Created by Gai Jones
All students have something to say and a story to tell. They can relate to their personal stories better than anyone else. All students have a lot of material which can be used as part of an original monologue.
In this unit, students will write an autobiographical monologue based on their personal expertise, memories, distinct point of view, sense of truth, and life experiences.
Through the process, students will be encouraged to explore past stories, objects, and images and other personal material.
National Core Arts Standards
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
TH:Pr4.1.7.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr4.1.7.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
TH:Pr4.1.8.a - Explore different pacing to better communicate the story in a drama/theatre work.
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 Accomplished
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 HS Advanced
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
TH:Cr3.1.6.a - Articulate and examine choices to refine a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
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.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - 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.
Historical & Global Connections
TH.912.H.3.5 - Explain how the social interactions of daily life are manifested in theatre.
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:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr4.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Pr4.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Pr4.a - Explore different pacing to better communicate the story in a drama/theatre 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.
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3.a - Receive and incorporate feedback to refine a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Cr3.b - Identify effective physical and vocal traits of characters in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
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.
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.
Acc.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Acc.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Common Core
Reading: Literature
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 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Responding
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Connect
B.CN.2.2 - Identify the innovative tools and technology used in theatre.
Beginning High School Create
B.CR.1.2 - Create scenarios that communicate character, setting, plot, and conflict.
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 Present
Intermediate High School Respond
I.RE.2.2 - Generate objective critique of theatrical works using given criteria.
Accomplished High School Present
AC.PR.2.1 - Develop theatrical works for a specific audience, audition, or production.
Accomplished High School Respond
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
B.C.1.3 - Understand how to read and write scripts that communicate conflict, plot, and character.
Beginning High School Standards - Analysis
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Analysis
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
P.C.2.2 - Interpret monologues through formal and informal presentations.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: production
Alberta, Canada
Speech Drama 10
11 - demonstrate how phrasing and pausing, intonation, rate and rhythm affect meaning
Speech Drama 20
17 - identify script indicators of a character’s vocal quality
18 - demonstrate that spoken interpretation is affected by characterization
20 - apply movement and gesture to clarify and enhance spoken interpretation
21 - apply previously learned speech skills to characterization and presentation
Improvisation Drama 10
15 - initiate a dramatic situation in response to a given stimulus
16 - make logical choices spontaneously within the boundaries of situation and character
20 - critique the work of self and others through observation and expression of specific detail
27 - demonstrate economy in movement and speech by making appropriate selections
29 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concept of status
30 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concepts of a character’s objectives and motivation
5 - create experiences through imaging, visualizing and fantasizing
Improvisation Drama 30
37 - demonstrate various ways of expressing emotions that are consistent with a character
38 - demonstrate various ways of creating and communicating mood
Acting Drama 20
1 - analyze a script for explicit character clues
10 - critique the work of self and others through observation of specific details
12 - analyze script for clues to create antecedent action
14 - identify and use operative words in a script
15 - analyze script for a character’s transitions
17 - create and use an interior monologue
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
Acting Drama 30
19 - create a character’s life that extends beyond, but is consistent with, the script
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
Movement Drama 10
12 - demonstrate knowledge of elements of space
18 - appreciate that physical expression can enhance language
24 - demonstrate understanding of mood, and communicate mood
Playwriting - Drama 20
4 - generate and collect ideas that have dramatic possibilities
6 - identify character types and their functions and attributes
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
29 - use improvisational skills and concepts in exploration of text
30 - analyze text for meaning and character development
33 - critique the work of self and others through observation of specific details
Junior Goal II Objectives
become familiar with disciplines that enhance dramatic process
become familiar with dramatic terminology and script format
explore specific techniques demanded by various dramatic forms
Junior Goal III Objectives
develop the ability to analyze and assess the process and the art
Junior Orientation
offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
Movement Level I - Beginning
Speech Level I - Beginning
Speech Level II - Intermediate
10 - demonstrate effects of intonation, rate, pause and phrasing on the meaning of words
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
11 - create a dramatic situation in response to varied stimuli: objects, pictures, music
4 - create experiences through imaging, visualizing and fantasizing
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
19 - discover how feelings affect a character
Junior Goal I Objectives
develop the ability to offer and accept constructive criticism
Theatre Studies Level 1 - Beginning (performance analysis)
1 - demonstrate understanding of the need for analysis of the work of self and others
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
12 - analyze a script to identify character, setting and plot
Senior Goal I Objectives
demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
demonstrate the ability to offer, accept, and reflect upon, constructive criticism
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through the arts
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
Interpret and communicate ideas using symbols and elements to express meaning 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 - 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
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
Develop and refine ideas and technical skills to improve the quality of performance pieces
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
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
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 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
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
Reflect on dramatic works and make connections with personal experiences
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
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
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas
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 - Context and Influences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
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
Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.1 - The student will create and write a monologue and/or scene.
TI.2 - The student will apply a creative process for theatre.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.13 - The student will demonstrate techniques for actor preparation.
TI.14 - The student will demonstrate theatrical direction, including blocking and staging a scene.
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
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