Unit
The Actor in Transition: From Presentational to Three-Dimensional
Created by John Minigan
6 lessons
The objective of this unit by John Minigan is to move students from a traditional presentational model of performance to a three-dimensional model. You’re going to achieve this by having students
- Develop tactics to achieve character goals, despite obstacles
- Connect physical choices to scene structure and relationships
- Clarify tactics and story rather than forcing emotion
- And focus on the scene partner rather than the self
This unit was created to use with grade nine students as a transition from middle school to high school acting approaches. It would also be appropriate for a beginning-of-the-year unit for a program that includes Drama 1. But any class that is at the beginning of their acting process will find value.
Each lesson comes with an engagement Rubric to assess how students participated in the activities and discussions.
Start here
The objective of this unit is to move students from a traditional presentational model of performance to a three-dimensional model.
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1Lesson 1An Organic Approach to Objective, Obstacle, Action/TacticThis lesson introduces the idea of “Objective/Goal, Obstacle, and Action/Tactic” as a powerful building block for actors and to introduce the concept of working with verbs as tactics.
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2Lesson 2Scores and BeatsThis lesson introduces the idea of “Objective/Goal, Obstacle, and Action/Tactic” to simple scenes by scoring those scenes and playing the scored text.
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3Lesson 3Power Plays in Three StatuesThis lesson incorporates physicality into stage relationships and learn to use stage position as an element of blocking that can show the dynamics of and changes in power in a scene.
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4Lesson 4Eight-Line Power PlaysThis lesson combines the work done in Lesson 2 (scoring scenes by beats) with the physical work done in Lesson 3 (creating dynamically staged scenes by connecting choices in blocking/staging to the underlying structural elements in a scene).
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5Lesson 5Acting the Other and Intensifying the TacticsThis lesson includes a series of improv games to focus students on “the other” rather than “the self,” on listening, on sharing their energy with scene partners, and on collaboration in acting.
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6Lesson 6The Beats in Every SceneStudents will work in pairs to create and perform two-minute scenes focused on clear objectives, clear obstacles, multiple tactics – and they will learn to give focused feedback.
Standards Addressed
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
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
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
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.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Sixth Grade
- DT.6.1.1.a Students Can: Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.1.1.c Students Can: Explore a scripted or improvised character by imagining the given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.2.1.a Students Can: Identify the essential events in a story or script that make up the dramatic structure in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.2.2.a Students Can: Participate in a variety of acting exercises and techniques that can be applied in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.
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.7.2.1.a Students Can: Experiment various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.1.b Students Can: Apply various character objectives in a 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
- DT.8.1.1.a Students Can: Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.1.1.c Students Can: Develop a scripted or improvised character by articulating the character's inner thoughts, objectives, and motivations in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.2.1.b Students Can: Apply and justify various character objectives and tactics in a drama/theatre work to overcome an obstacle.
- DT.8.2.2.a Students Can: Develop a variety of acting techniques to increase skills in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.
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.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.H3.1.2.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.
Language
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.68.C.1.2 Develop a character analysis to support artistic portrayal.
- 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.2.2 Construct imaginative, complex scripts and revise them in collaboration with actors to convey story and meaning to an audience.
Historical & Global Connections
Innovation, Technology & the Future
- TH.68.F.1.2 Use vocal, physical, and imaginative ideas, through improvisation, as a foundation to create new characters and to write dialogue.
- TH.912.F.1.1 Synthesize research, analysis, and imagination to create believable characters and settings.
- TH.912.F.3.3 Exhibit independence, discipline, and commitment to the theatre process when working on assigned projects and productions.
Organizational Structure
- TH.68.O.1.1 Compare different processes an actor uses to prepare for a performance.
- TH.68.O.2.1 Diagram the major parts of a play and their relationships to each other.
- TH.912.O.3.1 Analyze the methods of communication among directors, designers, stage managers, technicians, and actors that establish the most effective support of the creative process.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- TH.68.S.1.2 Invent a character with distinct behavior(s) based on observations of people in the real world and interact with others in a cast as the invented characters.
- TH.68.S.3.1 Develop characterizations, using basic acting skills, appropriate for selected dramatizations.
- TH.68.S.3.2 Use the elements of dramatic form to stage a play.
- TH.68.S.3.3 Lead rehearsals of improvised and scripted scenes, communicating with cast and crew to create appropriate characterization and dramatic environments.
- TH.912.S.1.6 Respond appropriately to directorial choices for improvised and scripted scenes.
- 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.2.5 Perform memorized theatrical literature in contrasting pieces to show ability to apply principles and structure, focus on details of performance, and processing skills to establish successful interpretation, expression, and believability.
- 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.
Grade 6 - Creating
- TA6.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Identify artistic choices, utilize theatre vocabulary, and demonstrate non-verbal communication skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>b. Interpret a character’s motivation by understanding the relationship between their background and their behavior.<br/>c. Identify the variety of relationships between characters.<br/>d. Identify, define, and classify character traits.<br/>e. Recognize and demonstrate the roles, responsibilities, and skills associated with collaborative performance.<br/>f. Use resources to identify and create technical elements of theatre.
- TA6.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Identify the elements of a story.<br/>b. Identify the theme and structure of a play.<br/>c. Articulate creative ideas in oral and written forms.<br/>d. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.<br/>e. Demonstrate the conventions of dialogue and stage directions.
Grade 7 - Creating
- TA7.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Identify and rehearse effective communication skills.<br/>b. Compare and contrast character types and relationships by analyzing character motivations, objectives, and goals.<br/>c. Compare the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a character.<br/>d. Investigate the role and responsibility of the cast and crew.<br/>e. Identify and model ensemble skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>f. Utilize staging and blocking choices to enhance the performance.<br/>g. Compare, contrast, and design elements of technical theatre.<br/>h. Utilize theatre vocabulary throughout the rehearsal process.
- TA7.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Create ideas for stories.<br/>b. Analyze the theme and structure of a play.<br/>c. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.<br/>d. Utilize dramatic conventions in the scriptwriting process (e.g. stage directions, dialogue, scenes).
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
- TAHSA.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Use script analysis in the development and presentation of formal and informal theatre performances.<br/>b. Examine various theories of dramatic structure.<br/>c. Engage in and apply meaningful cultural, literary, and historical research to create acting choices or directorial concepts.
- TAHSA.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Examine theatre practices regarding the development, structure, layout, and format of scripts.<br/>b. Use improvisation, personal experiences, heritage, imagination, literature, and history to develop scripts.<br/>c. Perform formal and informal monologues and scenes based on published and original scripts.
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Performing
- TAHSAD.PR.1 Act and direct by communicating and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments.<br/>a. Examine and implement the skills and tasks associated with acting, incorporating voice, body, observation, and imagination to create characters for formal and informal performances.<br/>b. Implement the duties of the stage manager, including communication and safety procedures, that will assist the director in all areas of production.<br/>c. Develop a schedule and organizational plan to prepare a scene for performance, including a rehearsal schedule and a prompt script.<br/>d. Conduct rehearsals and present a full theatrical presentation to a live audience.
- TAHSAD.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Engage as a creative team in script analysis to plan and create technical elements of a theatre production.
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
- TAHSFT.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Recognize and/or employ realistic and conventional speech patterns within dialogue or dramatic verse.<br/>b. Incorporate dramatic elements through improvisation.<br/>c. Recognize and interpret artistic choices in performance.
- TAHSFT.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Differentiate between dramatic and traditional literary writing and utilize common steps of the playwriting process.<br/>b. Assess the need for script analysis, concept development, and directorial and technical concerns of a theatrical script.<br/>c. Construct and critique elements of dramatic structure, character, and dialogue.<br/>d. Create and perform scenes for audiences.
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
- TAHSMT.PR.1 Act and direct by communicating and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments.<br/>a. Examine and implement the skills and tasks associated with acting, singing, and dancing, incorporating vocal and movement technique, observation, and imagination to create characters for formal and informal performances.<br/>b. Identify and examine the responsibilities and tasks of an actor in relation to directors, designers, choreographers, technical crew, and production staff.<br/>c. Use the skills and tools of a director to develop a presentation of formal and informal musical theatre performances.<br/>d. Conduct rehearsals to present a musical theatre performance for a live audience.
- TAHSMT.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Engage as a creative team in script analysis to plan and create technical elements of a theatre production, including sets, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, and sound.
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Responding
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Performing
Sixth Grade Create
Seventh Grade Create
Seventh Grade Present
- 7.PR.1.1 Refine choices in devised or scripted performances based on objective feedback and criteria.
- 7.PR.1.2 Communicate character and story using physical and vocal control, observation, and concentration during theatrical performances.
- 7.PR.2.4 Compare the theatrical modifications needed by performers in different venues.
Eighth Grade Create
Eighth Grade Present
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
Intermediate High School Create
Intermediate High School Present
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Present
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
- I.C.1.2 Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression appropriately to theatrical texts, such as monologues and scenes.
- I.C.2.1 Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization, to demonstrate given situations.
- I.C.2.2 Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
- P.C.1.2 Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression to develop characters.
- P.C.1.3 Create original works, such as monologues, scenes, or performance pieces.
- P.C.2.1 Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization, to create extended scenes.
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
- C.1.B develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
- C.1.C develop and practice stage movement techniques such as mime, pantomime, stage combat, Laban, Lecoq, or Viewpoints consistently to express thoughts, feelings, and actions non-verbally.
- C.1.D develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
- C.1.E analyze characters by describing attributes such as physical, intellectual, emotional, and social dimensions through reading scripts of published plays.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
- C.2.C employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
- C.2.D use physical, intellectual, emotional, and social awareness to portray believable characters and convey a story when applying acting concepts, skills, and techniques.
- C.2.E employ physical techniques consistently to express thoughts, feelings, and actions non-verbally.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
Improvisation Drama 10
Acting Drama 20
Movement Drama 10
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Orientation
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
Junior Goal I Objectives
- 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 think imaginatively and creatively
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
Senior Goal I Objectives
Senior Goal II Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
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
- 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 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
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
- 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
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Grade 6 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
- B1.1 engage actively in drama exploration and role play, with a focus on examining multiple perspectives related to current issues, themes, and relationships from a wide variety of sources and diverse communities
- B1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama by selecting and combining several elements and conventions to create dramatic effects
Grade 8 - Creating and Presenting
- B1.1 engage actively in drama exploration and role play, with a focus on examining multiple perspectives and possible outcomes related to complex issues, themes, and relationships from a wide variety of sources and diverse communities
- B1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama by selecting and manipulating multiple elements and conventions to create and enhance a variety of drama works and shared drama experiences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grade Six
Grade Six
Grade Six
- 6.12 The student will demonstrate how meaning is expressed both physically (through movement, gesture, and other forms of physical expression) and verbally (through vocal choices).
- 6.13 The student will identify techniques and skills for actor preparation, including memorization and warm ups for performance.
- 6.14 The student will demonstrate theatre as dramatized storytelling by preparing and presenting short scenes that include characters, setting, properties, conflict, and a progressive chain of events.
Grade Seven
Grade Seven
Grade Seven
Grade Seven
- 7.12 The student will develop physical and vocal technique for theatre performance.
- 7.13 The student will explain techniques and skills for actor preparation, including concentration, discipline, preparation, and imagination for theatrical performance.
- 7.14 The student will research, analyze, rehearse, and present a scripted character in a memorized scene and/or monologue.
Grade Eight
Grade Eight
Grade Eight
Grade Eight
- 8.12 The student will develop physical and vocal technique for theatre performance.
- 8.13 The student will use character analysis techniques to research, develop, and present a scripted character.
- 8.14 The student will demonstrate the mental and physical discipline necessary for creating and maintaining an imagined reality during performance.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
Theatre Arts IV: Advanced Acting And Directing
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