Created by Anna Porter
In this unit, students will be introduced to a key element of performance: the voice. Students will explore how to thoughtfully communicate character, story, and emotion vocally. Students will begin by exploring articulation so that they understand the importance of clearly communicating their words onstage. They will further build on this with the following lesson on the different vocal varieties of pitch, tone, rate, and volume.
The final lesson helps students explore vocal characterization as well as the details and layers that can bring that character to life vocally. This unit study of the voice culminates in a final puppet show where students are asked to bring a story and character to life by using vocal variety, articulation, and characterization.
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.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
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.
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
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
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - 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
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
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.68.C.2.4 - Defend personal responses to a theatre production.
Historical & Global Connections
TH.68.H.1.6 - Discuss how a performer responds to different audiences.
TH.68.H.2.4 - Discuss the differences between presentational and representational theatre styles.
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.1.4 - Discuss the ways in which theatre experiences involve empathy and aesthetic distance.
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.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop 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: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.
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.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and 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: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.
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.
Common Core
Speaking and Listening
Language
Language
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Present
Accomplished High School Connect
AC.CN.2.2 - Analyze how technical elements enhance theatrical works.
Accomplished High School Present
AC.PR.1.2 - Display a progression of character moments within the performance of theatrical texts.
Advanced High School Connect
Advanced High School Create
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.
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
Proficient High School Standards - Aesthetics
P.AE.1.1 - Analyze design concepts for aesthetic impact of technical elements.
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
Advanced High School Standards - Aesthetics
A.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs for a specific audience.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.D - develop an understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
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.B - develop and apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.D - develop an increased understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.E - apply knowledge of effective voice and diction techniques to express thoughts and feelings.
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.B - explore preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.D - demonstrate an increased understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.D - develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
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 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
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 117.317 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 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.A - create and demonstrate theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.E - create individually or devise collaboratively imaginative scripts and scenarios.
Alberta, Canada
Speech Drama 10
1 - demonstrate vocal relaxation and warmup techniques
10 - demonstrate safe and appropriate projection
11 - demonstrate how phrasing and pausing, intonation, rate and rhythm affect meaning
12 - create specific vocal sound effects
2 - apply effective breathing techniques
3 - recognize the effect of good posture on voice
5 - recognize how the jaw, lips, tongue, teeth and velum play an important role in articulation
6 - perform exercises to relax and improve the movement of the articulators
Speech Drama 20
16 - communicate mood and emotion through voice
21 - apply previously learned speech skills to characterization and presentation
Speech Drama 30
Improvisation Drama 10
1 - use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
10 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal methods
14 - discover how various emotions affect one vocally and physically
24 - select and use vocal techniques appropriate to a character
3 - maintain concentration during exercises
Acting Drama 30
Playwriting - Drama 20
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
become familiar with disciplines that enhance dramatic process
Junior Goal III Objectives
develop awareness of drama and theatre presentations as possible
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
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
share ideas confidently with others
Speech Level I - Beginning
2 - use vocal relaxation and warm-up techniques
3 - use effective breathing techniques
4 - use techniques of storytelling
5 - recognize the need to control and protect the voice
6 - use volume appropriate to situation
7 - create vocal sound effects to explore voice potential
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
Speech Level II - Intermediate
10 - demonstrate effects of intonation, rate, pause and phrasing on the meaning of words
11 - use pitch to effect quality of voice production
13 - use voice to communicate mood and emotion
14 - use a variety of character voices
9 - use volume, articulation and projection to achieve clarity
Speech Level III - Advanced
15 - demonstrate the effect of character on oral interpretation
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
10 - use essential story elements in spontaneous and planned scenes
12 - make logical choices within the boundaries of situation and character
9 - communicate a clear beginning, middle and end in spontaneous and planned scenes
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
17 - select and use language appropriate to a given character and situation
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
explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Awareness
1 - recognize the basic terminology associated with the component being studied
5 - demonstrate understanding of the various conventions of the components being studied
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Readiness
6 - demonstrate understanding of the importance of planning and organization
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 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
demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
develop a positive and realistic self-image
develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
extend physical and vocal capabilities
Senior Goal II Objectives
develop techniques that enhance vocal and physical communication
Senior Goal III Objectives
develop an awareness of aesthetics in visual and performing arts
Orientation Drama 10
concentrate on the task at hand
demonstrate behaviour appropriate to given circumstances
demonstrate effective use and management of time
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 - Communicating and documenting
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
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
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
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
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
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
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
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 Eight
8.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
8.5 - The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
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 II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
TII.12 - The student will refine physical and vocal techniques for theatre performance.
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