In this unit, students are introduced to stage directions and how actors move on stage. They will explore what’s important for onstage action, the basics of stage directions, and how to keep open. By giving students something concrete to focus on, it allows them to overcome any stage fright. Teachers can refer to the Pacing Guide for more details and ways to supplement with other DTA materials.
This unit will culminate with students trying out what they’ve learned in a short scene. Each session comes with an journal prompt and an exit slip for assessment.
Students will get “onstage.” They will explore what’s important for onstage action, the basics of stage directions, and how to keep open. This unit will culminate with students trying out what they’ve learned in a short scene.
After a warm up, student learn about onstage action. They will reflect on the question of how having something “to do” onstage can help overcome stage fright.
Students identify the stage directions and actor needs to know onstage and the necessary shorthand notation for each. They then apply their knowledge in an exercise and exit slip.
Students discuss and apply technical aspects of moving on stage: sightlines and staying open. They then apply these aspects in a short scene.
TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr4.1.7.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in 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.
7.TH:Pr4.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in 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.S.1.6 - Respond appropriately to directorial choices for improvised and scripted scenes.
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.
B.C.1.3 - Understand how to read and write scripts that communicate conflict, plot, and character.
I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
C.1.E - identify theatrical vocabulary and terminology, including basic anatomy of theatre spaces.
C.5.A - identify and apply audience etiquette at all performances.
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
B.5.A - understand and demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette at various types of performances.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
demonstrate awareness of the multidisciplinary nature of drama/theatre
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
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
share ideas confidently with others
speak, move, and generate ideas spontaneously
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
3 - demonstrate the ability to be still
7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
9 - communicate a clear beginning, middle and end in spontaneous and planned scenes
16 - demonstrate economy in movement and speech
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 ability to offer and accept constructive criticism
develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
concentrate on the task at hand
cope with success and failure in positive ways
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
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
Apply feedback to develop and refine ideas
Describe, analyze, and respond using drama-specific language
Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas