While the Drama Two Curriculum has a focus on acting, it’s always important to include a unit on the technical theatre skills that are necessary to any production. Students will also be able to use what they’ve learned in this unit in their upcoming devising project.
Students will begin by exploring design for the stage by experimenting with line, shape, texture, size, and color. They will expand their understanding of stage properties and scenic flats. They will then apply their knowledge of these building blocks of design to create a high-concept design for a miniature “stage.”
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
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Pr4.1.HSI.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
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.
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - 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
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
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Proficient
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
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.
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
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: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:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Pr4.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
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.
Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
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.
Prof.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
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.
Common Core
Language
Writing
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Creating
Grade 6 - Performing
Grade 7 - Creating
Grade 7 - Performing
Grade 8 - Creating
Grade 8 - Performing
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 -Performing
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.1.2 - Create scenarios that communicate character, setting, plot, and conflict.
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.
Intermediate High School Create
I.CR.1.1 - Develop a variety of unique characters within given situations through improvisation.
Intermediate High School Present
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Respond
Advanced High School Present
AD.PR.1.1 - Implement justified choices made in response to feedback and specific criteria.
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.
B.C.1.3 - Understand how to read and write scripts that communicate conflict, plot, and character.
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
P.C.1.3 - Create original works, such as monologues, scenes, or performance pieces.
Proficient High School Standards - Culture
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.1.3 - Use constructive criticism to improve original works both written and read orally.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.E - identify theatrical vocabulary and terminology, including basic anatomy of theatre spaces.
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.B - imagine and clearly describe characters, their relationships, and their surroundings.
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.B - define characters by what they do, what they say, and what others say about them.
B.2.C - select movements and dialogue to portray a character appropriately.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: production
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.
C.1.I - identify and practice memorization skills.
C.1.J - identify the principles of improvisation.
C.1.K - identify and recognize the importance of safe theatre practices.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.B - define creativity as it relates to personal expression.
C.2.C - employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.A - analyze and apply appropriate behavior at various types of live performances.
C.5.B - recognize theatre as an art form and evaluate self as a creative being.
C.5.C - offer and receive constructive criticism of peer performances.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
Alberta, Canada
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Costume
Improvisation Drama 10
10 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal methods
13 - communicate meaning without words
26 - use body language to add physical dimensions and depth to a character
30 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concepts of a character’s objectives and motivation
Acting Drama 20
2 - create, select and sustain physical details of the character from scripted material
Acting Drama 30
18 - use various vocal skills to enhance characterization
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Properties
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage properties
Playwriting - Drama 20
1 - demonstrate understanding of the basic structure of a play
2 - define and identify plot, character, thought and diction
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Goal III Objectives
develop awareness of drama and theatre presentations as possible
Junior Orientation
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
share ideas confidently with others
show awareness of story sequence
Movement Level I - Beginning
17 - use movement to communicate non-verbally
4 - recognize the need for and demonstrate warmup activities
Movement Level II - Intermediate
25 - communicate environment, character and situation nonverbally
Speech Level I - Beginning
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
Speech Level III - Advanced
16 - use movement and gesture to clarify and enhance speech and character
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
12 - make logical choices within the boundaries of situation and character
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
15 - use the body and body language to enhance characterization
16 - demonstrate economy in movement and speech
17 - select and use language appropriate to a given character and situation
20 - enter and exit in 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 willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Readiness
6 - demonstrate understanding of the importance of planning and organization
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 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
extend physical and vocal capabilities
Senior Goal II Objectives
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
develop techniques that enhance vocal and physical communication
Orientation Drama 10
demonstrate behaviour appropriate to given circumstances
demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
make effective decisions or choices
positively support the work of others
solve problems imaginatively and creatively
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Interpret works of art using knowledge and skills from various areas of learning
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Describe, interpret and respond to works of art and explore artists’ intent
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through the arts
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
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
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
Compose, interpret, and expand ideas using symbolism, imagery, and elements
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
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
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas, meaning, and emotions
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 and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
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
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works
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 - 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
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Grade 11 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grade 11 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
A.3.2 - use a range of techniques and acting approaches to refine performance during rehearsal
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grade 11 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
A.1.3 - create and interpret a range of characters using a variety of acting approaches
Grade 12 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grade 12 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
A.3.2 - use different acting approaches to explore and depict character in a variety of situations
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
A.2.1 - use the elements of drama to achieve specific purposes in drama works
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
A.1.3 - create and interpret a wide range of characters using a variety of acting approaches
Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
TIII.1 - The student will demonstrate playwriting.
TIII.2 - The student will apply the creative process for theatre.
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
TIII.5 - The student will exhibit collaboration skills for theatre productions and processes.
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
TIII.12 - The student will integrate acting skills and techniques involving voice and movement.
TIII.13 - The student will demonstrate techniques for actor preparation.
TIII.14 - The student will apply skills and concepts for theatre performance.
TIII.16 - The student will demonstrate the application of theatre design.
Get instant access to this and everything else in the Drama Teacher Academy
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!