Unit
in Distance Learning Curriculum
What is Theatre?
Created by Lindsay Price and Karen Loftus
3 lessons
Students will establish a definition of theatre, know the difference between theatre and film, and start to explore who’s who in the theatre.
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The overview lays out the lessons within the unit, including time management and technology requirements.
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1Lesson 1Session 1Students expand on the definition of theatre and explore the excitement and intimacy of something “live” in the moment. They will discuss the differences between theatre and film, and hopefully, they will have a “dramatic moment.”
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2Lesson 2Session 2Students learn and apply specific theatre roles.
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3Lesson 3Bonus Session: Who's Who in a Theatre CompanyStudents will identify and understand the roles and responsibilities in a theatre company: artistic, production, and business.
Standards Addressed
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - 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
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Proficient
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
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
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.
Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
- 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.a Students Can: Demonstrate focus and concentration in the rehearsal process to analyze and refine choices in a devised 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
Language
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.6 Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering an unknown term important to comprehension or expression.
Language
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.912.C.1.5 Make and defend conscious choices in the creation of a character that will fulfill anticipated audience response.
- TH.912.C.1.7 Justify personal perceptions of a director's vision and/or playwright's intent.
- TH.912.C.3.1 Explore commonalities between works of theatre and other performance media.
Historical & Global Connections
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
- TH.912.O.1.3 Execute the responsibilities of director, designer, manager, technician, or performer by applying standard theatrical conventions.
- TH.912.O.1.4 Write an original script or a dramatic adaptation of a literary work to demonstrate knowledge of theatrical conventions.
- TH.912.O.3.1 Analyze the methods of communication among directors, designers, stage managers, technicians, and actors that establish the most effective support of the creative process.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- 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.3.2 Exercise artistic discipline and collaboration to achieve ensemble in rehearsal and performance.
- TH.912.S.3.3 Develop acting skills and techniques in the rehearsal process.
- TH.912.S.3.8 Direct a scene or one-act play.
Grade 6 - Creating
- TA6.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Identify artistic choices, utilize theatre vocabulary, and demonstrate non-verbal communication skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>b. Interpret a character’s motivation by understanding the relationship between their background and their behavior.<br/>c. Identify the variety of relationships between characters.<br/>d. Identify, define, and classify character traits.<br/>e. Recognize and demonstrate the roles, responsibilities, and skills associated with collaborative performance.<br/>f. Use resources to identify and create technical elements of theatre.
- TA6.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Identify the elements of a story.<br/>b. Identify the theme and structure of a play.<br/>c. Articulate creative ideas in oral and written forms.<br/>d. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.<br/>e. Demonstrate the conventions of dialogue and stage directions.
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
Intermediate High School Create
Intermediate High School Present
Accomplished High School Create
Advanced High School Create
Advanced High School Present
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.212 LII - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
- C.1.F demonstrate a working knowledge of the language of theatre such as stage terminology, elements of theatre, or theatrical conventions.
- C.1.H define the roles of and appreciate the collaborative relationships between all artistic partners such as playwrights, composers, directors, actors, designers, technicians, and audience.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.316 LII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
Improvisation Drama 10
Directing - Drama 30
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Goal III Objectives
Junior Orientation
- focus concentration on one task at a time
- investigate a variety of roles and situations
- listen effectively
- 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 positivity the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Movement Level I - Beginning
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
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 willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
- extend the ability to understand, accept and respect others- their rights, ideas, abilities and differences
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Awareness
Senior Goal I Objectives
- 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
- increase self-confidence
- increase self-discipline
Orientation Drama 10
- concentrate on the task at hand
- demonstrate effective use and management of time
- demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable with others, physically and emotionally
- display consideration and respect for self and others
- listen to self and others
- make effective decisions or choices
- share ideas confidently
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
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 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade Six
Grade Six
- 6.6 The student will explain influences of history, culture, and current events on the development of theatrical works.
- 6.7 The student will identify theatrical resources in the community.
- 6.8 The student will define intellectual property and describe issues of intellectual property related to theatre.
Grade Six
Grade Seven
Grade Seven
- 7.6 The student will explore historical and cultural aspects of theatrical works
- 7.7 The student will describe ways that theatre arts contribute to the community and society.
- 7.8 The student will identify appropriate resources for scripts and materials, with a focus on ethical and legal considerations.
Grade Seven
Grade Eight
Grade Eight
- 8.6 The student will explore historical and cultural aspects of theatrical works.
- 8.7 The student will identify theatre resources in the community and the Commonwealth including but not limited to professional, community, and educational theatres.
- 8.8 The student will identify and discuss digital citizenship as it relates to the research and presentation of theatrical works.
Grade Eight
- 8.9 The student will examine a selected career in theatre, television, film, or contemporary media.
- 8.10 The student will explore the use of digital media in the creative process and in the production of a theatre performance.
- 8.11 The student will synthesize knowledge from other content areas to support theatre arts processes.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
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