When teaching students who are brand new to theatre, it’s important to discuss and apply the expectations of the drama classroom and the theatrical world. How do you implement and instill theatre etiquette in your classroom and your rehearsals – before a show and backstage? A cohesive theatrical community starts with the rules and codes of behaviour both onstage and off.
Topics covered within the unit include: What is Etiquette, Real World vs Theatre World Etiquette, Audience Etiquette, Audition Etiquette, Pre-Show and Performance Etiquette. The unit ends with a culminating activity which included a rubric and reflection.
The overview lays out the details and pacing for the lessons in this unit.
In this lesson, students will define etiquette, refine the definition for the theatre classroom, and work on a Creativity Contract that has goals and procedures. What do students want out of the class? What are the steps they need to take to achieve those goals? What procedures are needed to make the theatre classroom a safe place where they can achieve those goals?
Students will learn about creating a safe and professional space in the classroom and in the theatre, and how these principles can be applied to the real world. What are the best practices for etiquette in the classroom, which can also be used in rehearsal, and which can also be used in the real world.
Theatre does not happen without an audience. It’s important for students to be aware of and apply audience etiquette. In this lesson, students will explore the different ways an audience behaves depending on the event, what is bad audience behaviour, establish the rules, practice critical thinking as an audience member, and complete an exit slip to demonstrate comprehension.
Students will explore the elements of the audition process, discuss the necessary guidelines of audition etiquette, and practice applying those guidelines.
Students receive the Pre-Show Etiquette Tips and Performance Etiquette Tips (handouts).They will brainstorm and develop a warm-up exercise designed to encourage pre-show etiquette, and design series of posters (either fully done or described with sketches) to encourage and highlight performance etiquette.
TH:Pr4.1.HSII.a - Discover how unique choices shape believable and sustainable drama/ theatre work.
Acc.TH:Pr4.a - Discover how unique choices shape believable and sustainable drama/ theatre work.
Acc.TH:Cr2.b - Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
TH.912.S.1.1 - Describe the interactive effect of audience members and actors on performances.
Tennessee Theatre standards (2018) standards were built using the framework of the NCAS which is built on four key domains: Creating, Performing/Presenting/Producing, Connecting, and Responding. Within each of these domains are foundations and standards to support the development of curriculum, programs, and learning.
(source: Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts, Summer 2018)
Please refer to National Core Arts Standards to determine the standard that best suits your needs.
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.5.A - understand and demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette at various types of performances.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
C.1.K - identify and recognize the importance of safe theatre practices.
C.1.F - relate the interdependence of all theatrical elements.
C.5.A - evaluate and apply appropriate audience etiquette at various types of performances.
C.1.F - evaluate the interdependence of all theatrical elements.
C.5.A - evaluate and practice appropriate audience behavior at various types of performances.
2 - recognize and use basic technical theatre/design terminology
gain awareness of how the integration of disciplines enriches dramatic communication
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
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
investigate a variety of roles and situations
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
7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
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
1 - recognize the basic terminology associated with the component being studied
2 - demonstrate understanding of the basic functions of the component being studied.
6 - demonstrate understanding of the importance of planning and organization
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 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 the ability to concentrate
extend understanding of, acceptance of and empathy for others
concentrate on the task at hand
demonstrate effective use and management of time
demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
display consideration and respect for self and others
make effective decisions or choices
positively support the work of others
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience