In this unit, students are introduced to a series of lesson plans that explore non-traditional approaches to performing the works of William Shakespeare. By the end of the unit students will be exposed to a unique set of tools they can utilize as the foundations for analyzing, staging and performing a scene from Shakespeare’s canon. Students will then rehearse and perform a two-person Shakespearean scene.
National Core Arts Standards
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
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 Advanced
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.
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - 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
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
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
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 7
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Historical & Global Connections
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.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.
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize 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.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.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: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:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Common Core
Language
Reading: Literature
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - 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 - Performing
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Connecting
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.
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.2.3 - Implement technical elements to support scripted or devised presentations.
B.PR.2.4 - Identify the responsibilities of a performer in a variety of theatrical venues.
Intermediate High School Present
I.PR.2.1 - Develop scenes for formal or informal presentations.
I.PR.2.3 - Implement technical elements to enhance theatrical works.
Intermediate High School Respond
I.RE.1.1 - Compare the structure, style and genre of various written and presented theatrical works.
I.RE.1.2 - Analyze how theatre artists' choices reflect various genres and styles.
Advanced High School Present
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
Beginning High School Standards - Aesthetics
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
Intermediate High School Standards - Analysis
Intermediate High School Standards - Aesthetics
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
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.
C.1.F - identify the structure and form in examples of dramatic literature.
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.B - imagine and clearly describe characters, their relationships, and their surroundings.
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.A - identify and apply audience etiquette at all performances.
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.
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.B - explore preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
B.1.F - explore and evaluate the structure and form of dramatic literature.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.213 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
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
HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.B - relate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
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: production
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.D - interpret scripted scenes of various styles to portray believable characters.
HS 117.318 LIV - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
Alberta, Canada
Acting Drama 20
1 - analyze a script for explicit character clues
2 - create, select and sustain physical details of the character from scripted material
5 - demonstrate a character’s main objective within a scene
6 - demonstrate a character’s immediate or moment-to-moment objectives within a scene
7 - demonstrate the ability to play a character from the character’s point of view
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late drama)
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
3 - recognize the importance of artistic unity in sound design
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
become familiar with dramatic terminology and script format
develop belief in, identification with, and commitment to a role
Junior Goal III Objectives
Junior Orientation
demonstrate awareness of the multidisciplinary nature of drama/theatre
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
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
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
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
extend the ability to explore meaning through abstract concepts
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
10 - demonstrate understanding of the concept of dramatic convention
11 - demonstrate understanding of plot structure
7 - define the elements of script, dialogue, directions, characters and settings
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 the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
Senior Goal II Objectives
explore various approaches to analyzing a script for purposes of study and/or presentation
Senior Goal III Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
concentrate on the task at hand
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
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
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Interpret works of art using knowledge and skills from various areas of learning
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 - 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 - Connecting and expanding
Collaborate through reciprocal relationships during creative processes
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
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
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
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
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 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
Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Evaluate the social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal contexts of dramatic works
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Demonstrate respect for self, others, and audience
Examine the impacts of dramatic works on culture and society
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 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
TII.2 - The student will apply a creative process for theatre.
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
TII.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
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.12 - The student will refine physical and vocal techniques for theatre performance.
TII.13 - The student will demonstrate techniques for actor preparation.
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
TIII.6 - The student will explore historical and cultural aspects of theatrical works.
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!