AE17.TH.8.22

Arts Education (2017) Grade(s): 8 - Theatre

AE17.TH.8.22
Apply different forms of drama/theatre work to examine contemporary social, cultural, or global issues.

Unpacked Content

Essential Questions

EU: Theatre artists understand and can communicate their creative process as they analyze the way the world may be understood.
EQ: What happens when theatre artists allow an understanding of themselves and the world to inform perceptions about theatre and the purpose of their work?

Skills Examples

Using selected articles from the daily newspaper, small groups of students create dramatizations. Prior to developing their dramatizations, the class generates the following criteria for a successful performance and writes them on a chart as a reminder: Have an exposition, climax, and resolution. Make it interesting. Use 2-3 characters. It should be 3-5 minutes long. Use two of these: lights, scenery, sound, properties, costume, and/or makeup. Afterwards, be able to explain how the drama was different from the newspaper article and why.
Students are able to empathize with the people in the story thereby creating connections to characters and real life.

Using Research and Script Analysis to Connect to Characters and Time Periods

Script Analysis the breaking down of a script to gain a better understanding of what the story is about, the themes, the story points, the characters.
Dramatic Structure: Introduction, Rising action, Climax, Falling action, Dénouement, resolution, or catastrophe
Steps:
- Read script: again and again [and again and again].
- Make notes, answering these questions:
1. Setting- Where does the story take place?
2. Time- When does it take place?
3. Plot- What is the story about?
4. Theme- What message is being sent?
5. History-What background information is given?
6. What problem is trying to be solved?
7. What can the audience most connect to?
8. What is the outcome?
9. Protagonist- Who pushed the story along?
10. Antagonist- Who tries to stop the efforts of the protagonist?
Time Periods: When? Where? Dress? Environment?

After using research to distinguish time period, props and costumes are gathered or drawn and labeled on a storyboard for use or presentation.

Vocabulary

Research
Analysis
Vocal
Movement
Characterization

Skills Assessed

Dramaturgy is the study of dramatic composition and the representation of the main elements of drama on the stage. It is essential for students to use research to explore the world a play to connect to the characters on any level.

Anchor Standards

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

COS Examples

Examples: Use Readers Theatre to explore human trafficking; use children’s theatre to examine bullying with younger students; use Commedia del’ arte to explore stereotypes.