Unit
in Drama One Curriculum
Improvisation
Created by Karen Loftus
6 lessons
commedia
Students sharpen their listening and reaction skills through improv games, exercises, and scenes. They will learn five specific guidelines to apply to their improvisation: accept the offer, bring information to the scene, make active choices, make your partner look good, and don’t force the humour.
There are so many different ways to approach a unit on improvisation. Keep in mind that you will have students who are really excited about this unit and some students who dread it. It’s best to start with low-risk games and exercises and then build up to higher-risk ones. Low-risk games in this situation mean partnered interactions that aren’t shared with the whole class.
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 1Accept the OfferStudents apply this guidelines through the games “Yes and…” “Yes Let’s,” and Low Risk Experts.
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2Lesson 2Make Choices/Bring InformationStudents learn the word “endow” and apply the concept through the exercise Low Risk Endowment.
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3Lesson 3Take the Active ChoiceStudents discuss what it means to take the active choice and apply the concept in Quiet Scenes.
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4Lesson 4Make Your Partner Look GoodStudents apply this guideline through the games Cars, Vans, Buses, Blocking on Purpose, Questions Only and Here Comes Charley.
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5Lesson 5Relax, Have Fun and Don’t Force the HumourStudents discuss what it means to not “force” the humour. They play all the games from the unit in a high risk setting, as volunteers in front of the class.
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6Lesson 6Unit ProjectThe final project will allow students to demonstrate their improv skills in a two-person scene.
Standards Addressed
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School 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
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 6
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
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.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
6.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Acc.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Sixth Grade
- DT.6.1.1.c Students Can: Explore a scripted or improvised character by imagining the given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
- 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.6.1.4.b Students Can: Identify and employ effective physical and vocal traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.2.1.b Students Can: Experiment with various physical and vocal choices to communicate character in 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.a Students Can: Use supporting evidence and criteria to evaluate drama/theatre work.
Seventh Grade
- DT.7.1.1.a Students Can: Integrate multiple perspectives and solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theater work.
- 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.7.1.4.b Students Can: Develop effective physical and vocal traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.2.a Students Can: Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Eighth Grade
- DT.8.1.1.c Students Can: Develop a scripted or improvised character by articulating the character's inner thoughts, objectives, and motivations in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.1.2.b Students Can: Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.1.4.b Students Can: Refine effective physical, vocal, and physiological traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/theatre work.
High School - Fundamental Pathway
High School - Advanced Pathway
- DT.H2.1.1.c Students Can: Develop a character that is believable and authentic in a drama/theatre work based on personal experiences and knowledge.
- DT.H2.1.3.a Students Can: Choose and interpret a drama/theatre work to connect and question beliefs.
- DT.H2.3.4.c Students Can: Verify how a drama/theatre work communicates for a specific purpose and audience.
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.H3.3.1.a Students Can: Respond to what is seen, felt, and heard in a drama/theatre work to analyze artistic choices and justify meaningful feedback based on historical, cultural, and personal context.
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.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.
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.9-10.3 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.
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- 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.2.6 Assess a peer's artistic choices in a production as a foundation for one's own artistic growth.
- TH.912.C.2.7 Accept feedback from others, analyze it for validity, and apply suggestions appropriately to future performances or designs.
Historical & Global Connections
Innovation, Technology & the Future
- TH.912.F.1.3 Stimulate imagination, quick thinking, and creative risk-taking through improvisation to create written scenes or plays.
- TH.912.F.3.3 Exhibit independence, discipline, and commitment to the theatre process when working on assigned projects and productions.
- TH.912.F.3.4 Discuss how participation in theatre supports development of life skills useful in other content areas and organizational structures.
Organizational Structure
Skills, Techniques & Processes
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 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
Intermediate High School Present
Accomplished High School Create
Advanced High School Create
Advanced High School Present
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
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 - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
- B.2.A demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
- B.2.B portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.
- B.2.C create characters, dialogue, and actions that reflect dramatic structure in improvised and scripted scenes, individually and collaboratively.
- B.2.D express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
- C.2.A demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
- C.2.C employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
- C.2.D use physical, intellectual, emotional, and social awareness to portray believable characters and convey a story when applying acting concepts, skills, and techniques.
- C.2.E employ physical techniques consistently to express thoughts, feelings, and actions non-verbally.
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
- C.2.A model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
- C.2.B explore creativity as it relates to self and ensemble.
- C.2.C demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
- C.2.D apply physical, intellectual, emotional, and social interactions to portray believable characters and convey a story when applying acting concepts, skills, and techniques.
HS 117.316 LII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.317 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
Speech Drama 10
Speech Drama 30
Improvisation Drama 10
- 1 use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
- 11 apply the essential elements of a story: character, setting, conflict, climax and plot in planned and unplanned scenes
- 15 initiate a dramatic situation in response to a given stimulus
- 16 make logical choices spontaneously within the boundaries of situation and character
- 17 demonstrate the ability to accept, advance, offer or block thought and action, quickly and effectively
- 24 select and use vocal techniques appropriate to a character
- 25 select and use language appropriate to character and situation
- 26 use body language to add physical dimensions and depth to a character
- 3 maintain concentration during exercises
- 8 tell a story spontaneously
- 9 use appropriate stage directions
Improvisation Drama 20
Acting Drama 20
Acting Drama 30
Movement Drama 10
Playwriting - Drama 20
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Goal III Objectives
Junior Orientation
- communicate through use of voice and body
- demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
- demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable, physically and emotionally, with others
- focus concentration on one task at a time
- generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
- listen effectively
- move in a variety of ways
- offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
- recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
- respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
- share ideas confidently with others
- show awareness of story sequence
- speak, move, and generate ideas spontaneously
- support positivity the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Movement Level I - Beginning
Speech Level I - Beginning
Speech Level II - Intermediate
Speech Level III - Advanced
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
- 1 use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
- 10 use essential story elements in spontaneous and planned scenes
- 11 create a dramatic situation in response to varied stimuli: objects, pictures, music
- 12 make logical choices within the boundaries of situation and character
- 2 respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
- 5 create and tell a story spontaneously
- 6 understand and apply the essential elements of a story: character, setting, conflict, climax and plot
- 7 use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
- 8 demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
- 9 communicate a clear beginning, middle and end in spontaneous and planned scenes
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
- 13 recognize the techniques of offering, accepting, advancing and blocking
- 14 use varied stimuli for character development
- 15 use the body and body language to enhance characterization
- 17 select and use language appropriate to a given character and situation
- 18 use voice variety to enhance a character
- 20 enter and exit in character
- 21 sustain a character throughout an exercise or scene
- 22 create business appropriate to character and situation
- 24 recognize that relationships exist between characters in given situations
- 25 demonstrate understanding of focus and the processes of sharing, giving and taking
Junior Goal I Objectives
- develop a positive self-image
- develop a sense of responsibility and commitment
- develop self-confidence
- develop self-discipline
- 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
- explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
- extend the ability to think imaginatively and creatively
- extend the ability to understand, accept and respect others- their rights, ideas, abilities and differences
- strengthen powers of concentration
Theatre Studies Level 1 - Beginning (performance analysis)
Technical Theatre - Application
Senior Goal I Objectives
- 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 respect for others-their rights, ideas, abilities and differences
- demonstrate the ability to considered decisions, act upon them and accept the results
- demonstrate the ability to offer, accept, and reflect upon, constructive criticism
- develop a positive and realistic self-image
- extend the ability to concentrate
- increase self-confidence
- increase self-discipline
Senior Goal II Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
- concentrate on the task at hand
- demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
- demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable with others, physically and emotionally
- display consideration and respect for self and others
- listen to self and others
- make effective decisions or choices
- offer and accept constructive criticism with a desire to progress
- positively support the work of others
- solve problems imaginatively and creatively
- work cooperatively and productively
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
- Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation, and purposeful play
- 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
- 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 - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
- 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 dramatic works through presentation or performance
- Improvise and take creative risks to express meaning
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 - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
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 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
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