Created by Claire Broome
The Dilemma Project is based on a situation that requires a decision: push a button and get a great reward, but there’s also a great consequence. Don’t push the button and there’s no reward.
This unit will lead to a group performance including characters, costumes, set, acting theory, acting tools, and a student written script. The final script will be about ten pages in length which means roughly ten minutes of stage time.
National Core Arts Standards
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
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.
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 8
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - 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.
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.
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished
TH:Re9.1.HSII.c - Verify how a drama/theatre work communicates for a specific purpose and audience.
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
California VAPA Standards (2019)
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.
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.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.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.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and 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.
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:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Acc.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Acc.TH.Re9.b - Justify how a drama/theatre work communicates for a specific purpose and audience.
Acc.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Adv.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Adv.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Common Core
Language
Reading: Literature
Language
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Responding
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
I.PR.2.1 - Develop scenes for formal or informal presentations.
Accomplished High School Create
Advanced High School Present
Advanced High School Respond
AD.RE.2.2 - Justify suggestions for improving theatrical works, utilizing created criteria.
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 - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
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 - Communication
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
Advanced High School Standards - Analysis
A.A.1.2 - Critique performances of written texts based on a set of given criteria.
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
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
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.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.
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.B - demonstrate creativity as it relates to self and ensemble and its effect on audience.
C.2.E - create individually or devise collaboratively imaginative scripts and scenarios.
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: production
C.3.B - analyze and evaluate dramatic texts and direct brief scenes.
Alberta, Canada
Improvisation Drama 10
1 - use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
12 - create, relate and polish a story
3 - maintain concentration during exercises
31 - demonstrate the ability to focus on, and achieve, the objective of a scene
32 - sustain a character throughout a scene or exercise
Acting Drama 20
1 - analyze a script for explicit character clues
10 - critique the work of self and others through observation of specific details
2 - create, select and sustain physical details of the character from scripted material
5 - demonstrate a character’s main objective within a scene
7 - demonstrate the ability to play a character from the character’s point of view
Playwriting - Drama 20
1 - demonstrate understanding of the basic structure of a play
13 - give and accept constructive criticism
3 - demonstrate understanding of script format
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
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Orientation
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
demonstrate trust by becoming comfortable, physically and emotionally, with others
focus concentration on one task at a time
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 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
5 - create and tell a story spontaneously
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
20 - enter and exit in character
Junior Goal I Objectives
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
7 - define the elements of script, dialogue, directions, characters and settings
8 - demonstrate understanding of directions used in a script
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
Senior Goal II Objectives
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
explore various approaches to analyzing a script for purposes of study and/or presentation
Orientation Drama 10
concentrate on the task at hand
cope with success and failure in positive ways
demonstrate behaviour appropriate to given circumstances
demonstrate effective use and management of time
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
solve problems imaginatively and creatively
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Experience, document and present creative works in a variety of ways
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Experience, document, choreograph, perform, and share creative works in a variety of ways
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Experience, document, choreograph, perform, and share creative works in a variety of ways
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Communicating and documenting
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 performance skills in a variety of contexts
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Create dramatic works for an intended audience
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 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop dramatic works for an intended audience
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
Document, share, and collaborate on dramatic works and experiences in a variety of contexts
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
Grade 6 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grade 12 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
A.2.1 - use the elements of drama to achieve specific purposes in drama works
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