Unit
Voice
Created by Anna Porter
In this unit, students will be introduced to a key element of performance: the voice. Students will explore how to thoughtfully communicate character, story, and emotion vocally. Students will begin by exploring articulation so that they understand the importance of clearly communicating their words onstage. They will further build on this with the following lesson on the different vocal varieties of pitch, tone, rate, and volume.
The final lesson helps students explore vocal characterization as well as the details and layers that can bring that character to life vocally. This unit study of the voice culminates in a final puppet show where students are asked to bring a story and character to life by using vocal variety, articulation, and characterization.
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The overview lays out the objective, pre-unit discussion options, outline, assesment and pacing for the unit.
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1Lesson 1ArticulationStudents will learn the importance of articulation, how to identify the articulators in their mouth, and how to use good articulation when speaking.
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2Lesson 2Vocal VarietyStudents will learn how to use vocal variety to communicate. Students will learn how to identify and apply Pitch, Tone, Rate, and Volume in performance.
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3Lesson 3Puppet ProjectStudents will create a character and design a puppet for performance.
Standards Addressed
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
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 6
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
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
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.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Prof.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.6.1.2.b Students Can: Contribute ideas and accept and incorporate the ideas of others in preparing or devising a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.1.4.b Students Can: Identify and employ effective physical and vocal traits of characters in an improvised or scripted 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.a Students Can: Integrate multiple perspectives and solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theater work.
- DT.7.1.2.b Students Can: Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.1.4.b Students Can: Develop effective physical and vocal traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.2.a Students Can: Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.4.a Students Can: Participate in rehearsals for a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
Eighth Grade
- DT.8.1.2.b Students Can: Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.1.4.b Students Can: Refine effective physical, vocal, and physiological traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.2.2.a Students Can: Develop a variety of acting techniques to increase skills in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.
- DT.8.2.4.a Students Can: Perform/present a rehearsed/designed drama/theatre work for an audience.
High School - Fundamental Pathway
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.
Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.3 Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Language
Language
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.68.C.1.1 Devise an original work based on a community issue that explores various solutions to a problem.
- TH.68.C.1.2 Develop a character analysis to support artistic portrayal. Create, refine, and sustain complex and believable
- TH.68.C.1.4 Create and present a design, production concept, or performance and defend artistic choices.
- TH.68.C.1.5 Describe how a theatrical activity can entertain or instruct an audience.
- TH.68.C.2.1 Use group-generated criteria to critique others and help strengthen each other's performance.
- 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.
- TH.68.C.3.1 Discuss how visual and aural design elements communicate environment, mood, and theme in a theatrical presentation.
- TH.68.C.3.3 Determine personal strengths and challenges, using evaluations and critiques to guide selection of material for a portfolio.
- TH.912.C.2.1 Explore and describe possible solutions to production or acting challenges and select the solution most likely to produce desired results.
Historical & Global Connections
- TH.68.H.1.2 Analyze the impact of one's emotional and social experiences when responding to, or participating in, a play.
- TH.68.H.1.4 Create a monologue or story that reflects one's understanding of an event in a culture different from one's own.
- TH.68.H.1.5 Describe one's own personal responses to a theatrical work and show respect for the responses of others.
- TH.68.H.1.6 Discuss how a performer responds to different audiences.
- TH.68.H.2.4 Discuss the differences between presentational and representational theatre styles.
- TH.68.H.3.1 Identify principles and techniques that are shared between the arts and other content areas.
- TH.68.H.3.3 Use brainstorming as a method to discover multiple solutions for an acting or technical challenge.
- TH.68.H.3.4 Describe the importance of wellness and care for the actor's physical being as a performance instrument.
- TH.68.H.3.5 Describe how social skills learned through play participation are used in other classroom and extracurricular activities.
Innovation, Technology & the Future
- TH.68.F.1.1 Manipulate various design components to imagine the world of the character.
- 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.68.F.1.3 Demonstrate creative risk-taking by incorporating personal experiences in an improvisation.
- TH.912.F.1.1 Synthesize research, analysis, and imagination to create believable characters and settings.
Organizational Structure
- TH.68.O.1.1 Compare different processes an actor uses to prepare for a performance.
- TH.68.O.1.2 Discuss how color, line, shape, and texture are used to show emotion in technical theatre elements.
- TH.68.O.1.3 Explain the impact of choices made by directors, designers, and actors on audience understanding.
- TH.68.O.1.4 Discuss how the whole of a theatre performance is greater than the sum of its parts.
- TH.68.O.2.4 Perform a scene or pantomime to demonstrate understanding of blocking and stage movement.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- TH.68.S.1.1 Describe the responsibilities of audience members, to the actors and each other, at live and recorded performances and demonstrate appropriate behavior.
- 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.1.3 Describe criteria for the evaluation of dramatic texts, performances, direction, and production elements.
- 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.3.1 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.912.S.2.6 Transfer acting and technical skills and techniques from one piece of dramatic text to another.
- 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.
Sixth Grade Present
Seventh Grade Present
Eighth Grade Present
Beginning High School Present
Accomplished High School Connect
Accomplished High School Present
Advanced High School Connect
Advanced High School Create
Advanced High School Present
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
Proficient High School Standards - Aesthetics
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
Advanced High School Standards - Aesthetics
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
- C.2.A demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
- C.2.C employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
- C.2.F create, write, and refine original monologues, improvisations, scenes, or vignettes that reflect dramatic structure to convey meaning to the audience through live performance or media forms.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
Speech Drama 10
- 1 demonstrate vocal relaxation and warmup techniques
- 10 demonstrate safe and appropriate projection
- 11 demonstrate how phrasing and pausing, intonation, rate and rhythm affect meaning
- 12 create specific vocal sound effects
- 2 apply effective breathing techniques
- 3 recognize the effect of good posture on voice
- 4 demonstrate knowledge of the parts of the body that are associated with voice production: vocal tracts, lungs, diaphragm, bronchi, trachea, larynx, uvula, pharynx, vocal folds
- 5 recognize how the jaw, lips, tongue, teeth and velum play an important role in articulation
- 6 perform exercises to relax and improve the movement of the articulators
- 7 demonstrate knowledge of the terms intonation, pitch, projection, rate, volume, rhythm, resonance, pausing and phrasing in speech activities
- 8 recognize the resonators’ contribution to vocal quality
- 9 use and practice levels of pitch
Speech Drama 20
Speech Drama 30
Improvisation Drama 10
- 1 use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
- 10 demonstrate appropriate rehearsal methods
- 14 discover how various emotions affect one vocally and physically
- 24 select and use vocal techniques appropriate to a character
- 3 maintain concentration during exercises
- 32 sustain a character throughout a scene or exercise
- 9 use appropriate stage directions
Acting Drama 30
Playwriting - Drama 20
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Goal III Objectives
Junior Orientation
- communicate through use of voice and body
- demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
- 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
- recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
- share ideas confidently with others
- support positivity the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Speech Level I - Beginning
- 1 speak spontaneously
- 2 use vocal relaxation and warm-up techniques
- 3 use effective breathing techniques
- 4 use techniques of storytelling
- 5 recognize the need to control and protect the voice
- 6 use volume appropriate to situation
- 7 create vocal sound effects to explore voice potential
- 8 understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
Speech Level II - Intermediate
Speech Level III - Advanced
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
Junior Goal I Objectives
- develop a positive self-image
- develop a sense of responsibility and commitment
- develop self-confidence
- develop self-discipline
- 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
- explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
- extend the ability to think imaginatively and creatively
- extend the ability to understand, accept and respect others- their rights, ideas, abilities and differences
- strengthen powers of concentration
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Awareness
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Readiness
Senior Goal I Objectives
- 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
- develop a positive and realistic self-image
- develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
- extend physical and vocal capabilities
- extend the ability to concentrate
- increase self-confidence
- increase self-discipline
Senior Goal II Objectives
Senior Goal III Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
- concentrate on the task at hand
- demonstrate behaviour appropriate to given circumstances
- demonstrate effective use and management of time
- demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
- demonstrate willingness to challenge and extend oneself: physically, emotionally, intellectually and artistically
- listen to self and others
- make effective decisions or choices
- positively support the work of others
- share ideas confidently
- solve problems imaginatively and creatively
- work cooperatively and productively
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 7 - 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 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
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
- Create, rehearse, and refine dramatic works through collaborative and individual presentation or performance
- Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
- Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
- Experiment with a range of materials, props, processes, and technologies to create and refine performances
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
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
- C.3.2 identify and apply the skills and attitudes needed to perform various tasks and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., use active listening and cooperative problem-solving skills; practise punctuality; use tact in suggesting changes and improvements; demonstrate willingness to accept criticism and build consensus)
- C.3.3 demonstrate an understanding of theatre and audience etiquette, in both classroom and formal performance contexts (e.g., as a performer: show willingness to take direction and behave appropriately towards other actors; as a viewer: demonstrate respect for performers and other audience members by paying attention, not interrupting or talking, and applauding when appropriate)
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
- C.1.2 demonstrate an understanding of and use correct terminology to refer to the forms, elements, conventions, and techniques of drama, with a focus on ensemble drama works (e.g., chorus, protagonist, ingénue, supporting role, act, scene, climax, resolution, improvisation, mask, freeze-frame image)
- C.1.3 demonstrate an understanding of production roles, practices, and terminology when planning and presenting drama works (e.g., set design, costume design, lighting plot, light cue sheet, sound cue sheet, prompt book, set sketch, set model)
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
- A.3.1 identify and use a variety of techniques to influence the audience in specific ways (e.g., have actors enter the performance space from the audience to increase audience connection to the drama; use blocking to focus audience attention on key characters or relationships between characters)
- A.3.2 use a variety of voice and movement techniques to support the creation of character or atmosphere during rehearsal (e.g., use voice and movement to suggest an airport, circus, or factory environment)
- A.3.3 use a variety of technological tools (e.g., light, sound, set design, props, models) to enhance the impact of drama works
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
- 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
- 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 II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
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