This unit on Ancient Greek theatre focuses on the function of the chorus, the choral ode, and the details of the theatre space. It touches on plays and playwrights of the era, culminating in a final project of a modern version of Medea that includes a choral ode.
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
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 6
TH:Re7.1.6.a - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
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 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
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 6
TH:Pr6.1.6.a - Adapt a drama/theatre work and present it informally for an audience.
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 6
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - 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.
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 8
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.
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Historical & Global Connections
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
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.
6.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
6.TH:Re7 - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
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.
6.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
6.TH:Pr6 - Adapt a piece of literature and present it for an audience.
6.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic 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.
7.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
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.
8.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
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.
Prof.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Common Core
Language
Reading: Literature
Language
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Creating
Grade 7 - Creating
Grade 8 - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Responding
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Performing
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Connecting
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Create
B.CR.2.1 - Adapt theatrical works using personal experiences through a collaborative process.
Beginning High School Present
B.PR.2.1 - Develop scripted or devised theatre for presentation.
B.PR.2.4 - Identify the responsibilities of a performer in a variety of theatrical venues.
Beginning High School Respond
B.RE.1.2 - Interpret how theatre artists use dramatic structure to convey meaning.
Intermediate High School Create
I.CR.1.1 - Develop a variety of unique characters within given situations through improvisation.
I.CR.2.1 - Adapt unique personal experiences into theatrical works.
Intermediate High School Present
I.PR.2.1 - Develop scenes for formal or informal presentations.
I.PR.2.4 - Compare the effect various theatrical venues have upon performance.
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Present
AC.PR.1.2 - Display a progression of character moments within the performance of theatrical texts.
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 - Communication
B.C.1.2 - Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
Beginning High School Standards - Analysis
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
I.C.1.3 - Produce scripts based on literature texts.
I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.D - develop an understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
C.1.E - identify theatrical vocabulary and terminology, including basic anatomy of theatre spaces.
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.211 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.A - identify and apply audience etiquette at all performances.
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.C - create expressive and rhythmic movements.
B.1.D - develop an increased understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.E - apply knowledge of effective voice and diction techniques to express thoughts and feelings.
MS 117.212 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.212 LII - Critical evaluation and response
B.5.A - understand and demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette at various types of performances.
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.B - explore preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.C - create expressive movement and mime to define space and characters.
B.1.D - demonstrate an increased understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.B - portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.
B.2.D - express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
MS 117.213 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.B - develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
C.1.D - develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - portray theatre as a reflection of life in particular times, places, and cultures.
C.4.B - relate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.A - analyze and apply appropriate behavior at various types of live performances.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
C.2.B - explore creativity as it relates to self and ensemble.
C.2.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.316 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - analyze historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.316 LII - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.C - offer and receive constructive criticism of peer performances.
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - employ safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
HS 117.317 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.E - create individually or devise collaboratively imaginative scripts and scenarios.
HS 117.318 LIV - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
Alberta, Canada
Speech Drama 10
10 - demonstrate safe and appropriate projection
2 - apply effective breathing techniques
3 - recognize the effect of good posture on voice
5 - recognize how the jaw, lips, tongue, teeth and velum play an important role in articulation
Speech Drama 20
15 - demonstrate expressive reading of literature
20 - apply movement and gesture to clarify and enhance spoken interpretation
Improvisation Drama 10
1 - use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
10 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal methods
24 - select and use vocal techniques appropriate to a character
25 - select and use language appropriate to character and situation
26 - use body language to add physical dimensions and depth to a character
Acting Drama 20
Acting Drama 30
18 - use various vocal skills to enhance characterization
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late drama)
5 - recognize elements of tragedy and comedy
6 - recognize realism and selected other significant theatre styles
Movement Drama 10
11 - demonstrate the ability to move isolated body parts
15 - use basic locomotor movements (eg. walking, running, crawling) to explore space
16 - create and repeat patterns of movement
18 - appreciate that physical expression can enhance language
22 - translate words, images and emotions into movement
5 - demonstrate effective breathing techniques
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Set
6 - recognize different types of stages: proscenium, thrust, arena, flexible
Playwriting - Drama 20
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
become familiar with dramatic terminology and script format
develop the body and voice as tools of communication
explore specific techniques demanded by various dramatic forms
Junior Orientation
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable, physically and emotionally, with others
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
recognize that there is an historical and cultural aspect of drama/theatre
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
share ideas confidently with others
show awareness of story sequence
speak, move, and generate ideas spontaneously
support positivity the work of others
understand that technical elements enhance verbal/physical communication
Movement Level I - Beginning
10 - use varying speed of movement
11 - use directions and pathways
17 - use movement to communicate non-verbally
18 - create movement in response to music
2 - demonstrate awareness of personal and shared space
4 - recognize the need for and demonstrate warmup activities
Movement Level II - Intermediate
21 - display clarity of movement and gesture
22 - use exaggerated movement and gesture
24 - plan movement for audience visibility and spatial limitations
Movement Level III - Advanced
28 - coordinate movement and movement patterns with other students
Speech Level I - Beginning
2 - use vocal relaxation and warm-up techniques
3 - use effective breathing techniques
5 - recognize the need to control and protect the voice
6 - use volume appropriate to situation
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
Speech Level II - Intermediate
10 - demonstrate effects of intonation, rate, pause and phrasing on the meaning of words
11 - use pitch to effect quality of voice production
9 - use volume, articulation and projection to achieve clarity
Speech Level III - Advanced
16 - use movement and gesture to clarify and enhance speech and character
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
2 - respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
9 - communicate a clear beginning, middle and end in spontaneous and planned scenes
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
15 - use the body and body language to enhance characterization
17 - select and use language appropriate to a given character and situation
18 - use voice variety to enhance a character
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 ability to offer and accept constructive criticism
develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
Theatre Studies Level II - Intermediate (Theatre History)
Senior Goal I Objectives
demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
develop a positive and realistic self-image
extend physical and vocal capabilities
Senior Goal II Objectives
develop techniques that enhance vocal and physical communication
Senior Goal III Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
concentrate on the task at hand
demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable with others, physically and emotionally
display consideration and respect for self and others
make effective decisions or choices
offer and accept constructive criticism with a desire to progress
positively support the work of others
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through the arts
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
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
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists’ intentions
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
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists motivations and meanings
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
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 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
Explore dramatic works through presentation or performance
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Apply feedback to develop and refine ideas
Describe, analyze, and respond using drama-specific language
Reflect on dramatic experiences and how they relate to a specific place, time, and context
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Create dramatic works for an intended audience
Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
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 dramatic works for an intended audience
Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas, meaning, and emotions
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
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
Document, share, and collaborate on dramatic works and experiences in a variety of contexts
Experience and express emotions through dramatic conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
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 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)
Grade Six
6.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatrical works
6.4 - The student will identify connections between personal experience and dramatizations
6.5 - The student will identify communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Grade Seven
7.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
7.4 - The student will justify personal responses to theatrical productions.
Grade Seven
7.6 - The student will explore historical and cultural aspects of theatrical works
7.7 - The student will describe ways that theatre arts contribute to the community and society.
Grade Seven
7.11 - The student will explain how other fine arts and fields of knowledge are applied in theatre
Grade Eight
8.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
8.5 - The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Grade Eight
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.2 - The student will apply a creative process for theatre.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.5 - The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.6 - The student will explore historical and cultural aspects of theatrical works.
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