Part of the Distance Learning Curriculum
Introduction to Technical Theatre: Distance Learning
Created by Lindsay Price

When an audience watches a piece of theatre, they never see what goes on behind the scenes or know the people who work to make the production look their best. But theatre is a collaboration between what happens onstage and off.
This distance learning unit will introduce students to the world of technical theatre. Through video, they will learn information on specific technical theatre roles and how they work together, types of stages, parts of a theatre and stage geography, and then apply this knowledge through synchronous exercises.
For example, students will take on the role of a producer and decide how a budget will be divided among different departments. They will practice the calls a stage manager uses. The culminating assignment has students solve a common technical theatre issue: a unique stage direction in a play.
NOTE - Please read the Troubleshooting Hyperdocs instructions in the Overview, if you are having issues. If your students have trouble accessing the videos, try VERSION 2 Hyperdoc links provided under each module.
- Hyperdoc: Technical Director/Stage Manager/Crews
- Slide Deck - Activity Instructions - Stage Manager Calls
- Slide Deck - Entry Prompt
- Slide Deck - Pop Quiz
- Slide Deck - Stage Manager Calls
- Slide Deck - Stage Manager Problem Solving
- Version 2 Hyperdoc: Technical Director/Stage Manager/Crews (if having trouble with video links)
Standards Addressed
National Core Arts Standards
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - 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
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
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Advanced
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
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 7
TH:Re9.1.7.b - Consider the aesthetics of the production elements in a drama/theatre work.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Re9.1.HSI.b - Consider the aesthetics of the production elements in a drama/theatre work.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Accomplished
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
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.
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.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.
Adv.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Prof.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Colorado Academic Standards - Drama and Theatre Arts
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
DT.8.2.4.a - Students Can: Perform/present a rehearsed/designed drama/theatre work for an audience.
High School - Fundamental Pathway
High School - Advanced Pathway
High School - Professional Pathway
Common Core
Language
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Skills, Techniques & Processes
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 8 - Performing
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
B.PR.2.3 - Implement technical elements to support scripted or devised presentations.
Intermediate High School Create
Intermediate High School Present
I.PR.2.1 - Develop scenes for formal or informal presentations.
I.PR.2.3 - Implement technical elements to enhance theatrical works.
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Present
Advanced High School Create
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Aesthetics
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
Intermediate High School Standards - Aesthetics
I.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs.
Proficient High School Standards - Aesthetics
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
Advanced High School Standards - Aesthetics
A.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs for a specific audience.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
C.3.D - use technology in theatrical applications such as live theatre, video, and film.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: production
B.3.D - use technology in theatrical applications such as live theatre, video, and film.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production
C.3.A - develop and practice safe and effective stagecraft skills.
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: production
Alberta, Canada
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Costume
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Lighting
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage lighting
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Stage
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose and duties of the stage manager
2 - recognize and use basic technical theatre/design terminology
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Properties
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage properties
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Set
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage scenery
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Sound
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Awareness
1 - recognize the basic terminology associated with the component being studied
2 - demonstrate understanding of the basic functions of the component being studied.
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Readiness
6 - demonstrate understanding of the importance of planning and organization
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)
Grade Six
6.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatrical works
6.4 - The student will identify connections between personal experience and dramatizations
6.5 - The student will identify communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Grade Six
6.9 - The student will describe various careers in theatre arts.
6.10 - The student will identify the use of contemporary technology in theatre production.
6.11 - The student will analyze how theatre incorporates other art forms.
Grade Seven
7.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
7.4 - The student will justify personal responses to theatrical productions.
Grade Seven
7.9 - The student will identify various careers in theatre arts, with a focus on career preparation.
7.10 - The student will investigate the uses and impact of digital media in theatre production.
7.11 - The student will explain how other fine arts and fields of knowledge are applied in theatre
Grade Eight
8.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
8.5 - The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Grade Eight
Grade Eight
8.15 - The student will fulfill the duties and responsibilities of a production staff member.
8.16 - The student will develop technical theatre and production skills.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.16 - The student will apply principles of technical theatre.
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