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Unit

Laban: Advanced Characterization

Created by Drama Teacher Academy

7 lessons Laban

This is an advanced acting unit in playing character through the Laban movement technique. Students will explore dance theorist Rudolf Laban’s eight efforts and their component parts; turn these elements into physicalizations through which one can express character; use Laban efforts and connect them to a character’s voice and body; and demonstrate knowledge through the creation of an original character.

Reminder: This is an advanced acting unit. You will need students who can do work on their own outside of class time, commit to movement and sound, and commit to making instinctual choices.

Start here
The overview outlines the lesson plan for the unit, and includes time management guidelines, assessment strategies, and connections to IB Theatre.
  1. 1
    Lesson 1
    Introduction
    In this lesson, students will explore character movement and will be introduced to dance theorist Rudolf Laban’s definition of human movement. This technique will be the foundation for the character development in this unit.
  2. 2
    Lesson 2
    The Eight Efforts
    In this lesson, students will learn, explore, and apply Laban’s eight efforts and their specific elements through an Impulse Improv exercise.
  3. 3
    Lesson 3
    Laban and Voice
    In this lesson, students will practice applying the elements and efforts before choosing an effort to perform a monologue based on text analysis and the given situation for their characters.
  4. 4
    Lesson 4
    Character Creation: Part 1
    In this lesson, students will start the creation process for their original characters. This is Steps 2 and 3 of the Extended Character Assignment. Students will complete a character analysis, a character psychophysical profile, and then try out their character on their feet using a chosen Laban effort.
  5. 5
    Lesson 5
    Intention Substitution
    In this lesson, students will return to the Laban technique. They will practice applying the elements and efforts before taking on a specific exercise that will give students another tool for their toolbox in working on a scene.
  6. 6
    Lesson 6
    Character Creation: Part 2
    In this lesson, students will spend one class rehearsing their characters. In the second class period, students will receive three additional assignments that they will use as part of their capstone performance. They will have two class periods (Classes 2 and 3) to work on these assignments, with the understanding that they will have to complete any unfinished work on their own time. In the fourth class period, students will participate in a Character Showoff.
  7. 7
    Lesson 7
    Capstone Performance
    In this culminating lesson, students will apply what they have learned with a capstone performance featuring their original characters.

Standards Addressed

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 6

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7

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

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Proficient

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Accomplished

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