Unit
in Middle School Curriculum
Unit Five: Intro to Script Writing
Created by Lindsay Johnson
7 lessons
middle school friendly
In this unit, students learn how to write their own scripts using correct formatting. These scripts will be more detailed than the contentless scenes. Students will learn how to write dialogue that provide information about relationships, conflicting objectives, and setting.
They’ll also learn how to correctly add expression and movement directions into the script itself. The unit will end with a partner script writing assignment which is performed in front of the class.
Start here
The overview sets out the expectations for the unit, including outlines and assessment tools.
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1Lesson 1Partner Scene BrainstormingIn this lesson, students will create a scene outline by brainstorming and selecting the key foundations of their scene (setting, relationships, and conflicting objectives).
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2Lesson 2Script DraftingIn this lesson, students will create a script draft that includes the five required lines to establish character, setting, conflict, rising action, and resolution.
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3Lesson 3Script FormattingIn this lesson, students will create a script draft that includes scene setting, expression, and movement notes.
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4Lesson 4Peer Script WorkshoppingIn this lesson, students will review and help workshop a peer’s script before hearing feedback and making changes to their own scripts.
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5Lesson 5Set Design and BlockingIn this lesson, students will create a set design and add blocking notes to their scripted scenes.
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6Lesson 6Final Revision RehearsalIn this lesson, students will revise their set designs and scripts to achieve “Meets” or “Exceeds” on the rubrics. They will also give peer feedback and rehearse their scenes for vocal clarity, expression, and open body.
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7Lesson 7Scripted Scene Performance AssessmentIn this lesson, students will perform their final partner scene for assessment in front of the class. They will also complete an audience feedback sheet where they give their peers feedback on rubric skills.
Standards Addressed
Improvisation Drama 10
Playwriting - Drama 20
- 1 demonstrate understanding of the basic structure of a play
- 10 define conflict
- 11 construct a conflict between two characters (protagonist and antagonist)
- 12 construct a scene with two contrasting characters
- 13 give and accept constructive criticism
- 2 define and identify plot, character, thought and diction
- 3 demonstrate understanding of script format
- 8 use effective diction
- 9 define character objectives
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Orientation
- focus concentration on one task at a time
- generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
- listen effectively
- meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
- offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
- 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
- support positively the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
Junior Goal I Objectives
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
Senior Goal I Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
- concentrate on the task at hand
- demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
- listen to self and others
- make effective decisions or choices
- offer and accept constructive criticism with a desire to progress
- positively support the work of others
- share ideas confidently
- work cooperatively and productively
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