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.
Producing a show together as a class is the ultimate in both project-based learning and using higher-order thinking skills. Students will gain experience in working in a group, time management, conflict resolution, and other interpersonal skills necessary to working as part of a creative team.
The Production Classroom Units are based on the DTA course The Production Classroom by Karen Loftus. By breaking down the production process into specific sections, you can ensure that your students have the necessary skills to produce a successful show. In addition, whereas trying to take a show from audition to performance usually feels rushed, The Production Classroom allows you to really dive deep into the production process. These units could easily be spaced out over the course of a semester or over the course of an entire year.
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.
TH:Cr1.1.7.b - Explain and present solutions to design challenges in a drama/ theatre work.
TH:Cr1.1.HSI.b - Explore the impact of technology on design choices in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Cr1.1.HSII.b - Understand and apply technology to design solutions for a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
TH:Pr6.1.HSI.a - Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
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.c - Explain and present solutions to design challenges in a drama/ theatre work.
Acc.TH:Cr2.b - Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
Prof.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted short drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
TH.912.C.1.7 - Justify personal perceptions of a director's vision and/or playwright's intent.
B.C.1.2 - Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
I.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs.
A.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs for a specific audience.
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.
C.3.D - use technology in theatrical applications such as live theatre, video, and film.
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
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.
B.5.C - demonstrate knowledge of production elements in theatre, film, television, and other media.
B.1.D - demonstrate an increased understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
B.2.D - express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
B.5.C - demonstrate knowledge of production elements in theatre, film, television, and other media.
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.
C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.C - employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
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.
C.3.A - develop and practice safe and effective stagecraft skills.
C.2.B - demonstrate creativity as it relates to self and ensemble and its effect on audience.
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of costume
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
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
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
1 - demonstrate understanding of duties of house manager and house management staff
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose and duties of the stage manager
2 - recognize and use basic technical theatre/design terminology
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage properties
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
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
16 - use movement and gesture to clarify and enhance speech and character
7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
15 - use the body and body language to enhance characterization
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
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
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
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
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
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