Part of the Middle School Curriculum
Created by Lindsay Johnson
Students will have a chance to merge their understanding of scene elements with their improvisation skills in this final unit based on Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed. Theatre of the Oppressed is a style of theatre specifically created to highlight the injustices of power and oppression in society and to problem-solve ways to bring about change.
Starting with image theatre techniques to identify issues of power and oppression, students will then use forum theatre to create scenarios of oppression taken from their own lives and improvise realistic solutions.
The unit culminates in a performance in which students participate as both actors in a scene they create themselves and spect-actors in scenes created by their peers.
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.
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 6
TH:Re7.1.6.a - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
TH:Pr4.1.7.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Re7.1.8.a - Apply criteria to the evaluation of artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 6
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 6
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 7
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 8
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
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
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
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.
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
Common Core
Speaking and Listening
Language
Reading: Informational Text
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:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
6.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
6.TH:Re7 - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr4.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
8.TH:Re7 - Apply appropriate criteria to the evaluation of artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
Prof.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
6.TH.Re8.b - Identify cultural contexts that may influence the evaluation of a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
7.TH.Re8.b - Describe how cultural contexts can influence the evaluation of drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
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.
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: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: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:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
TH.68.C.1.5 - Describe how a theatrical activity can entertain or instruct an audience.
TH.68.C.2.2 - Keep a rehearsal journal to document individual performance progress.
TH.68.C.2.3 - Ask questions to understand a peer's artistic choices for a performance or design.
TH.68.C.2.4 - Defend personal responses to a theatre production.
Historical & Global Connections
TH.68.H.1.6 - Discuss how a performer responds to different audiences.
TH.68.H.2.1 - Compare western theatre traditions with those of other cultures.
TH.68.H.2.4 - Discuss the differences between presentational and representational theatre styles.
TH.68.H.2.7 - Define theatre genres from different periods in history, giving examples of each.
TH.912.H.2.9 - Create scenes that satirize current political or social events.
Innovation, Technology & the Future
TH.68.F.1.1 - Manipulate various design components to imagine the world of the character.
TH.912.F.1.2 - Solve short conflict-driven scenarios through improvisation.
Organizational Structure
TH.68.O.1.1 - Compare different processes an actor uses to prepare for a performance.
TH.68.O.1.4 - Discuss how the whole of a theatre performance is greater than the sum of its parts.
TH.68.O.2.3 - Write alternate endings for a specified play.
TH.68.O.3.1 - Compare theatre and its elements and vocabulary to other art forms.
TH.68.O.3.2 - Explore how theatre and theatrical works have influenced various cultures.
TH.912.O.3.4 - Create a performance piece to document a significant issue or event.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
TH.68.S.1.4 - Discuss the ways in which theatre experiences involve empathy and aesthetic distance.
TH.68.S.2.2 - Discuss and apply the theatrical production process to create a live performance.
TH.68.S.2.4 - Memorize and present a character's lines from a monologue or scene.
TH.68.S.3.2 - Use the elements of dramatic form to stage a play.
TH.912.S.1.1 - Describe the interactive effect of audience members and actors on performances.
TH.912.S.1.6 - Respond appropriately to directorial choices for improvised and scripted scenes.
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.
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Creating
Grade 6 - Responding
Grade 7 - Creating
Grade 8 - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Responding
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - 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 - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
P.C.1.3 - Create original works, such as monologues, scenes, or performance pieces.
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
Tennessee Theatre Curriculum Standards
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.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.E - identify theatrical vocabulary and terminology, including basic anatomy of theatre spaces.
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.A - identify and apply audience etiquette at all performances.
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.B - explore preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.B - portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.
B.2.D - express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
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: performance
C.2.A - model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
C.2.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.316 LII - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.C - offer and receive constructive criticism of peer performances.
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - employ safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
Alberta, Canada
Speech Drama 10
Improvisation Drama 10
1 - use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
2 - demonstrate the ability to be still
27 - demonstrate economy in movement and speech by making appropriate selections
29 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concept of status
Acting Drama 20
10 - critique the work of self and others through observation of specific details
2 - create, select and sustain physical details of the character from scripted material
Acting Drama 30
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
22 - display appropriate character relationships with all other characters in a scene
Movement Drama 10
Playwriting - Drama 20
1 - demonstrate understanding of the basic structure of a play
13 - give and accept constructive criticism
3 - demonstrate understanding of script format
4 - generate and collect ideas that have dramatic possibilities
Directing - Drama 30
1 - demonstrate understanding of the function of the director
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Orientation
communicate through use of voice and body
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
offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
recognize that there is an historical and cultural aspect of drama/theatre
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
share ideas confidently with others
show awareness of story sequence
speak, move, and generate ideas spontaneously
Movement Level I - Beginning
Speech Level I - Beginning
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
10 - use essential story elements in spontaneous and planned scenes
3 - demonstrate the ability to be still
5 - create and tell a story spontaneously
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
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
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 ability to offer and accept constructive criticism
develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
Theatre Studies Level 1 - Beginning (performance analysis)
1 - demonstrate understanding of the need for analysis of the work of self and others
Theatre Studies Level II - Intermediate (Theatre History)
Senior Goal I Objectives
apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations
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 offer, accept, and reflect upon, constructive criticism
Senior Goal II Objectives
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists' intentions
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Demonstrate increasingly sophisticated application and/or engagement of curricular content
Describe, interpret and respond to works of art and explore artists’ intent
Experience, document and present creative works in a variety of ways
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists’ intentions
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Demonstrate increasingly sophisticated application and/or engagement of curricular content
Describe, interpret and respond to works of art
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists motivations and meanings
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Demonstrate increasingly sophisticated application and/or engagement of curricular content
Experience, document, choreograph, perform, and share creative works in a variety of ways
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
Use the arts to communicate, respond to and understand environmental and global issues
Ontario, Canada
Grade 6 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 6 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 7 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 8 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 8 - Creating and Presenting
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process