Created by Wendy-Marie Martin
This unit gives students an overview of the anti-realism movement of the late 19th century and early 20th century and introduces them to some key theorists, playwrights, and theatre makers involved in this movement. Students will be introduced to the “isms” of symbolism, Dadaism, surrealism, expressionism, and absurdism along with various manifestos and theories as we track the characteristics of each “ism.”
In a culminating project, students will design an “ISMS’’ Theme Park, which they will share with the class at the end of the unit. Their project will feature each of the five “isms” in the form of rides, themed concessions areas, entertainment options, and in-park characters.
National Core Arts Standards
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art - Grade HS Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 6
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 6
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 7
TH:Re9.1.7.b - Consider the aesthetics of the production elements in a drama/theatre work.
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Re9.1.HSI.b - Consider the aesthetics of the production elements in a drama/theatre work.
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Proficient
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Advanced
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Cn10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
6.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
7.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Prof.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Prof.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Adv.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Colorado Academic Standards - Drama and Theatre Arts
Seventh Grade
High School - Fundamental Pathway
High School - Advanced Pathway
Common Core
Speaking and Listening
Language
Reading: Literature
Reading: Informational Text
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Historical & Global Connections
Skills, Techniques & Processes
TH.912.S.2.8 - Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Connecting
Grade 8 - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Connecting
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Creating
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Connecting
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Connect
B.CN.2.2 - Identify the innovative tools and technology used in theatre.
Intermediate High School Respond
I.RE.2.2 - Generate objective critique of theatrical works using given criteria.
Accomplished High School Connect
Advanced High School Connect
Advanced High School Respond
AD.RE.1.2 - Evaluate the impact of theatrical works on intended audiences.
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Analysis
Proficient High School Standards - Culture
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
A.CU.1.1 - Interpret theatre arts from personal, cultural, and historical contexts.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.212 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.213 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.316 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - analyze historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.317 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.318 LIV - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
Alberta, Canada
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late drama)
4 - recognize dramatic structure of a play
5 - recognize elements of tragedy and comedy
6 - recognize realism and selected other significant theatre styles
Junior Orientation
recognize that there is an historical and cultural aspect of drama/theatre
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
Theatre Studies Level II - Intermediate (Theatre History)
4 - recognize that drama exists in every culture
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
Senior Goal II Objectives
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Examine the influences of social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal context on drama
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Explore the impacts of dramatic works on culture and society
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Evaluate the social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal contexts of dramatic works
Ontario, Canada
Grade 8 - Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grade 12 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
TII.6 - The student will explore historical and cultural aspects of theatrical works.
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
TII.5 - The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
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