Created by Josh Hatt
In this course, instructor Joshua Hatt shows you how to unpack your drama standards, articulate what you want your students to know and be able to do. The material explores how to incorporate lights, sound, makeup, staging, and costuming into your drama class at any grade level regardless of your school resources or unit structure. Bells and whistles? Awesome! Barely a classroom? We’ve still got you covered.
This 9 lesson series works from the basics and standards, though lighting, sound, costuming, staging, and makeup design, and culminates with a final project including rubrics, resources, and handouts.
A wise theatre technician once said: “the theatre mirrors life but technical theatre teachers us how to live.” Try to keep that statement in mind as you work through this course and see if we can make you a believer in all things technical theatre.
10 Modules
3 hours, 23 minutes
7 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.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.
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.
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
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 HS Proficient
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
TH.912.O.3.3 - Analyze and demonstrate how to use various media to impact theatrical productions.
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and 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.
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: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:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Common Core
Speaking and Listening
Language
Reading: Literature
Language
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Performing
Grade 8 - Performing
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.
Intermediate High School Create
Intermediate High School Present
I.PR.2.3 - Implement technical elements to enhance theatrical works.
Advanced High School Create
Advanced High School Present
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Aesthetics
Intermediate High School Standards - Aesthetics
I.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs.
Advanced High School Standards - Aesthetics
A.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs for a specific audience.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.K - identify and recognize the importance of safe theatre practices.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production
C.3.A - develop and practice safe and effective stagecraft skills.
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.318 LIV - 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
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Makeup
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of makeup
2 - recognize the importance of illusion in makeup design
3 - demonstrate understanding of the importance of artistic unity in makeup design
8 - differentiate between abstract, straight and character makeups
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Properties
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage properties
2 - recognize the importance of illusion 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
4 - recognize and use theatre terminology related to the proscenium
5 - demonstrate knowledge of appropriate safety procedures
6 - recognize different types of stages: proscenium, thrust, arena, flexible
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
4 - demonstrate knowledge of appropriate safety procedures
8 - show awareness of available recorded material; e.g., sound effects records, recorded music
Junior Orientation
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
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
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
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
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
Compose, interpret, and expand ideas using symbolism, imagery, and elements
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
Demonstrate increasingly sophisticated application and/or engagement of curricular content
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
Develop performance skills in a variety of contexts
Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Describe, analyze, and respond using drama-specific language
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
Compose, interpret, and expand ideas using symbolism and imagery
Document and respond to dramatic works and experiences in a variety of contexts
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
Document and respond to dramatic works and experiences in a variety of contexts
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
Document, share, and collaborate on dramatic works and experiences in a variety of contexts
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 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
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!