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
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
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
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
- TH:Cr2.1.HSIII.a Develop and synthesize original ideas in a drama/theatre work utilizing critical analysis, historical and cultural context, research, and western or non-western theatre traditions.
- TH:Cr2.1.HSIII.b Collaborate as a creative team to discover artistic solutions and make interpretive choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 6
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 7
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Adv.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.
- Adv.TH:Cr2.a Develop and synthesize original ideas in a drama/theatre work utilizing critical analysis, historical and cultural context, research, and western or non-western theatre traditions.
- Adv.TH:Cr2.b Collaborate as a creative team to discover artistic solutions and make interpretive choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
- DT.7.1.1.c Students Can: Envision and describe a scripted or improvised character's inner thoughts and objectives in a drama/theater work.
- 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.7.2.2.a Students Can: Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Eighth Grade
High School - Fundamental Pathway
- DT.H1.1.1.c Students Can: Generate ideas about a character that are believable and authentic using script analysis.
- DT.H1.2.1.a Students Can: Examine how character relationships assist in telling the story of a drama/theatre work.
- DT.H1.2.1.b Students Can: Shape artistic choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.H1.2.2.a Students Can: Practice various acting techniques to expand skills in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.
High School - Advanced Pathway
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.a Students Can: Develop and synthesize original ideas in a drama/theatre work utilizing critical analysis, historical and cultural context, research, and Western or non-Western theatre traditions.
- 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.H3.3.4.a Students Can: Research and synthesize cultural and historical information related to a drama/theatre work to support or evaluate artistic choice.
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.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.
Reading: Literature
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.912.C.1.2 Create, refine, and sustain complex and believable characters for performance through the integration and application of artistic choices based on research, rehearsal, feedback, and refinement.
- 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.1.6 Respond to theatrical works by identifying and interpreting influences of historical, social, or cultural contexts.
- TH.912.C.2.1 Explore and describe possible solutions to production or acting challenges and select the solution most likely to produce desired results.
Historical & Global Connections
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- 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.2.4 Sustain a character or follow technical cues in a production piece to show focus.
- TH.912.S.2.8 Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
- 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 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Connecting
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Creating
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Performing
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Connecting
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
- B.PR.2.1 Develop scripted or devised theatre for presentation.
- B.PR.2.2 Demonstrate appropriate theatre audience behavior with the understanding of the impact on performers and technicians.
- B.PR.2.3 Implement technical elements to support scripted or devised presentations.
- B.PR.2.4 Identify the responsibilities of a performer in a variety of theatrical venues.
Intermediate High School Present
Intermediate High School Respond
Advanced High School Present
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Beginning High School Standards - Aesthetics
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Analysis
Intermediate High School Standards - Aesthetics
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
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 - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
- C.3.D perform a role such as actor, director, designer, technician, or editor in production decision making and collaborate with others to tell a story through live theatre or media performance.
- C.3.E perform the role of actor, director, or technician, demonstrating responsibility, artistic discipline, and creative problem solving.
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.318 LIV - Historical and cultural relevance
Acting Drama 20
- 1 analyze a script for explicit character clues
- 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
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late drama)
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Sound
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
- share ideas confidently with others
- support positivity 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
- 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 the ability to concentrate
- increase self-confidence
- increase self-discipline
Senior Goal II Objectives
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
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
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
- Create dramatic works both collaboratively and as an individual, using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, and purposeful play
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of personal, social, cultural, historical, and environmental in relation to drama
- Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through dramatic experiences
- Select and combine dramatic elements and principles to intentionally create a particular mood, effect, and meaning
- Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
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 and create dramatic works to express ideas and emotions
- 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
- Create dramatic works for an intended audience
- Create, rehearse, and refine dramatic works through collaborative and individual presentation or performance
- Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
- Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
- Experiment with a range of materials, props, processes, and technologies to create and refine performances
- Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas, meaning, and emotions
- Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
- Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
- Create, rehearse, and refine dramatic works through collaborative and individual presentation or performance
- Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills, vocabulary, and techniques through presentation or performance
- Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
- Develop dramatic works for an intended audience
- Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies to create and refine innovative dramatic works
- Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas, meaning, and emotions
- Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
- Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
- C.2.1 identify ways in which dramatic expression and performance reflect communities and cultures, past and present (e.g., the prominence of socially and/or politically powerful characters in the drama of pre-industrial societies; the use of boy actors for female roles in Shakespearean theatre; the emphasis on religious themes in the drama of many cultures in different eras)
- C.2.2 describe how drama is used for various purposes in a range of social contexts (e.g., to express or celebrate group or community sentiments or values in street theatre or parades; to mark important historical or religious anniversaries of a country or culture; to raise awareness of social, environmental, and political issues; to explore personal relationships or social arrangements)
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
- C.1.1 identify the drama forms, elements, conventions, and techniques used in their own and others’ drama works, and explain how the various components are used, or can be used, to achieve specific effects, with a focus on ensemble drama works (e.g., how a comic drama form can be used to convey a serious message, how setting and time period can be used to sharpen the focus on a moral dilemma, how characters can be used to vary the mood within a drama)
- C.1.2 demonstrate an understanding of and use correct terminology to refer to the forms, elements, conventions, and techniques of drama, with a focus on ensemble drama works (e.g., chorus, protagonist, ingénue, supporting role, act, scene, climax, resolution, improvisation, mask, freeze-frame image)
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
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