Created by Matt Webster
Concept-Based Design is a method of design that allows the director and production team to create a unified world based on the ideas, perceptions and images extracted from an in-depth analysis of the play. Matt Webster designed this course for theatre teachers in a typical school setting with limited budgets, space and materials to use towards the design of their shows. Many theatre teachers feel most unsure about their design and tech skills and Matt wanted to help those teachers look at design differently, and make designing a show a little less scary and a little more fun!
10 Modules
1 hours, 38 minutes
3 Credit Hours
Get instant access to this and everything else in the Drama Teacher Academy
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.
TH:Cr1.1.6.b - Identify solutions to design challenges in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
TH:Cr1.1.7.b - Explain and present solutions to design challenges in a drama/ theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
TH:Cr1.1.HSI.b - Explore the impact of technology on design choices in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
TH:Cr1.1.HSII.b - Understand and apply technology to design solutions for a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
TH:Pr5.1.6.b - Articulate how technical elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre work.
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
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Proficient
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - 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
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
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
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
TH.912.H.3.2 - Compare the applications of various art forms used in theatre production.
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
TH.912.O.3.3 - Analyze and demonstrate how to use various media to impact theatrical productions.
TH.912.O.3.5 - Design technical elements to document the progression of a character, plot, or theme.
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:Cr1.c - Identify solutions to design challenges in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Cr1.c - Explain and present solutions to design challenges 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
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Pr5.b - Articulate how technical theatre elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre 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.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Prof.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
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.
Acc.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Acc.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Adv.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Adv.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Common Core
Reading: Literature
Reading: Informational Text
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Performing
Grade 8 - Performing
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Performing
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE MANAGEMENT - Creating
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
B.PR.2.3 - Implement technical elements to support scripted or devised presentations.
Accomplished High School Connect
AC.CN.2.2 - Analyze how technical elements enhance theatrical works.
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Present
Advanced High School Create
Advanced High School Present
AD.PR.2.4 - Adapt staging and direction for various stage configurations.
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Aesthetics
Proficient High School Standards - Aesthetics
P.AE.1.1 - Analyze design concepts for aesthetic impact of technical elements.
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
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: production
HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.B - relate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
Alberta, Canada
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Costume
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of costume
2 - recognize the importance of illusion in costume design
3 - recognize the importance of artistic unity in costume design
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Lighting
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage lighting
2 - recognize the importance of illusion in lighting design
3 - demonstrate understanding of the important of artistic unity in lighting design
7 - demonstrate understanding of basic functions of lighting control systems
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Business
2 - recognize the importance of and procedures for script ordering and royalty payment
4 - recognize the importance of effective publicity techniques/procedures
5 - demonstrate understanding of appropriate audience development techniques
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Stage
2 - recognize and use basic technical theatre/design terminology
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Properties
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage properties
3 - recognize the importance of artistic unity in properties design
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Set
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage scenery
2 - recognize the importance of illusion in set design
3 - recognize the importance of artistic unity in set design
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Sound
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage sound
2 - recognize the importance of illusion in sound design
3 - recognize the importance of artistic unity in sound design
Playwriting - Drama 20
4 - generate and collect ideas that have dramatic possibilities
Directing - Drama 30
1 - demonstrate understanding of the function of the director
2 - demonstrate understanding of the terms directorial concept and artistic unity
3 - recognize that a directorial concept should lead to artistic unity
Junior Goal II Objectives
become familiar with disciplines that enhance dramatic process
become familiar with dramatic terminology and script format
gain awareness of how the integration of disciplines enriches dramatic communication
Junior Goal III Objectives
Junior Orientation
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
Junior Goal I Objectives
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 ability to offer and accept constructive criticism
develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
extend the ability to explore meaning through abstract concepts
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Awareness
1 - recognize the basic terminology associated with the component being studied
2 - demonstrate understanding of the basic functions of the component being studied.
3 - show awareness of the importance of research
5 - demonstrate understanding of the various conventions of the components being studied
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Readiness
6 - demonstrate understanding of the importance of planning and organization
7 - select a project appropriate to the component being studied
8 - demonstrate understanding of the use of colour, shape and texture to achieve a desired effect
Technical Theatre - Application
13 - determine and acquire necessary supplies or substitutes to construct the planned project
14 - use appropriate tools and skills to assemble or construct the planned project
Senior Goal I Objectives
apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations
demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate the ability to offer, accept, and reflect upon, constructive criticism
Senior Goal II Objectives
demonstrate understanding of integration of disciplines to enrich a theatrical presentation
gain knowledge of disciplines that enhance dramatic process and product
Senior Goal III Objectives
develop an awareness of aesthetics in visual and performing arts
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
Describe, interpret and respond to works of art and explore artists’ intent
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through the arts
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
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
Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
Develop and refine ideas and technical skills to improve the quality of performance pieces
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
Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
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!