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

AE17.TH.6.24

Investigate the time period and place of a drama/theatre work to better understand performance and design choices.

Unpacked Content

Essential Questions

EU: Theatre artists critically inquire into the ways others have thought about and created drama processes and productions to inform their own work.
EQ: In what ways can research into theatre histories, theories, literature, and performances alter the way a drama process or production is understood?

Skills Examples

  • Students explore dramatizations and scenes from a variety of historical periods and cultures.
  • Specific examples of theatrical productions stimulate understanding of the impact of society on theatre, and theatre's impact on society.
Resources for Research and Analysis Using History to Compare
  • Students will demonstrate their understanding of the historical practice of commedia dell 'arte by preparing a short presentation to include: Aspects of commedia dell 'arte: lazzi, scenarios, plot, specific stances and mannerisms of commedia dell 'arte characters. Character examples with their identified commedia dell 'arte counterparts: straight (young lovers); exaggerated (masters (Pantalone, Dottore, Capitano) and servants (Harlequin, Pulcinello, Brighella) Basic beginning, middle, end storyline of scene. Students will then apply the stock characters and scenarios to their favorite TV show or a well-known nursery rhyme. Students will complete both a written script and oral performance.

Vocabulary

Skills Assessed
Research
  • Through theatre history research, a student can articulate connections between past theatre practices and their contemporary counterparts.

Analysis
  • Students will use the knowledge of the relationships between historical elements of theatre and contemporary theatre practice can inform and influence a production concept.

Anchor Standards

Anchor Standard 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
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