Unit
in Drama Two Curriculum
Performing Shakespeare
Created by Matt Webster
5 lessons
Shakespeare
In this unit, students are introduced to a series of lesson plans that explore non-traditional approaches to performing the works of William Shakespeare. By the end of the unit students will be exposed to a unique set of tools they can utilize as the foundations for analyzing, staging and performing a scene from Shakespeare’s canon. Students will then rehearse and perform a two-person Shakespearean scene.
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The overview lays out the objectives, description, and lessons for the unit, including pre-knowledge requirements and review.
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1Lesson 1Shakespeare: Finding Emotion and Action in TextStudents will use textual analysis to explore how to uncover the clues that Shakespeare left in his text. They will apply this knowledge to a monologue.
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2Lesson 2Shakespeare: TableauxStudents interact with Shakespeare’s language out of context to create expressive tableaux that tell a simple unrelated story.
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3Lesson 3Acting Shakespeare StyleStudents will perform a modern scene the same way that Shakespearean actors performed text. They will also compare and contrast the experience to preparing a scene for class.
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4Lesson 4Shakespeare Setting and SoundscapeStudents work together to create and explore an obstacle-course setting and soundscape for one of Shakespeare’s plays.
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5Lesson 5Unit Project: Performing a Shakespearean SceneStudents analyze, rehearse, and perform Shakespearean scenes using the concepts introduced over the course of the unit.
Standards Addressed
Improvisation Drama 10
- 1 use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
- 10 demonstrate appropriate rehearsal methods
- 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
Improvisation Drama 30
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).
- 4 demonstrate understanding that a character’s behaviour is motivated by past, present and anticipated future experiences
- 5 demonstrate a character’s main objective within a scene
- 6 demonstrate a character’s immediate or moment-to-moment objectives within a scene
- 7 demonstrate the ability to play a character from the character’s point of view
- 9 demonstrate the ability to pick up cues effectively
Acting Drama 30
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late drama)
Movement Drama 10
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Sound
Playwriting - Drama 20
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Goal III Objectives
Junior Orientation
- demonstrate awareness of the multidisciplinary nature of drama/theatre
- generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
- listen effectively
- meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
- recognize that there is an historical and cultural aspect of drama/theatre
- recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
- respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
- share ideas confidently with others
- speak, move, and generate ideas spontaneously
- support positively the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
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 willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
- explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
- extend the ability to explore meaning through abstract concepts
- extend the ability to think imaginatively and creatively
- strengthen powers of concentration
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
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 the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
- develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
- extend physical and vocal capabilities
- extend the ability to concentrate
- increase self-confidence
- increase self-discipline
Senior Goal II Objectives
- be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
- develop techniques that enhance vocal and physical communication
- develop the ability to select appropriate physical and vocal expression for feelings, ideas and images
- develop the ability to understand and apply the specific presentation techniques demanded by various dramatic forms
- explore various approaches to analyzing a script for purposes of study and/or presentation
Senior Goal III Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
- concentrate on the task at hand
- demonstrate behaviour appropriate to given circumstances
- 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
- solve problems imaginatively and creatively
- work with abstract concepts
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