.a Students Can: Participate in a variety of acting exercises and techniques that can be applied in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.
- DT.6.3.4.c Students Can: Identify a specific audience or purpose for a drama/theatre work.
Seventh Grade
- DT.7.1.2.b Students Can: Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.1.3.b Students Can: Examine research relevant to the drama/theatre work to better understand performance and design choices.
- DT.7.2.2.a Students Can: Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Eighth Grade
High School - Fundamental Pathway
High School - Advanced Pathway
- 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.H2.2.1.a Students Can: Analyze how unique choices shape believable and sustainable drama/theatre work.
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.a Students Can: Develop and synthesize original ideas in a drama/theatre work utilizing critical analysis, historical and cultural context, research, and Western or non-Western theatre traditions.
- 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.H3.1.4.b Students Can: Synthesize ideas from research, script analysis, and context to create a performance that is believable, authentic, and relevant in a drama/theatre work.
- 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.3 Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
Language
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.6 Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering an unknown term important to comprehension or expression.
Reading: Literature
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
Language
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
History/Social Studies
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.3 Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- 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.1.4 Research and define the physical/visual elements necessary to create theatrical reality for a specific historical and/or geographical play.
- TH.912.C.1.5 Make and defend conscious choices in the creation of a character that will fulfill anticipated audience response.
- 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.
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
- TH.68.O.1.1 Compare different processes an actor uses to prepare for a performance.
- TH.68.O.3.3 Discuss the collaborative nature of theatre and work together to create a scene or play, respecting group members' ideas and differences.
- 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.2.1 Discuss the value of collaboration in theatre and work together to create a theatrical production.
- TH.912.S.1.7 Interpret dramatic texts, organize and conduct rehearsals, and justify directorial choices for formal and informal productions.
- TH.912.S.2.8 Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
Grade 6 - Creating
- TA6.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Identify artistic choices, utilize theatre vocabulary, and demonstrate non-verbal communication skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>b. Interpret a character’s motivation by understanding the relationship between their background and their behavior.<br/>c. Identify the variety of relationships between characters.<br/>d. Identify, define, and classify character traits.<br/>e. Recognize and demonstrate the roles, responsibilities, and skills associated with collaborative performance.<br/>f. Use resources to identify and create technical elements of theatre.
- TA6.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Identify the elements of a story.<br/>b. Identify the theme and structure of a play.<br/>c. Articulate creative ideas in oral and written forms.<br/>d. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.<br/>e. Demonstrate the conventions of dialogue and stage directions.
Grade 7 - Creating
- TA7.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Identify and rehearse effective communication skills.<br/>b. Compare and contrast character types and relationships by analyzing character motivations, objectives, and goals.<br/>c. Compare the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a character.<br/>d. Investigate the role and responsibility of the cast and crew.<br/>e. Identify and model ensemble skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>f. Utilize staging and blocking choices to enhance the performance.<br/>g. Compare, contrast, and design elements of technical theatre.<br/>h. Utilize theatre vocabulary throughout the rehearsal process.
- TA7.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Create ideas for stories.<br/>b. Analyze the theme and structure of a play.<br/>c. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.<br/>d. Utilize dramatic conventions in the scriptwriting process (e.g. stage directions, dialogue, scenes).
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
- TAHSAD.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Examine various theories of dramatic structure.<br/>b. Engage in and apply meaningful cultural, literary, and historical research to create acting choices or directorial concepts.
- TAHSAD.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Utilize theatrical conventions to produce scripts based on personal experiences, imagination, literature, and history.
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Connecting
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
- TAHSMT.PR.1 Act and direct by communicating and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments.<br/>a. Examine and implement the skills and tasks associated with acting, singing, and dancing, incorporating vocal and movement technique, observation, and imagination to create characters for formal and informal performances.<br/>b. Identify and examine the responsibilities and tasks of an actor in relation to directors, designers, choreographers, technical crew, and production staff.<br/>c. Use the skills and tools of a director to develop a presentation of formal and informal musical theatre performances.<br/>d. Conduct rehearsals to present a musical theatre performance for a live audience.
- TAHSMT.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Engage as a creative team in script analysis to plan and create technical elements of a theatre production, including sets, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, and sound.
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Creating
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Performing
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Connecting
Seventh Grade Connect
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
- B.PR.1.2 Communicate characters, situations, and scenarios using body and voice while adhering to staging conventions.
- B.PR.2.1 Develop scripted or devised theatre for presentation.
- B.PR.2.2 Demonstrate appropriate theatre audience behavior with the understanding of the impact on performers and technicians.
- B.PR.2.4 Identify the responsibilities of a performer in a variety of theatrical venues.
Intermediate High School Present
Intermediate High School Respond
Advanced High School Create
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Analysis
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.212 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.212 LII - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.213 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
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
HS 117.316 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
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 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.318 LIV - Historical and cultural relevance
Improvisation Drama 10
- 13 communicate meaning without words
- 15 initiate a dramatic situation in response to a given stimulus
- 16 make logical choices spontaneously within the boundaries of situation and character
- 25 select and use language appropriate to character and situation
- 28 demonstrate how attitude, and change in attitude, affects a character
- 30 demonstrate understanding of and apply the concepts of a character’s objectives and motivation
- 32 sustain a character throughout a scene or exercise
Acting Drama 20
- 1 analyze a script for explicit character clues
- 12 analyze script for clues to create antecedent action
- 13 create antecedent action for character
- 14 identify and use operative words in a script
- 15 analyze script for a character’s transitions
- 4 demonstrate understanding that a character’s behaviour is motivated by past, present and anticipated future experiences
- 6 demonstrate a character’s immediate or moment-to-moment objectives within a scene
- 9 demonstrate the ability to pick up cues effectively
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Movement Drama 10
Playwriting - Drama 20
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Goal III Objectives
Junior Orientation
- listen effectively
- 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
- recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
- share ideas confidently with others
- show awareness of story sequence
- 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
- develop a positive self-image
- develop self-confidence
- develop self-discipline
- 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
- strengthen powers of concentration
Theatre Studies Level II - Intermediate (Theatre History)
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
Senior Goal I Objectives
Senior Goal II Objectives
Senior Goal III Objectives
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
- Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation, and purposeful play
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of personal, social, cultural, historical, and environmental contexts in relation to the arts
- Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through the arts
- Intentionally select and apply materials, movements, technologies, environments, tools, and techniques by combining and arranging artistic elements, processes, and principles in art making
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
- Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation, and purposeful play
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of personal, social, cultural, historical, and environmental contexts in relation to the arts
- Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through the arts
- Intentionally select and apply materials, movements, technologies, environments, tools, and techniques by combining and arranging artistic elements, processes, and principles in art making
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
- Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation, and purposeful play
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of personal, social, cultural, historical, and environmental contexts in relation to the arts
- Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through arts activities and experiences
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
- Describe, interpret and evaluate how artists (dancers, actors, musicians, and visual artists) use processes, materials, movements, technologies, tools, techniques, and environments to create and communicate ideas
- Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists motivations and meanings
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
- Create dramatic works both collaboratively and as an individual, using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, and purposeful play
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of personal, social, cultural, historical, and environmental in relation to drama
- Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
- Create dramatic works with an intended audience in mind
- Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
- Develop performance skills in a variety of contexts
- Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies
- Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas and emotions
- Explore dramatic works through presentation or performance
- Improvise and take creative risks to express meaning
- Intentionally select and combine drama conventions
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
- Create, rehearse, and refine dramatic works through collaborative and individual presentation or performance
- Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
- Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
- Experiment with a range of materials, props, processes, and technologies to create and refine performances
- Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
- Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
- Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
- Examine the influences of social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal contexts on dramatic works
- Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas
- Reflect on aesthetic experiences and how they relate to a specific place, time, and context
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
- Create, rehearse, and refine dramatic works through collaborative and individual presentation or performance
- Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills, vocabulary, and techniques through presentation or performance
- Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
- Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies to create and refine innovative dramatic works
- Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas, meaning, and emotions
- Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
- Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
- C.3.2 identify and apply the skills and attitudes needed to perform various tasks and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., use active listening and cooperative problem-solving skills; practise punctuality; use tact in suggesting changes and improvements; demonstrate willingness to accept criticism and build consensus)
- C.3.3 demonstrate an understanding of theatre and audience etiquette, in both classroom and formal performance contexts (e.g., as a performer: show willingness to take direction and behave appropriately towards other actors; as a viewer: demonstrate respect for performers and other audience members by paying attention, not interrupting or talking, and applauding when appropriate)
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Grade Six
Grade Seven
Grade Seven
- 7.12 The student will develop physical and vocal technique for theatre performance.
- 7.13 The student will explain techniques and skills for actor preparation, including concentration, discipline, preparation, and imagination for theatrical performance.
- 7.15 The student will identify functions, skills, and responsibilities of the creative team and production staff.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
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
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