Part of the Middle School Curriculum
Created by Lindsay Johnson
Students will have another opportunity to participate in student-directed scenes, only this time each director will be assigned a different script, and actors for each group will be chosen by the teacher based on individual strengths and challenges, rather than holding auditions.
Actors will take a deeper dive into character physicality and use of levels in staging this unit. Directors will continue to create a set design and block the scenes, adding props as well in this unit.
The unit culminates in actors presenting their directed scenes to the class.
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.
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 6
TH:Re7.1.6.a - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
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.
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Re7.1.8.a - Apply criteria to the evaluation of artistic choices 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
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.
TH:Pr5.1.6.b - Articulate how technical elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre work.
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - 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.
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
TH.68.C.1.5 - Describe how a theatrical activity can entertain or instruct an audience.
TH.68.C.2.2 - Keep a rehearsal journal to document individual performance progress.
TH.68.C.2.3 - Ask questions to understand a peer's artistic choices for a performance or design.
TH.912.C.1.7 - Justify personal perceptions of a director's vision and/or playwright's intent.
Historical & Global Connections
Innovation, Technology & the Future
TH.68.F.1.1 - Manipulate various design components to imagine the world of the character.
Organizational Structure
TH.68.O.1.1 - Compare different processes an actor uses to prepare for a performance.
TH.68.O.1.4 - Discuss how the whole of a theatre performance is greater than the sum of its parts.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
TH.68.S.2.2 - Discuss and apply the theatrical production process to create a live performance.
TH.68.S.2.4 - Memorize and present a character's lines from a monologue or scene.
TH.68.S.3.2 - Use the elements of dramatic form to stage a play.
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:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
6.TH:Re7 - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
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.
7.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
8.TH:Re7 - Apply appropriate criteria to the evaluation of artistic choices 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.
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.
6.TH:Pr5.b - Articulate how technical theatre elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre work.
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.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3.b - Identify effective physical and vocal traits of characters in a drama/theatre 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: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.
Common Core
Language
Reading: Literature
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Creating
Grade 6 - Performing
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Sixth Grade Connect
6.CN.2.1 - Describe creative, technical, and business careers in theatre.
Sixth Grade Create
6.CR.1.1 - Improvise dialogue and movement for original scripts or devised theatre.
6.CR.1.2 - Create original works using theatrical formatting and elements.
6.CR.2.1 - Adapt familiar stories with unique perspectives for theatrical performance.
Sixth Grade Present
6.PR.1.1 - Apply feedback to refine choices in devised or scripted theatrical works.
6.PR.1.2 - Communicate ideas and feelings through physical and vocal choices during presentations.
6.PR.2.1 - Develop stories or scripts for presentation.
6.PR.2.2 - Identify the responsibilities of an audience in a live performance.
6.PR.2.3 - Identify simple technical theatre elements that enhance productions in various spaces.
6.PR.2.4 - Identify how a performer responds to an audience during a live performance.
Sixth Grade Respond
6.RE.1.1 - Analyze dramatic elements in theatrical works.
6.RE.1.2 - Describe how personal experiences and perspectives influence interpretations of theatre.
6.RE.2.1 - Identify appealing qualities and effective elements of theatrical works.
6.RE.2.2 - Define constructive criticism for theatrical works.
Seventh Grade Connect
Seventh Grade Create
7.CR.1.1 - Improvise characters and situations for developing original scripts or devised theatre.
7.CR.1.2 - Create original works using elements of dramatic structure.
7.CR.2.1 - Adapt stories using a variety of theatrical styles or genres for theatre.
Seventh Grade Present
7.PR.2.1 - Apply dramatic styles to formal or informal performances.
7.PR.2.2 - Compare the expectations of an audience in different venues.
7.PR.2.4 - Compare the theatrical modifications needed by performers in different venues.
Seventh Grade Respond
7.RE.1.1 - Compare dramatic structures in various genres and styles.
7.RE.1.2 - Recognize the creative choices made in theatrical works crafted by peers and others.
7.RE.2.2 - Evaluate choices made in devised or scripted performance, based on objective criteria.
Eighth Grade Connect
Eighth Grade Create
8.CR.1.1 - Improvise conflict and resolution scenarios for original scripts or devised theatre.
8.CR.1.2 - Create original characters and situations using background knowledge and research.
Eighth Grade Present
8.PR.2.1 - Develop various styles of literature into formal or informal presentations.
8.PR.2.2 - Embody audience etiquette appropriately as a participant in productions.
8.PR.2.3 - Employ technical elements in various theatrical presentations.
8.PR.2.4 - Demonstrate performance etiquette during theatrical experiences.
Eighth Grade Respond
8.RE.1.2 - Explain how theatre artists’ choices are influenced by culture and environment.
8.RE.2.2 - Evaluate theatrical work of others with a specific plan for improvement.
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
B.PR.2.1 - Develop scripted or devised theatre for presentation.
Beginning High School Respond
B.RE.1.1 - Analyze the dramatic structure of written and presented theatrical works.
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.
Accomplished High School Present
AC.PR.1.2 - Display a progression of character moments within the performance of theatrical texts.
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 - Analysis
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 - Aesthetics
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
Proficient High School Standards - Analysis
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.1.3 - Use constructive criticism to improve original works both written and read orally.
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.D - express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.C - employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction.
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.316 LII - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.C - offer and receive constructive criticism of peer performances.
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: performance
C.2.A - employ safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.D - interpret scripted scenes of various styles to portray believable characters.
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: production
C.3.B - analyze and evaluate dramatic texts and direct brief scenes.
Alberta, Canada
Speech Drama 10
Speech Drama 20
Speech Drama 30
Improvisation Drama 10
1 - use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
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
Acting Drama 30
18 - use various vocal skills to enhance characterization
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
22 - display appropriate character relationships with all other characters in a scene
Movement Drama 10
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Properties
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage properties
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Set
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage scenery
Junior Goal III Objectives
develop awareness of various conventions of theatre
develop the ability to analyze and assess the process and the art
Junior Orientation
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
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
Movement Level I - Beginning
Movement Level II - Intermediate
Movement Level III - Advanced
Speech Level I - Beginning
2 - use vocal relaxation and warm-up techniques
3 - use effective breathing techniques
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
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 ability to offer and accept constructive criticism
develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
extend development of sensory awareness
extend the ability to explore, control and express emotions
Senior Goal I Objectives
apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations
demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate the ability to considered decisions, act upon them and accept the results
demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
extend physical and vocal capabilities
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 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Describe, interpret and respond to works of art and explore artists’ intent
Experience, document and present creative works in a variety of ways
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
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists’ intentions
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Describe, interpret and respond to works of art
Experience, document, choreograph, perform, and share creative works in a variety of ways
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
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists motivations and meanings
Ontario, Canada
Grade 6 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 6 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 7 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 8 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
Grade 8 - Creating and Presenting
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)
Grade Six
6.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatrical works
6.4 - The student will identify connections between personal experience and dramatizations
6.5 - The student will identify communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Grade Six
6.10 - The student will identify the use of contemporary technology in theatre production.
6.11 - The student will analyze how theatre incorporates other art forms.
Grade Six
6.15 - The student will identify functions of a theatre director.
6.16 - The student will develop technical theatre and production skills.
Grade Seven
7.1 - The student will demonstrate creative thinking by improvising scenes from given situations.
7.2 - The student will demonstrate a creative process for theatre.
Grade Seven
7.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
7.4 - The student will justify personal responses to theatrical productions.
Grade Seven
7.11 - The student will explain how other fine arts and fields of knowledge are applied in theatre
Grade Seven
7.12 - The student will develop physical and vocal technique for theatre performance.
7.16 - The student will develop technical theatre and production skills
Grade Eight
8.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
8.5 - The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Grade Eight
8.12 - The student will develop physical and vocal technique for theatre performance.
8.15 - The student will fulfill the duties and responsibilities of a production staff member.
8.16 - The student will develop technical theatre and production skills.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.11 - The student will analyze how music, visual art, and dance arts enhance performances.
Technical Theatre
TT.1 - The student will create design elements that demonstrate personal voice and vision.
TT.2 - The student will apply the creative process for technical theatre.
Technical Theatre
TT.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate aspects of technical theatre.
Technical Theatre
TT.7 - The student will identify ways to engage the school community in school theatre productions.
Technical Theatre
TT.14 - The student will identify the components of the theatre facility.
TT.15 - The student will identify the responsibilities of the running crews.
TT.17 - The student will demonstrate scenic design.
TT.18 - The student will design, produce, and manage props to enhance production elements.
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