Course Overview:
In Middle School Theater, students incorporate the study of theater, dialog, music, and dance to offer unique experiences that help students explore realities, relationships, and ideas. The foundations of theater include inquiry and understanding, creative expression, historical and cultural relevance, and critical evaluation and response. Through these foundations, students develop a perception of self, human relationships, and the world using elements of drama and conventions of theater. Through projects and exercises, students communicate in a dramatic form, engage in artistic thinking, build positive self-concepts, relate interpersonally, and integrate knowledge with other content areas in a relevant manner. Through the study of historical and cultural relevance, students increase their understanding of heritage and traditions in theater and the diversity of world cultures as expressed in theater. Through critical evaluation and response, students develop the ability to appreciate and evaluate live theater.
Required Materials: N/A
Syllabus:
Module 1 - Introduction to Theater
Objectives:
- Understand the primary elements of theater.
- Know what components make up the primary elements of theater, such as characters and setting.
- Understand tools for developing character.
- Explore sensory and emotional recall.
- Practice characterization through a mime exercise.
Lessons:
- Welcome to Theater 1
- Characterization
Module 2 - Voice and Character
Objectives:
- Understand the mechanisms of the voice system.
- Learn safe use of voice and body.
- Understand well-developed characters.
- Create and imagine your own character.
Lessons:
- Creative Expression: Use of Voice
- Understanding Character
Module 3 - Production Elements
Objectives:
- Understand the process of designing theater sets.
- Know the role of the scenic designer.
- Create a set environment from your imagination.
- Explore the elements of theater production.
- Create an imaginative character from personal experience.
Lessons:
- Creating a Set
- Elements of Production
Module 4 - Creating a Production
Objectives:
- Understand the elements of dramatic structure.
- Plan a dramatization game.
- Understand basic production technologies.
- Explore different theater special effects.
Lessons:
- The Structure of Drama
- Production Technologies
Module 5 - Stage Anatomy and Etiquette
Objectives:
- Understand the importance of theater terms.
- Identify different parts of stage anatomy.
- Learn important actor terms.
- Learn the importance of proper audience behavior.
- List audience etiquette items that should be followed while attending a performance.
Lessons:
- The Stage and Terms
- What Is Audience Etiquette?
Module 6 - Audience Skills
Objectives:
- Define what production elements are.
- Identify the elements of a theater production.
- Compare the elements of film, television, and the internet to those of theater.
- Understand the importance of observation.
- Explore the elements of a production observation.
- Conduct an observation on a live performance or online performance.
Lessons:
- Identifying Production Elements
- Observing the Aspects of Theater
Module 7 - Society and Storytelling
Objectives:
- Explore influences of storytelling and media on society.
- List the four forms of impact storytelling can have.
- Understand the basics and history of improv.
- Explore techniques for becoming a skilled improviser.
- Practice improvisation skills by portraying imaginative characters drawn from literature and history.
Lessons:
- The Influence of Storytelling on Society
- Exploring Improv
Module 8 - Theater Careers
Objectives:
- Understand that theater is also an industry.
- Explore different occupations found in theater.
- Consider which theater roles you might enjoy doing or exploring.
- Learn the various elements of a stage play.
- Practice writing your own script by creating environments, characters, and actions.
- Explore dramatization through collaboration.
Lessons:
- Occupations in Theater
- Practicing Playwriting
