Students will explore the structural elements of a play: character, objective, obstacles, tactics, resolution, and raising the stakes. They will also learn how to write character-driven dialogue and stage directions.
The unit culminates in a group written original play which is performed in front of the class. Please refer to the Pacing Guide for more details and ways to supplement with other DTA materials.
Students will explore the structural elements of a play: character, objective, obstacles, tactics, resolution, and raising the stakes. They will also learn how to write character-driven dialogue and stage directions. The unit culminates in a group written original play which is performed in front of the class.
Students are introduced to the structural elements of a script.
Students are introduced to the concept of stakes as an additional element of a script, and participate in a group playwriting activity that allows performers to test out lines of dialogue in performance.
Students learn the three types of stage directions, and apply what they’ve learned to their own scenes as well as open scenes (sample included).
Students learn the importance of dialogue and creating it for their characters.
Students are introduced to Aristotle’s 3 Unities and participate in an improv exercise to apply these guidelines for playwriting.
Students apply what they have learned so far in the unit and participate in a group playwriting activity - the writing pass technique.
Students continue to work on their group playwriting activity and finalize their script with stage directions, as well as complete staged readings.
Students complete their script, format it properly, then hand it in. Next, they will perform their scene and complete a final reflection. A rubric is included.
TH:Pr4.1.7.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Pr4.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
Acc.TH:Cr2.b - Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
B.C.1.3 - Understand how to read and write scripts that communicate conflict, plot, and character.
P.C.1.3 - Create original works, such as monologues, scenes, or performance pieces.
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
C.5.A - identify and apply audience etiquette at all performances.
B.1.B - develop and apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
B.1.F - analyze and evaluate the structure and form of dramatic literature.
B.2.B - define characters by what they do, what they say, and what others say about them.
B.2.D - create stories collaboratively and individually that have dramatic structure.
B.5.A - understand and demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette at various types of performances.
C.5.B - recognize theatre as an art form and evaluate self as a creative being.
C.5.C - offer and receive constructive criticism of peer performances.
1 - demonstrate understanding of the basic structure of a play
11 - construct a conflict between two characters (protagonist and antagonist)
12 - construct a scene with two contrasting characters
13 - give and accept constructive criticism
2 - define and identify plot, character, thought and diction
3 - demonstrate understanding of script format
4 - generate and collect ideas that have dramatic possibilities
6 - identify character types and their functions and attributes
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
focus concentration on one task at a time
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
share ideas confidently with others
show awareness of story sequence
concentrate on the task at hand
demonstrate behaviour appropriate to given circumstances
demonstrate effective use and management of time
demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
offer and accept constructive criticism with a desire to progress
Interpret and communicate ideas using symbols and elements to express meaning through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
Compose, interpret, and expand ideas using symbolism, imagery, and elements
Collaborate through reciprocal relationships during creative processes
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works