AE17.TH.6.19

Arts Education (2017) Grade(s): 6 - Theatre

AE17.TH.6.19
Explore the production elements used in a drama/theatre work to assess aesthetic choices.

Unpacked Content

Essential Questions

EU: Theatre artists apply criteria to investigate, explore, and assess drama and theatre work.
EQ: How are the theatre artist's processes and the audience's perspectives impacted by analysis and synthesis?

Skills Examples

Students will perform a scene with a partner. They will use their character analysis, play analysis, and period research to develop strong choices for their scene work. They will perform for the class. This lesson links back to previous in 6th grade.
Students will perform for each other. They will have an open oral critique of each performance. Students will openly discuss what worked for each scene and what was challenging. Students will learn how to critique in a positive way. Use the rubrics and suggested safe, inviting classroom rules in the resources.
To explore cultural perspectives and personal beliefs, students will use Number the Stars based on the book by Lois Lowry. Adapted by Dr. Douglas W. Larche, with educational and editorial assistance from Susan Elliott Larche.
It can be described as follows: During the German occupation of Denmark in World War II, the Nazis closed down Jewish-owned businesses and began to round up the Jews for relocation to concentration camps for the Final Solution. Danish freedom fighters of all ages risked everything in daring, hurried attempts to rescue the entire Jewish population. In this stirring new play, young Annemarie and Kirsti Johansen face soldiers, interrogations, fierce dogs, personal danger, the loss of loved ones and their own fears as they try to help their friend Ellen Rosen escape across the ocean to Sweden and safely. Courage, faith, ingenuity and even their fledgling acting skills eventually win the day.
Students will use the above reference text and perform scenes, create costume and set designs, and create promotional materials. Students will be expected to rate each other's work and be able to use critical thinking to evaluate the processes.

Resources:

Vocabulary

Research
Analysis
Vocal
Movement
Characterization
Directing
Design
Theatrical production

Skills Assessed

Make informed, critical evaluations of theatrical performances from an audience member and a participant point of view, and develop a framework for making informed theatrical choices.
Interpret constructive criticism and objective praise in order to improve upon one's work.
Use critical thinking skills in character analysis and performance.
Perceive and defend the quality of a theatrical work. Evaluate elements of characterization.

Anchor Standards

Anchor Standard 9: Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.