Part of the Production Classroom Units Curriculum
Production Classroom Units Overview
Created by Karen Loftus
The overview lays out the all of the parts of The Production Classroom Units - which is divided into three parts.
In Part One, you’ll take your students through a series of pre-production units designed to help students gain as much comprehension as possible about putting on a successful production.
Part Two offers articles on each step in the process, samples and forms, a suggested pacing, role definitions and task checklists, an outline for a typical class, as well as performance duties. This section also outlines the assessment piece for The Production Classroom – the production binder.
Part Three provides a Post-Performance Reflection. Unpack the experience with students, reflect back on what went right and what could be changed for next time. A written Reflection is included as well as a Rubric for student production binders.
Standards Addressed
National Core Arts Standards
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Cr1.1.6.b - Identify solutions to design challenges in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
TH:Cr1.1.7.b - Explain and present solutions to design challenges in a drama/ theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
TH:Cr1.1.HSI.b - Explore the impact of technology on design choices in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
TH:Cr1.1.HSII.b - Understand and apply technology to design solutions for a drama/theatre work.
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
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
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 8
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Proficient
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
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
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
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
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Pr6.1.HSI.a - Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Common Core
Speaking and Listening
Language
Reading: Literature
Language
Writing
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cr1.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Cr1.c - Identify solutions to design challenges in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Cr1.c - Explain and present solutions to design challenges in a drama/ theatre work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize 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:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
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: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:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
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:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted short drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
Acc.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Adv.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
TH.912.C.1.7 - Justify personal perceptions of a director's vision and/or playwright's intent.
Historical & Global Connections
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Performing
Grade 7 - Performing
Grade 8 - Performing
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Performing
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE MANAGEMENT - Creating
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE MANAGEMENT - Performing
North Carolina Essential Standards
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
B.C.1.2 - Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
Beginning High School Standards - Analysis
Beginning High School Standards - Aesthetics
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
Intermediate High School Standards - Analysis
Intermediate High School Standards - Aesthetics
I.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs.
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Aesthetics
P.AE.1.1 - Analyze design concepts for aesthetic impact of technical elements.
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.1.2 - Use voice to create character dialects.
A.C.1.3 - Use constructive criticism to improve original works both written and read orally.
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.
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.D - develop an understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
C.1.E - identify theatrical vocabulary and terminology, including basic anatomy of theatre spaces.
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 - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.B - define characters by what they do, what they say, and what others say about them.
B.2.C - select movements and dialogue to portray a character appropriately.
B.2.E - apply knowledge of effective voice and diction techniques to express thoughts and feelings.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: production
B.3.D - use technology in theatrical applications such as live theatre, video, and film.
MS 117.212 LII - Critical evaluation and response
B.5.C - demonstrate knowledge of production elements in theatre, film, television, and other media.
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.D - demonstrate an increased understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.D - express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
B.5.C - demonstrate knowledge of production elements in theatre, film, television, and other media.
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.D - develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
C.1.G - analyze and describe the interdependence of all theatrical elements.
C.1.I - identify and practice memorization skills.
C.1.K - identify and recognize the importance of safe theatre practices.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.C - employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
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.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production
C.3.A - develop and practice safe and effective stagecraft skills.
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.B - demonstrate creativity as it relates to self and ensemble and its effect on audience.
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: production
Alberta, Canada
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Costume
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of costume
Speech Drama 10
10 - demonstrate safe and appropriate projection
Speech Drama 30
Improvisation Drama 10
10 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal methods
16 - make logical choices spontaneously within the boundaries of situation and character
24 - select and use vocal techniques appropriate to a character
26 - use body language to add physical dimensions and depth to a character
29 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concept of status
30 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concepts of a character’s objectives and motivation
31 - demonstrate the ability to focus on, and achieve, the objective of a scene
Acting Drama 20
1 - analyze a script for explicit character clues
2 - create, select and sustain physical details of the character from scripted material
5 - demonstrate a character’s main objective within a scene
Acting Drama 30
18 - use various vocal skills to enhance characterization
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
21 - create appropriate stage business
22 - display appropriate character relationships with all other characters in a scene
Movement Drama 10
10 - demonstrate focus, concentration and energy in all movement and gesture
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Lighting
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage lighting
4 - demonstrate knowledge of appropriate safety procedures
6 - demonstrate understanding of functions of gels, barn doors, gobos, c-clamps, shutters
7 - demonstrate understanding of basic functions of lighting control systems
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Business
3 - demonstrate understanding of the importance of record keeping and box office procedures
4 - recognize the importance of effective publicity techniques/procedures
5 - demonstrate understanding of appropriate audience development techniques
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - House
1 - demonstrate understanding of duties of house manager and house management staff
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
10 - demonstrate understanding of and use ground plans
2 - recognize the importance of illusion in set design
3 - recognize the importance of artistic unity in set design
4 - recognize and use theatre terminology related to the proscenium
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Sound
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Goal III Objectives
develop awareness of drama and theatre presentations as possible
Junior Orientation
demonstrate awareness of the multidisciplinary nature of drama/theatre
demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable, physically and emotionally, with others
focus concentration on one task at a time
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
share ideas confidently with others
support positivity the work of others
understand that technical elements enhance verbal/physical communication
Movement Level I - Beginning
13 - control focus and energy in movement and gesture
Speech Level I - Beginning
3 - use effective breathing techniques
5 - recognize the need to control and protect the voice
6 - use volume appropriate to situation
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
Speech Level II - Intermediate
10 - demonstrate effects of intonation, rate, pause and phrasing on the meaning of words
9 - use volume, articulation and projection to achieve clarity
Speech Level III - Advanced
16 - use movement and gesture to clarify and enhance speech and character
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
15 - use the body and body language to enhance characterization
Junior Goal I Objectives
develop a sense of responsibility and commitment
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
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
10 - demonstrate understanding of the concept of dramatic convention
11 - demonstrate understanding of plot structure
12 - analyze a script to identify character, setting and plot
7 - define the elements of script, dialogue, directions, characters and settings
8 - demonstrate understanding of directions used in a script
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
8 - demonstrate understanding of the use of colour, shape and texture to achieve a desired effect
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 a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate respect for others-their rights, ideas, abilities and differences
demonstrate the ability to considered decisions, act upon them and accept the results
demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
extend physical and vocal capabilities
Senior Goal II Objectives
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
Senior Goal III Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
concentrate on the task at hand
cope with success and failure in positive ways
demonstrate behaviour appropriate to given circumstances
demonstrate effective use and management of time
demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable with others, physically and emotionally
display consideration and respect for self and others
make effective decisions or choices
positively support the work of others
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies