Unit
Introduction to Musical Theatre: Movement
Created by Annie Dragoo
9 lessons
musical theatre
Musical theatre performers use their bodies to sing, to dance, and to act. We must think of our bodies as instruments and learn to use our instruments properly in order to be better musical theatre performers.
The overall objective with this unit, by Annie Dragoo, is for students to demonstrate an understanding of the use of good movement as it connects to musical theatre. Some of the activities include using action verbs, moving as animals and inanimate characters, nonverbal communication and situational movement. Students will then perform a scene that will allow them to put to practice all the movement techniques they have learned.
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The overview lays out the objectives, lessons, and assessment guide for the unit.
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1Lesson 1The Body is Your InstrumentStudents will demonstrate their understanding of the body’s importance to an actor.
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2Lesson 2Movement and Action VerbsStudents will demonstrate their understanding of actable verbs by using them in a scene. They will be introduced to the concepts of motivation, objective, and tactics.
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3Lesson 3Physicalizing an ObjectiveStudents will demonstrate their ability to physically achieve an objective by using their bodies in a musical scene.
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4Lesson 4Movement for Inanimate/Animal CharacterStudents will demonstrate their ability to move like an inanimate object by performing a scene.
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5Lesson 5Nonverbal CommunicationStudents will demonstrate their ability to use physical variety by utilizing three levels of physicalizing emotions to music.
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6Lesson 6Simple ActionsStudents will demonstrate their understanding of simple action by performing or coaching the performer to deliver a love poem while using three simple actions.
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7Lesson 7Situational MovementStudents will demonstrate their understanding of situational movement by performing a scene.
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8Lesson 8Occupation While WaitingStudents will demonstrate their ability to find occupation while waiting by performing a scene.
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9Lesson 9Final Movement PerformanceStudents will rehearse and perform a scene plus song incorporating specific movement. After the performance, students will complete a self-assessment checklist.
Standards Addressed
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Prof.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Acc.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Sixth Grade
- 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.
Seventh Grade
- DT.7.1.4.a Students Can: Demonstrate focus and concentration in the rehearsal process to analyze and refine choices in a devised or scripted 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.7.2.1.b Students Can: Apply various character objectives in a 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.8.2.1.b Students Can: Apply and justify various character objectives and tactics in a drama/theatre work to overcome an obstacle.
- DT.8.2.2.a Students Can: Develop a variety of acting techniques to increase skills in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.
- DT.8.3.1.a Students Can: Apply criteria to analyze artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
Language
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.68.C.1.2 Develop a character analysis to support artistic portrayal.
- TH.68.C.2.1 Use group-generated criteria to critique others and help strengthen each other's performance.
- 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.2.7 Accept feedback from others, analyze it for validity, and apply suggestions appropriately to future performances or designs.
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.1.3 Explain the impact of choices made by directors, designers, and actors on audience understanding.
- 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.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- TH.68.S.1.3 Describe criteria for the evaluation of dramatic texts, performances, direction, and production elements.
- TH.68.S.3.3 Lead rehearsals of improvised and scripted scenes, communicating with cast and crew to create appropriate characterization and dramatic environments.
- TH.912.S.1.2 Describe the Stanislavski Method and its impact on realism in theatrical performance in the 20th century.
- TH.912.S.1.7 Interpret dramatic texts, organize and conduct rehearsals, and justify directorial choices for formal and informal productions.
- TH.912.S.1.8 Use research to extract clues in dramatic texts to create performances or technical elements, choosing those that are most interesting and that best convey dramatic intent.
- TH.912.S.2.3 Demonstrate an understanding of a dramatic work by developing a character analysis for one or more of its major characters and show how the analysis clarifies the character's physical and emotional dimensions.
- TH.912.S.2.4 Sustain a character or follow technical cues in a production piece to show focus.
- TH.912.S.2.5 Perform memorized theatrical literature in contrasting pieces to show ability to apply principles and structure, focus on details of performance, and processing skills to establish successful interpretation, expression, and believability.
- TH.912.S.2.8 Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
- TH.912.S.3.2 Exercise artistic discipline and collaboration to achieve ensemble in rehearsal and performance.
- TH.912.S.3.3 Develop acting skills and techniques in the rehearsal process.
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
- TAHSFT.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Recognize and/or employ realistic and conventional speech patterns within dialogue or dramatic verse.<br/>b. Incorporate dramatic elements through improvisation.<br/>c. Recognize and interpret artistic choices in performance.
- TAHSFT.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Differentiate between dramatic and traditional literary writing and utilize common steps of the playwriting process.<br/>b. Assess the need for script analysis, concept development, and directorial and technical concerns of a theatrical script.<br/>c. Construct and critique elements of dramatic structure, character, and dialogue.<br/>d. Create and perform scenes for audiences.
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Responding
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Performing
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE MANAGEMENT - Creating
Seventh Grade Present
Eighth Grade Present
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
Intermediate High School Create
Intermediate High School Present
Intermediate High School Respond
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Present
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
- I.C.1.1 Use non-verbal expression to illustrate how human motivations are prompted by physical and emotional needs.
- I.C.2.1 Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization, to demonstrate given situations.
- I.C.2.2 Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
Improvisation Drama 10
- 1 use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
- 13 communicate meaning without words
- 14 discover how various emotions affect one vocally and physically
- 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
- 31 demonstrate the ability to focus on, and achieve, the objective of a scene
- 32 sustain a character throughout a scene or exercise
- 5 create experiences through imaging, visualizing and fantasizing
- 8 tell a story spontaneously
- 9 use appropriate stage directions
Improvisation Drama 20
Acting Drama 20
- 1 analyze a script for explicit character clues
- 14 identify and use operative words in a script
- 2 create, select and sustain physical details of the character from scripted material
- 3 demonstrate understanding of and identity motivation and objectives (overall, main and immediate).
- 5 demonstrate a character’s main objective within a scene
Movement Drama 10
- 10 demonstrate focus, concentration and energy in all movement and gesture
- 14 create physically shapes in space
- 15 use basic locomotor movements (eg. walking, running, crawling) to explore space
- 16 create and repeat patterns of movement
- 18 appreciate that physical expression can enhance language
- 22 translate words, images and emotions into movement
- 23 demonstrate non-verbally the who, what, where, why and when of a story
- 24 demonstrate understanding of mood, and communicate mood
- 3 recognize the necessity for physical warmups
- 4 perform a physical warmup
Playwriting - Drama 20
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Orientation
- communicate through use of voice and body
- demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
- focus concentration on one task at a time
- listen effectively
- meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
- move in a variety of ways
- recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
- respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
- share ideas confidently with others
- support positively 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
- 10 use varying speed of movement
- 11 use directions and pathways
- 12 use levels
- 17 use movement to communicate non-verbally
- 18 create movement in response to music
- 19 translate sounds, words, images, and emotions into movement
- 4 recognize the need for and demonstrate warmup activities
- 5 move individual body parts
- 6 use proper posture
- 7 demonstrate awareness of his or her own body and its movement potential
- 8 display increased freedom of movement
- 9 travel through space in a variety of ways e.g., running, creeping and jumping
Movement Level II - Intermediate
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
- 5 create and tell a story spontaneously
- 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
Junior Goal I Objectives
Senior Goal I Objectives
- 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 initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
- extend the ability to concentrate
- increase self-confidence
- increase self-discipline
- sharpen observations of people, situations and the environment
Senior Goal II Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
- concentrate on the task at hand
- demonstrate effective use and management of time
- demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
- listen to self and others
- make effective decisions or choices
- positively support the work of others
- share ideas confidently
- 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 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 - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 8 - 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 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Grade 6 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 6 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 7 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 8 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
- B2.2 evaluate, using drama terminology, how effectively drama works and shared drama experiences use the elements of drama to engage the audience and communicate a theme or message
- B2.3 identify and give examples of their strengths, interests, and areas for improvement as drama creators, performers, and audience members
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grade Six
- 6.12 The student will demonstrate how meaning is expressed both physically (through movement, gesture, and other forms of physical expression) and verbally (through vocal choices).
- 6.13 The student will identify techniques and skills for actor preparation, including memorization and warm ups for performance.
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.
- 7.14 The student will research, analyze, rehearse, and present a scripted character in a memorized scene and/or monologue.
Grade Eight
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
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