Created by Gai Jones
Gai Jones will help you establish an ensemble-based environment from the first day of class or rehearsal.
Learn how to set up your ensemble-based classroom from day one, get students to set classroom norms, and find the balance between creative activity and structure. You’ll learn how to give your students creative freedom through structure and classroom management. The cornerstone of this course are the detailed ensemble experiences from large group to small group and even individual experiences.
This course culminates in a devising model that you can use with your students, and takes you through process, product, performance and an evaluation.
You too can create the ensemble-based classroom.
5 Modules
2 hours, 12 minutes
4 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
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - 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.
TH:Pr4.1.7.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
TH:Pr4.1.8.a - Explore different pacing to better communicate the story in a drama/theatre work.
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade 8
TH:Cn10.1.8.a - Examine a community issue through multiple perspectives in a drama/theatre work.
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade HS Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
TH:Pr4.1.HSII.a - Discover how unique choices shape believable and sustainable drama/ theatre work.
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade HS Accomplished
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade HS Advanced
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
TH:Pr5.1.6.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 6
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - 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
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - 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
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Advanced
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Pr6.1.HSI.a - Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Advanced
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Skills, Techniques & Processes
TH.912.S.1.6 - Respond appropriately to directorial choices for improvised and scripted scenes.
TH.912.S.2.4 - Sustain a character or follow technical cues in a production piece to show focus.
TH.912.S.2.8 - Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
TH.912.S.3.3 - Develop acting skills and techniques in the rehearsal process.
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
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.
7.TH:Pr4.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
7.TH:Cn10 - Incorporate multiple perspectives and diverse community ideas in a drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Pr4.a - Explore different pacing to better communicate the story in a drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
8.TH:Cn10 - Examine a community issue through multiple perspectives in a drama/theatre work.
Prof.TH:Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Pr4.a - Discover how unique choices shape believable and sustainable drama/ theatre work.
Acc.TH:Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Acc.TH:Cn10 - Choose and interpret a drama/theatre work to reflect or question personal beliefs.
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Pr5.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
7.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Prof.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
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.
Acc.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3.b - Identify effective physical and vocal traits of characters in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted short drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
Acc.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Acc.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Acc.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Adv.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Adv.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Common Core
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 8 - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Responding
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Create
B.CR.1.1 - Devise a variety of scenarios and scenes through improvised and scripted activities.
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
B.C.1.2 - Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.B - develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
Alberta, Canada
Improvisation Drama 10
1 - use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
30 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concepts of a character’s objectives and motivation
Movement Drama 10
10 - demonstrate focus, concentration and energy in all movement and gesture
18 - appreciate that physical expression can enhance language
Junior Goal II Objectives
explore specific techniques demanded by various dramatic forms
Junior Orientation
meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
Movement Level I - Beginning
7 - demonstrate awareness of his or her own body and its movement potential
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
12 - make logical choices within the boundaries of situation and character
Junior Goal I Objectives
develop the ability to interact effectively and constructively in a group process
Senior Goal I Objectives
apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations
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
Senior Goal II Objectives
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Experience, document and present 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 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 - Exploring and creating
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 - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Create dramatic works with an intended audience in mind
Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
Develop performance skills in a variety of contexts
Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas and emotions
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
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
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
Experience and express emotions through dramatic conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
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!