AE17.TH.AC.14

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

AE17.TH.AC.14
Research historical and cultural context to structure and justify personal responses to a drama/theatre work.

Unpacked Content

Essential Questions

EU: Theatre artists reflect to understand the impact of drama processes and theatre experiences.
EQ: How do theatre artists comprehend the essence of drama processes and theatre experiences?

Skills Examples

Students will watch a live performance or film of a classic play that they study in their English classes. They will use their literary and theatrical knowledge to write a critique in class. They will cover multiple aspects of performance: design, acting technique and directing choices as well as their personal response to the play.
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.
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.
Students will pick a Shakespearean monologue to perform. They will use historical information, personal experiences, and cultural norms of the time to create and perform the monologue.
Students will study theatre during the Elizabethan period. They will discuss Shakespeare and his contemporaries' technique of critiquing political policies in plays. Students and teacher will discuss modern examples of writers referencing current issues in their plays and films. Examples: The West Wing, 13 Reasons Why, Avengers were all created to comment on current popular cultural issues.

Vocabulary

Research

Understanding the play

Analysis

What defines a good performance?

What is a positive critique?

Performing iambic pentameter

Vocal

Linklater
Vowel Tree
freeing the natural voice

Movement

Shakespearean movement
Characterization's impact on movement

Design

scenic painting from historical impact to techniques

Theatrical production

modernizing historical plays
performing in historical plays
The impact of language on the actor

Anchor Standards

Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.

COS Examples

Example: Engage in dramaturgical research prior to seeing To Kill a Mockingbird in order to connect more effectively to the play and its historical and racial context.