Unit Description and Expectations

 

Creating an Ensemble

In a drama classroom it is essential that students work together. In this introductory unit students will learn the value of collaboration and the essence of an ensemble through a variety of exercises. Students will be introduced to the creative process and the critical analysis process, two key components of the course.

 

The Body

At its essence, drama is about people. Characters. Our first major unit will focus on the use of the body to explore and develop characterization. This is called physicalization. We will begin by using tableau and build up to using mime to clearly express stories and characters on the stage. Students will complete a series of performance tasks that reflect the development of skills studied in class.

 

The Voice

Characterization is based not only on physicalization, but also on using the qualities of voice to portray information about characters. In this unit we will explore the possibilities of sound and the voice to create character and establish mood and meaning in dramatic works. We will also explore the history and form of radio dramas. Students will complete a production of a radio drama to showcase their learning in this unit.

 

Theatre History

This unit will focus on two major periods of Theatre History, Ancient Greek and Shakespearean Theatre, with an emphasis on examining the cultural significance of theatre in these time periods and cultures. Students will complete a performance task in one of the two styles.  

 

Character Development and Monologue

This unit will focus on character development and monologues. Using the information and experience from all previous units, we will analyse methods of character development, focusing specifically on the Stanislavski approach to portray believable characters on stage. Students will perform a monologue to demonstrate their learning.

 

Theatre Design

This unit will focus on the practical aspects of Theatre Design. We will learn about the main types of Theatre Design: set, costume, lightning, sound, and we will learn how to use those elements to help support the themes and the message of a piece of theatre. Students will adapting a scene from a movie/book into a stage play and create a complete set design for their scene.

 

Culminating Task - Docu-Drama

The culminating task for this course will be a showcase of all the skills learned throughout the course. In groups students will develop a Docu-Drama that presents different perspectives of a central theme using a variety of performance methods and technical elements.

 

Student Portfolio (Ongoing)

Throughout the semester students will create a portfolio that showcases their development and achievements in the course. It will be the primary vehicle for students to demonstrate their learning, to deepen and extend the drama, and a stimulus for reflection. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a suitable binder/folder for his/her portfolio and to maintain a high-level of professionalism in the presentation and organization of it.