We take a side trip to Italy to discover a secular comedic form: Commedia Dell’arte.
Students will be introduced to the form, explore the characters and themes, and put their knowledge to practical application by creating a commedia character.
National Core Arts Standards
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
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.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 6
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 7
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Re8.1.8.b - Analyze how cultural perspectives influence the evaluation of a drama/theatre work.
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 HS Proficient
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 6
TH:Pr6.1.6.a - Adapt a drama/theatre work and present it informally for an audience.
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
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - 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.
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.
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Proficient
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
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
Organizational Structure
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
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.
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
6.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
6.TH.Re8.b - Identify cultural contexts that may influence the evaluation of a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
7.TH.Re8.b - Describe how cultural contexts can influence the evaluation of drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
8.TH.Re8.b - Analyze how cultural contexts influence the evaluation of a drama/theatre work.
Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Prof.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
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.
6.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
6.TH:Pr6 - Adapt a piece of literature and present it for an audience.
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: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.
7.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
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:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted short drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
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:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Common Core
Language
Reading: Literature
Language
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Creating
Grade 7 - 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 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Responding
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
Beginning High School Create
B.CR.1.1 - Devise a variety of scenarios and scenes through improvised and scripted activities.
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
Intermediate High School Create
I.CR.1.1 - Develop a variety of unique characters within given situations through improvisation.
I.CR.2.1 - Adapt unique personal experiences into theatrical works.
Intermediate High School Present
I.PR.2.1 - Develop scenes for formal or informal presentations.
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Present
AC.PR.1.2 - Display a progression of character moments within the performance of theatrical texts.
AC.PR.2.1 - Develop theatrical works for a specific audience, audition, or production.
Advanced High School Connect
Advanced High School Present
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 - 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
I.C.1.3 - Produce scripts based on literature texts.
I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
P.C.1.3 - Create original works, such as monologues, scenes, or performance pieces.
P.C.2.2 - Interpret monologues through formal and informal presentations.
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
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 - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.C - respond to sounds, music, images, and the written word, incorporating movement.
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.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.D - dramatize literary selections and imitate life experiences through dramatic play.
C.2.E - express emotions and ideas using interpretive movements and dialogue.
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.C - create expressive and rhythmic movements.
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.C - select movements and dialogue to portray a character appropriately.
B.2.D - create stories collaboratively and individually that have dramatic structure.
B.2.G - create improvised scenes that include setting, character, and plot.
MS 117.212 LII - Critical evaluation and response
B.5.A - understand and demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette at various types of performances.
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.C - create expressive movement and mime to define space and characters.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.B - portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.
B.2.D - express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
MS 117.213 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - portray theatre as a reflection of life in particular times, places, and cultures.
C.4.B - relate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.B - explore creativity as it relates to self and ensemble.
C.2.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.316 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - analyze historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.E - create individually or devise collaboratively imaginative scripts and scenarios.
HS 117.318 LIV - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
Alberta, Canada
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Costume
Improvisation Drama 10
27 - demonstrate economy in movement and speech by making appropriate selections
Acting Drama 20
Acting Drama 30
18 - use various vocal skills to enhance characterization
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Playwriting - Drama 20
1 - demonstrate understanding of the basic structure of a play
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Goal III Objectives
Junior Orientation
communicate through use of voice and body
focus concentration on one task at a time
meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
recognize that there is an historical and cultural aspect of drama/theatre
share ideas confidently with others
show awareness of story sequence
speak, move, and generate ideas spontaneously
Movement Level I - Beginning
10 - use varying speed of movement
Movement Level II - Intermediate
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 initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
Senior Goal II Objectives
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
Orientation Drama 10
demonstrate effective use and management of time
demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
display consideration and respect for self and others
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
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists' intentions
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists’ intentions
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists motivations and meanings
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Examine the influences of social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal context on drama
Reflect on dramatic experiences and how they relate to a specific place, time, and context
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
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
Grade 6 - Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 8 - Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Drama and Society
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.5 - The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.6 - The student will explore historical and cultural aspects of theatrical works.
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.
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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!