Students will explore the question “what is theatre?” and analyze it by comparing film and television productions. Each session comes with an journal prompt, a warm up game, and an exit slip for assessment. This is a great unit to start off a school year.
Feel free to customize it as much as you want, and refer to the Pacing Guide for more details and ways to supplement with other DTA materials. While you’re analyzing “what is theatre?” with your students, you can introduce classroom procedures and do icebreaker/trust games. You can also remind the kids that Theatre is Ensemble - all of the games they play help to build ensemble.
Students will explore the question “what is theatre?” and analyze it by comparing film and television productions.
Students discuss and identify a working definition for theatre.They create a “Theatre Is….” poster for the room and are introduced to the concept of a ‘dramatic moment.’
This session has students discuss the benefits of live theatre over film and apply the definition of the playwright, actor and director
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
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.5.A - evaluate and apply appropriate audience etiquette at various types of performances.
C.1.D - compare the structure of theatre to that of film, television, and other media.
C.2.E - create individually or devise collaboratively imaginative scripts and scenarios.
1 - demonstrate understanding of the function of the director
explore specific techniques demanded by various dramatic forms
focus concentration on one task at a time
investigate a variety of roles and situations
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
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
12 - make logical choices within the boundaries of situation and character
7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
17 - select and use language appropriate to a given character and situation
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 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.
5 - demonstrate understanding of the various conventions of the components being studied
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 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 sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
extend understanding of, acceptance of and empathy for others
Examine relationships between the arts and the wider world
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists' intentions
Experience, document and present creative works in a variety of ways
Experience, document, choreograph, perform, and share creative works in a variety of ways
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
Experience, document, choreograph, perform, and share creative works in a variety of ways
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas