THEATRE ARTS
THEATRE ARTSTHEATRE ARTS 6-8
Group Emphasis
Throughout grades 6-8, students begin to develop theatre literacy. In theatre, the artist creates an imagined world; it is the role of theatre to lead the audience into this visual, aural, and oral world. It is important that students learn to see the created world of theatre through the eyes of the playwright, actor, designer, and director. Through active creation of theatre, students learn to understand artistic choices and to critique dramatic works. Middle school students play a larger role in the planning and evaluation of their work. They continue to use drama as a means of confidently expressing themselves, thus developing their "personal voice." With greater emphasis on reading, writing and performing scripts, students begin to create plays based on peer issues, concerns and interest using improvisation and collaboration. Likewise, they are introduced to plays and experiences that reach beyond their communities to national, international, and historically representative themes. The content, instruction, student outcomes and methods of evaluation should increase in sophistication at each grade level.
Individual Emphasis
Growing differences in abilities and interests characterize students at this age and, for this reason, provisions should be made for individual emphasis by assigning individual special projects or placing students in various leadership roles. The emphasis is on helping students use drama more discriminatingly and productively in daily living and, as a participant or viewer, to incorporate it into their lives. Students come to perceive theatre as a means of pleasure, communication and learning. Theatre becomes a part of the students' experience of life as a whole.
THEATRE ARTS - Grade 6
The emphasis at this grade level is on:
- Various types of dramatic elements
- Functions and responsibilities of actors, designers, directors, playwrights and audience
- Working collectively in production teams
- Acting, improvisation and characterization
- Appropriate audience etiquette
- Practicing playwriting
- Early theatre history
Strands: Perceiving, Thinking, Comprehending, Applying, Integrating, Communicating, Creating, Analyzing, Critiquing, Performing
COMPETENCY GOAL 1: The learner will write based on personal experience and heritage, imagination, literature, and history. (National Standard 1)
Objectives
1.01 Recognize and explain unique characteristics of the dramatic script such as dramatic structure and dialogue.
1.02 Create monologues, dialogues and short plays in response to interdisciplinary prompts, ideas, pictures and other stimuli.
1.03 Practice playwriting techniques.
1.04 Produce written, verbal and visual responses to written and/or performed dramatic material.
1.05 Identify themes and plots from multicultural literature.
1.06 Adapt stories, myths and fairy tales into dramatic literature.
COMPETENCY GOAL 2: The learner will act by interacting in improvisations and assuming roles. (National Standard 2)
Objectives
2.01 Practice role-playing and characterization skills.
2.02 Utilize role-playing skills in the total learning process.
2.03 Research and observe to create characters in formal and/or informal presentations.
2.04 Utilize basic acting vocabulary such as motivation, objective and blocking.
2.05 Utilize physical movement and vocalization to create characters.
2.06 Adapt stories, myths and fairy tales into improvised scenes.
2.07 Practice pantomime skills.
COMPETENCY GOAL 3: The learner will design and produce theatre by conceptualizing and realizing artistic interpretations for informal or formal productions. (National Standard 3)
Objectives
3.01 Discuss the role of the designer and technical elements in the theatre process.
3.02 Plan and create a simple set for formal or informal dramatic presentations.
3.03 Work collaboratively to use available design resources for props, costumes, lights and set.
3.04 Employ technical theatre vocabulary such as using the appropriate names for areas of the stage.
3.05 Recognize the roles and responsibilities of the production staff.
3.06 Use blocking to non-verbally convey character, mood and action to an audience.
3.07 Discuss the importance of creating an atmosphere for an audience.
COMPETENCY GOAL 4: The learner will direct through planning and presenting informal or formal productions. (National Standard 4)
Objectives
4.01 Examine and discuss introductory levels of the directing process: research, plan and collaborate, audition, cast, block and direct.
4.02 Demonstrate, as appropriate, the designated responsibilities of the director.
4.03 Use rehearsal time effectively to brainstorm, experiment, plan and rehearse.
4.04 Identify characters' internal monologue during scenes.
4.05 Demonstrate responsible behavior such as sharing, compromising and negotiating within diverse groups.
COMPETENCY GOAL 5: The learner will research by finding information to support informal or formal productions. (National Standard 5)
Objectives
5.01 Execute a variety of different research methods and technology to support production.
5.02 Discuss the legal and ethical issues regarding the use of other's ideas.
5.03 Reference a script to determine and justify technical needs for a dramatic presentation.
5.04 Infer meaning from a script to create characters.
5.05 Articulate how artistic choices support the portrayal of characters.
COMPETENCY GOAL 6: The learner will compare and integrate art forms by analyzing traditional theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and new art forms. (National Standard 6)
Objectives
6.01 Explore and appraise other art forms from various cultures and how they relate to theatre.
6.02 Communicate how theatre can synthesize all the arts.
6.03 Communicate how different art forms reflect upon the diversity of society.
6.04 Integrate other art forms into formal and informal presentations.
COMPETENCY GOAL 7: The learner will analyze, critique, and construct meaning from informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions. (National Standard 7)
Objectives
7.01 Recognize and practice audience etiquette.
7.02 Develop and implement descriptive vocabulary while practicing positive critiquing methods.
7.03 Develop verbal, visual and written responses to works of informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions from various cultures.
7.04 Express meaning perceived from informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions.
7.05 Listen to constructive criticism and react in a positive manner.
7.06 Revise dramatic work based on received constructive criticism and feedback.
7.07 Communicate emotions and thoughts evoked by performances.
COMPETENCY GOAL 8: The learner will understand context by analyzing the role of theatre, film, television, and electronic media in the past and present. (National Standard 8)
Objectives
8.01 Investigate and communicate how theatre and other media related to real life.
8.02 Describe how theatre and related media have reflected and transformed various cultures throughout history.
8.03 Demonstrate a basic knowledge of European theatre history that may include primitive storytelling and Greek/Roman times to the Elizabethan period.
THEATRE ARTS - Grade 7
The emphasis at this grade level is on:
- Playwriting
- Practicing acting techniques
- Creating original student work
- Acting, designing and directing
- Analyzing and critiquing various art forms
- Early theatre history
- Appropriate audience etiquette
- Developing theatre vocabulary
Strands: Perceiving, Thinking, Comprehending, Applying, Integrating, Communicating, Creating, Analyzing, Critiquing, Performing
COMPETENCY GOAL 1: The learner will write based on personal experience and heritage, imagination, literature, and history. (National Standard 1)
Objectives
1.01 Explain and demonstrate the uses of unique characteristics of the dramatic script such as dramatic structure and dialogue.
1.02 Write dramatic material inspired by interdisciplinary prompts, ideas, pictures and other stimuli.
1.03 Write and critique original scenes and one act plays.
1.04 Read and appraise dramatic material.
1.05 Write dramatic material inspired by personal and historical events.
COMPETENCY GOAL 2: The learner will act by interacting in improvisations and assuming roles. (National Standard 2)
Objectives
2.01 Identify and practice techniques for physical and vocal conditioning.
2.02 Employ physical and vocal skills to create believable characters.
2.03 Utilize acting skills to study human behavior and conflict resolution.
2.04 Implement research, observation, and acting skills to create characters in formal and informal presentations.
2.05 Use acting vocabulary such as motivation, objective and blocking.
2.06 Recognize and discuss different acting methods and theories.
2.07 Simulate the audition process to practice audition skills.
COMPETENCY GOAL 3: The learner will design and produce theatre by conceptualizing and realizing artistic interpretations for informal or formal productions. (National Standard 3)
Objectives
3.01 Examine and demonstrate the role of the designer and technical elements in the theatre process.
3.02 Utilize basic design concepts to create a set for formal or informal dramatic presentations.
3.03 Work collaboratively to use available resources for props, costumes, lighting and set.
3.04 Use technical theatre vocabulary such as flat and ground plan.
3.05 Practice the roles and responsibilities of the production staff.
3.06 Create an atmosphere for an audience in formal and informal presentations.
3.07 Notate blocking in a script.
COMPETENCY GOAL 4: The learner will direct through planning and presenting informal or formal productions. (National Standard 4)
Objectives
4.01 Practice the directing process: research, plan and collaborate, audition, cast, block and direct.
4.02 Accomplish, as appropriate, designated responsibilities of the director.
4.03 Collaborate with others to make choices for formal and informal productions.
4.04 Use rehearsal time effectively to brainstorm, experiment, plan and rehearsal.
4.05 Communicate characters' internal monologues through vocalization and physical movement.
COMPETENCY GOAL 5: The learner will research by finding information to support informal or formal productions. (National Standard 5)
Objectives
5.01 Investigate and practice different research methods and technology to support production.
5.02 Demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical issues regarding the use of other's ideas.
5.03 Reference a script to implement technical requirements.
5.04 Infer meaning from a script to create characters.
5.05 Make artistic choices to shape the portrayal of characters.
COMPETENCY GOAL 6: The learner will compare and integrate art forms by analyzing traditional theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and new art forms. (National Standard 6)
Objectives
6.01 Observe and analyze other art forms from other cultures and how they relate to theatre.
6.02 Integrate other art forms into dramatic presentations.
6.03 Communicate how different art forms have been affected by society.
COMPETENCY GOAL 7: The learner will analyze, critique, and construct meaning from informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions. (National Standard 7)
Objectives
7.01 Practice positive audience etiquette.
7.02 Expand and implement descriptive vocabulary while practicing constructive critiquing methods.
7.03 Analyze, critique and express meaning perceived from works of informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions from various cultures.
7.04 Listen to and implement constructive criticism.
7.05 Communicate emotions and thoughts evoked by performances and dramatic material.
COMPETENCY GOAL 8: The learner will understand context by analyzing the role of theatre, film, television, and electronic media in the past and present. (National Standard 8)
Objectives
8.01 Examine and explain how theatre and other media relate to real life.
8.02 Communicate how theatre and related media have reflected and transformed various cultures throughout history.
8.03 Demonstrate a basic knowledge of non-western theatre history such as that of Asia, Africa, India and Australia.
THEATRE ARTS - Grade 8
The emphasis at this grade level is on:
- Analyzing, critiquing and writing plays
- Acting techniques to create characters
- Adapting and using available resources to execute theatre
- Expansion of theatre vocabulary
- Assuming roles of the production staff
- Theatre history from Elizabethan to modern times
- Appropriate audience etiquette
Strands: Perceiving, Thinking, Comprehending, Applying, Integrating, Communicating, Creating, Analyzing, Critiquing, Performing
COMPETENCY GOAL 1: The learner will write based on personal experience and heritage, imagination, literature, and history. (National Standard 1)
Objectives
1.01 Apply the unique characteristics of the dramatic script such as dramatic structure and dialogue when writing for the theatre.
1.02 Create written dramatic material based on original or established interdisciplinary prompts, personal experiences and historical events.
1.03 Write, critique, and informally produce original scenes and one act plays.
1.04 Read and analyze scenes and plays.
1.05 Write detailed character analyses or biographies.
COMPETENCY GOAL 2: The learner will act by interacting in improvisations and assuming roles. (National Standard 2)
Objectives
2.01 Practice and demonstrate techniques for physical and vocal conditioning.
2.02 Utilize physical and vocal skills to create believable characters.
2.03 Utilize acting skills to study human behavior and conflict resolution.
2.04 Synthesize research, observation, given circumstances and acting skills to create characters in formal and informal presentations.
2.05 Expand and utilize acting vocabulary such as motivation, objective and blocking.
2.06 Compare and utilize different acting methods and theories.
2.07 Participate in auditions.
COMPETENCY GOAL 3: The learner will design and produce theatre by conceptualizing and realizing artistic interpretations for informal or formal productions. (National Standard 3)
Objectives
3.01 Understand and practice the role of the designer and technical elements in the theatre process.
3.02 Design and build a set for formal or informal dramatic presentations.
3.03 Work collaboratively to use available resources for props, costumes, lighting and settings.
3.04 Expand and implement technical theatre vocabulary.
3.05 Assume the roles and responsibilities of the production staff.
3.06 Compare and contrast different theatre spaces (i.e. thrust, arena, proscenium, and flexible) and their different requirements for technical elements.
3.07 Create a prompt book.
3.08 Create an atmosphere for audiences is formal and informal presentations.
COMPETENCY GOAL 4: The learner will direct through planning and presenting informal or formal productions. (National Standard 4)
Objectives
4.01 Understand and practice the directing process: research, plan and collaborate, audition, cast, block and direct.
4.02 Implement the responsibilities of the director.
4.03 Collaborate with others to make choices to be applied to formal and informal productions.
4.04 Use rehearsal time effectively to brainstorm, experiment, plan and rehearse.
4.05 Communicate characters' internal monologue through vocalization and physical movement.
COMPETENCY GOAL 5: The learner will research by finding information to support informal or formal productions. (National Standard 5)
Objectives
5.01 Employ a variety of different research methods and technology to support production.
5.02 Demonstrate a knowledge of and the ability to discuss the implications of the legal and ethical issues regarding the use of other's ideas.
5.03 Reference a script to design and implement technical theatre requirements.
5.04 Analyze given circumstances in a script to create character.
5.05 Analyze given circumstances in a script to make artistic choices.
COMPETENCY GOAL 6: The learner will compare and integrate art forms by analyzing traditional theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and new art forms. (National Standard 6)
Objectives
6.01 Analyze other art forms and how they relate to theatre.
6.02 Synthesize several art forms into dramatic presentations.
6.03 Compare and contrast how society and various art forms impact each other.
COMPETENCY GOAL 7: The learner will analyze, critique, and construct meaning from informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions. (National Standard 7)
Objectives
7.01 Practice positive audience etiquette.
7.02 Evaluate the relationship between the audience and the production.
7.03 Use descriptive vocabulary and creative thinking in the critiquing process.
7.04 Write and discuss analysis of informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions from various cultures.
7.05 Listen to and implement constructive criticism.
7.06 Analyze how theatre can evoke emotions and thoughts from an audience.
COMPETENCY GOAL 8: The learner will understand context by analyzing the role of theatre, film, television, and electronic media in the past and present. (National Standard 8)
Objectives
8.01 Compare and contrast theatre and related media to real life.
8.02 Analyze and discuss how theatre and related media have reflected and transformed various cultures throughout history.
8.03 Demonstrate a basic knowledge of American theatre history which may include the study of African, Asian, Native and Latin American, and other cultures.
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