AE17.TH.AC.1

Arts Education (2017) Grade(s): 09-12 - Theatre

AE17.TH.AC.1
Investigate historical and cultural conventions and their impact on the visual composition of a drama/theatre work.

Unpacked Content

Essential Questions

EU: Theatre Artists rely on intuition, curiosity and critical inquiry.
EQ: What happens when Theatre artists use their imagination and/or learned theatre skills while engaging in creative exploration and inquiry?

Skills Examples

Students will pick one of 10 plays that represent plays from across multiple genres. They will begin the design process using research about prior productions of our play. They will work together to present their design for the play. Their research will be a large part of their grade.
Students will study lighting in class. They will have lecture and discussion about the evolution of lighting in theatre. They will also discuss how lighting has allowed them to accomplish more with less instruments. Additionally, the students will "invent" their own lighting instrument that will fix the issues that they are currently experiencing as designers and technicians.
The students will begin studying the acting technique of Stanislavski and The Method. They will demonstrate their new knowledge in their monologues for class.
Students will work together to create a performance of Edgar Lee Master's Spoon River Anthology. They will work together to find pieces for every student in the class that work within the intent of the assignment. Students will create strong characters based off the short monologues in the play. Students will pair and critique each other during the process. Students can perform for other classes or film themselves for a final review after the performance.
Students will create costumes, lighting, sound and a set design for their performance of Edgar Lee Master's Spoon River Anthology.

Vocabulary

Research

Author research
previous productions of the specific play

Analysis

Text breakdown
Expositions
Public Solitude
Biomechanic

Vocal

Lessac
Laban
Accents

Movement

Method of Physical Action
Warm ups
Laban

Characterization

emotional memory
sense memory
substitution
affective memory
given circumstances
ensemble work

Design

lighting
innovation/evolution of technical theatre
technical crews and their jobs

Theatrical production

World of the play
Production concept
Copyrights and the right of the playwright

Anchor Standards

Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.