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Set the Stage for Greek Theatre Origins

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the Ancient Greek era. They will demonstrate their mythical knowledge through a mythology-specific game of Jeopardy! Finally, students will complete a research project on the sociopolitical and cultural background of the era.

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Origins of Ancient Greek Theatre

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to Ancient Greek theatre festivals and then apply what they’ve learned by creating their own City Dionysia Festival.

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Theatre Conventions

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the conventions of Ancient Greek theatre and then complete a compare and contrast activity.

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Slide Deck: Ancient Greek Theatre Elements

Plays and Playwrights

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the plays and playwrights of Ancient Greek theatre. They will create their own hero’s downfall, take on a choral reading, examine Aristotle’s elements of drama, and read a monologue from Antigone.

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Roman Theatre and Unit Wrap-up

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, we will move on to the Roman theatre, which mainly shows how Greek theatre was adapted by the Romans.

Attachments

Slide Deck: Rome and Roman Theatre

Culminating Activity

by Drama Teacher Academy

There is a lot in this unit, so perhaps you’ll just want to end with the quiz and reflection. However, if you want a performance activity to end the unit, consider this Greek monologue activity.

Attachments

Culminating Activity Greek Monologue

Set the Stage for Medieval Theatre

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the socioeconomic background to set the stage for Medieval theatre. As a response to what they’ve learned, students will create original theatrical moments and read a modern version of one of The Canterbury Tales stories.

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# Theatre History

Medieval Theatre

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students are introduced to the origins of Medieval theatre, create a feast of fools’ moment, and put together their own version of The Second Shepherd’s Play.

Attachments

Slide Deck: Medieval Theatre

# Theatre History

Culminating Activity

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will take everything they’ve learned and put together a mystery play cycle.

Attachments

Culminating Activity Quiz and Reflection

# Theatre History

Set the Stage for Commedia Dell'Arte

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the commedia dell’arte form and start their exploration of stock characters.

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Creating a Commedia Character

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will work through a process to create a commedia character.

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Lazzi

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will add to their commedia character by exploring Lazzi, practiced and predetermined comic bits.

Culminating Activity

by Drama Teacher Academy

Students will take everything they’ve learned and put together a commedia troupe, create a commedia character complete with lazzi, and present a scene based on one of the three main commedia themes.

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Set the Stage for Chinese Opera

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the sociopolitical and cultural background to set the stage for Chinese opera. Students will then complete a research project and present on a specific Chinese topic. It’s important, especially with a type of theatre that may be unknown to students, to first research the background.

Attachments

Chinese Opera

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to Chinese opera and apply their knowledge through a choice board of activities.

Attachments

Slide Deck: Chinese Opera

Set the Stage for Japanese Theatre

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the sociopolitical and cultural background to set the stage for Japanese theatre. Students will then do research and present on a specific topic. It’s important, especially with a type of theatre that may be unknown to students, to first research the background.

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Noh Drama

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to Noh drama, the design, the character types, and plays. They will explore walking and gesturing like a Noh actor and apply their knowledge by creating a scene of opposites.

Attachments

Slide Deck: Noh Drama

Kabuki

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to Kabuki, the staging, the plays, the acting style, makeup, and the all-important climatic pose—the mie. They will apply their knowledge by creating their own mie and walking like a Kabuki actor. Finally, they’ll create a mini modern-Kabuki scene.

Attachments

Bunraku, Discussion, and Reflection

by Drama Teacher Academy

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the elements of Bunraku and, if you choose, discuss the theatre of the unit and complete a unit reflection.

Attachments

Slide Deck: Bunraku