Created by Todd Espeland
Working in educational theatre I know how easy it is to get bogged down in actor coaching and away from the bigger picture storytelling when directing a show. I saw a need for a method of text analysis and physical staging tools that help the director stay focused on the bigger picture of telling the story of the play.
This class is in two parts: The first consists of the text analysis tools P.A.S.T.O and Major Dramatic Question. From these tools you will brainstorm keywords to define your vision of the story.
In the second part of the class you will focus on taking the information generated in the text analysis and crafting the ideas into vibrant physical pictures through an exercise called Starburst.
10 Modules
2 hours, 3 minutes
6 Credit Hours
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National Core Arts Standards
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
TH:Pr4.1.7.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - 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 8
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Innovation, Technology & the Future
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cr1.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr4.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Cr2.b - Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Common Core
Reading: Literature
Reading: Informational Text
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Creating
Grade 7 - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Present
B.PR.2.1 - Develop scripted or devised theatre for presentation.
Intermediate High School Present
Accomplished High School Respond
Advanced High School Create
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Analysis
P.A.1.2 - Distinguish the evolution of written texts to theatrical performances.
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
Advanced High School Standards - Aesthetics
A.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs for a specific audience.
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.G - create improvised scenes that include setting, character, and plot.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.G - analyze and describe the interdependence of all theatrical elements.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.D - interpret scripted scenes of various styles to portray believable characters.
Alberta, Canada
Improvisation Drama 10
13 - communicate meaning without words
30 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concepts of a character’s objectives and motivation
5 - create experiences through imaging, visualizing and fantasizing
Improvisation Drama 20
35 - demonstrate understanding of how the use of levels and planes can focus the stage picture
Improvisation Drama 30
38 - demonstrate various ways of creating and communicating mood
Acting Drama 20
Movement Drama 10
1 - display the ability to be still
10 - demonstrate focus, concentration and energy in all movement and gesture
14 - create physically shapes in space
16 - create and repeat patterns of movement
21 - demonstrate the ability to extend a movement
22 - translate words, images and emotions into movement
24 - demonstrate understanding of mood, and communicate mood
Directing - Drama 30
3 - recognize that a directorial concept should lead to artistic unity
6 - demonstrate understanding of the terms composition, picturization and stage movement
Junior Goal II Objectives
develop the body and voice as tools of communication
explore specific techniques demanded by various dramatic forms
Junior Orientation
Movement Level I - Beginning
14 - create shapes with the body
17 - use movement to communicate non-verbally
5 - move individual body parts
7 - demonstrate awareness of his or her own body and its movement potential
8 - display increased freedom of movement
9 - travel through space in a variety of ways e.g., running, creeping and jumping
Movement Level II - Intermediate
Movement Level III - Advanced
28 - coordinate movement and movement patterns with other students
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
11 - create a dramatic situation in response to varied stimuli: objects, pictures, music
2 - respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
4 - create experiences through imaging, visualizing and fantasizing
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
23 - demonstrate understanding of character motivation
25 - demonstrate understanding of focus and the processes of sharing, giving and taking
Junior Goal I Objectives
explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
extend development of sensory awareness
extend the ability to explore meaning through abstract concepts
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
11 - demonstrate understanding of plot structure
12 - analyze a script to identify character, setting and plot
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists' intentions
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Interpret and communicate ideas using symbols and elements to express meaning through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Experience, document, choreograph, perform, and share creative works in a variety of ways
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Experience, document, choreograph, perform, and share creative works in a variety of ways
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
Collaborate through reciprocal relationships during creative processes
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Create dramatic works with an intended audience in mind
Develop performance skills in a variety of contexts
Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Apply feedback to develop and refine ideas
Describe, analyze, and respond using drama-specific language
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Create dramatic works for an intended audience
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Develop dramatic works for an intended audience
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Our parent company Theatrefolk offers a fantastic selection of plays written specifically for high school and middle school students.
Whether for performances or class study, there's something for everyone: relevant & relatable themes, simple sets & costumes, flexible casting options and much more - a perfect addition to any drama program!