| Drama 1A is a one-semester, beginning theatre course for 7th and 8th graders that is designed to encourage students to develop communication and performance skills, self-confidence, and the ability to work well with others. Projects include group and solo pantomimes, improvisational scene work, character study, short monologues, writing and performing scenes, and producing scripted scenes. Some training in stage movement, as well as in costuming, properties, stage management and other technical aspects of theater, is also introduced. Subject matter of the different units overlap during the semester, so that students learn in context, and through practice. There is an evening performance at the end of the semester. | ||||
| MAJOR UNITS OF INSTRUCTION may or may not be taught in this sequence. Time Frame is approximate and can vary per unit. Standards listed are aligned to state and PAUSD’s own articulated Theatre Arts standards. | ||||
| Unit of Instruction | Standards | Activities/Lessons/Assignments | Time Frame | Intersection with Core |
| Pantomime | Creative Expression 2.3, 2.5 Aesthetic Valuing 4.3 |
• Mimed Emotions • Group Focus Mimes • Heavier When Full • Obstacle Pantomimes • Written peer evaluations |
2 weeks | |
| Improvisation | Creative Expression 2.4, 2.5 Aesthetic Valuing 4.4 Connections 5.3 |
• Improv games & exercises, such as Bus Stop, Slide Show,
Freeze Frame, etc. • Intention Improvs • Classroom & Car Trip Improvs • What If & Group Improvs • Written peer evaluations |
3 weeks | Lang Arts 7: Short Stories (narrative—short story) |
| Page to Stage | Artistic Perception 1.2, 1.3 Creative Expression 2.3, 2.4 Aesthetic Valuing 4.3, 4.4 Connections 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 |
• Read & analyze one-act script “The Lottery”;
research play & playwright • Develop concept & staging of the play through short scenes with a group • Perform scenes, using costumes, lighting, props, sound & effective acting choices • Written components incl. char. analysis |
3 weeks | Lang Arts 7: Character Analysis, Expository compare & contrast, Narrative structure, Lit response |
| Stage Areas & Body Positions | (CA) Artistic Perception 1.2 | • Learn & identify stage areas & actor’s body positions using appropriate vocabulary | 2 days | |
| Stage Combat | Hist./Cultural Context 3.2 | • Learn basic unarmed combat elements for stage use | 1 day | |
| Scene Study | Artistic Perception 1.1, 1.4 Creative Expression 2.3, 2.4 Hist./Cultural Context 3.2, 3.3 Aesthetic Valuing 4.4 Connections 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 |
• Read & analyze scene excerpt from American drama; “I
Remember Mama,” “Our Town,” “You Can’t
Take it With You,” “The Crucible”, etc. • Develop interpretation, characters & relationships through acting technique & blocking • Rehearsal process incl. rough drafts • Perform scenes • Written components incl. char. analysis & peer evaluations |
3 1⁄2 weeks | |
| Final Projects | Artistic Perception 1.1, 1.3 Creative Expression 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 Aesthetic Valuing 4.1, 4.3 Connections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 |
• Read & analyze short play • Develop interpretation, characters & relationships through acting & blocking • Rehearsal process incl. rough drafts • Learn & put into practice technical theatre components • Perform plays in full production for family & friends • Written components incl. char. analysis • Self-evaluations via video |
4 weeks | |
created by Jeanie Forte and posted by Leslie Goldman 6-4-2007