Exploring the Origins and Performance of Poetic Storytelling

In this unit, students will explore the rich origins of poetic storytelling and examine how these foundations continue to influence a wide range of poetic and narrative genres. Through a creative and theatrical lens, they will develop techniques for interpreting and performing poetry in engaging and impactful ways. The unit highlights how performance can transform both classical and contemporary texts to entertain, provoke thought, and evoke emotional responses.

Students will participate in a series of dynamic projects designed to foster creativity and interpretive skills:

• Blackout Poetry: Students will manipulate existing texts by selecting, isolating, and rearranging words to craft original poetic works with unique meanings and visual appeal.

• Slam Poetry Composition and Performance: Students will compose and perform original spoken-word poems, experimenting with rhythm, tone, and delivery to convey powerful messages.

• Taylor Swift Lyrical Poetry Performance Project: Students will analyze the poetic elements of Taylor Swift's song lyrics, interpreting and performing them as narratives to explore storytelling through contemporary music.

• Rap Music as Interpretive and Performative Poetry: Students will examine the rhythmic and narrative complexities of rap lyrics and apply theatrical techniques to communicate their themes and emotions in compelling performances.

By studying the methods of various theatre practitioners and applying their insights to poetic and narrative works, students will develop advanced interpretive and performance skills. This unit not only fosters a deeper appreciation for storytelling across different media but also builds students' confidence and ability to perform for an audience. These interpretive skills are transferable to public speaking, debate, and other real-world communication contexts.

In this Communications unit, students will engage in a multi-faceted exploration of storytelling, voice work, and dramatic performance through four interconnected projects: Podcast Creation, Radio Plays, the Olaf Presents Solo Acting Project, and the Duo Acting Scene Study. Each component focuses on enhancing students' ability to captivate an audience, develop complex characters, and convey powerful narratives using vocal and performative skills.

Podcast Creation Unit

Students will begin by diving into the art of podcast creation, an immersive medium that combines storytelling, voice acting, and audio editing. Through this project, students will:

• Script, record, and edit their own mini-series episodes.

• Focus on using vocal tone, mood, pacing, and sound effects to convey story elements and character perspectives.

• Gain technical skills in audio production and storytelling techniques.

This experience provides a strong foundation for understanding the power of voice, setting the stage for subsequent dramatic performances.

Radio Plays Project

Building on the technical and storytelling skills developed in the podcast unit, students will work collaboratively to produce a fully realized radio play. Key elements include:

• Script Analysis: Understanding and adapting scripts for audio-only performance.

• Sound Design: Using sound effects, voice modulation, and background ambiance to enhance the storytelling experience.

• Ensemble Performance: Developing group dynamics and vocal chemistry to bring characters and scenes to life without visual elements.

This project immerses students in the golden era of audio drama, emphasizing the imaginative possibilities of sound-driven storytelling.

Olaf Presents Solo Acting Project

Inspired by the whimsical storytelling style of Olaf Presents from Disney’s Frozen, this project challenges students to perform a condensed retelling of a well-known story—playing all the characters themselves. Key elements include:

• Mastering voice differentiation and physicality for multiple characters.

• Developing storytelling clarity through dynamic delivery and intentional staging.

• Building confidence in performing solo in front of an audience.

This project encourages creativity, humor, and the development of strong individual performance techniques.

Duo Acting Scene Study Project

In the final component of the unit, students will partner with a classmate to develop and perform a dramatic or comedic scene. Through this collaborative experience, students will:

• Focus on building chemistry and dynamic interplay between characters.

• Hone their listening and response skills to create authentic and engaging interactions.

• Practice blocking, timing, and emotional expression to bring scenes to life.

Assessments and Skill Development

Throughout the unit, students will receive formative feedback through individual teacher workshops and peer sessions. Summative assessments will evaluate their podcast episodes, radio plays, and performances based on voice work, storytelling clarity, character development, and overall presentation.

By the end of this unit, students will have:

• Created a podcast mini-series.

• Produced and performed an ensemble-based radio play.

• Developed advanced solo and duo acting techniques.

• Applied these skills to perform for an audience of their peers, strengthening their confidence and storytelling abilities.

How can role-playing diverse scenarios enhance our negotiation and debate skills, and what strategies are most effective in persuading and resolving conflicts?

This unit is meticulously crafted to enhance students' communication skills, focusing on negotiation and debate, through immersive role-playing activities. By stepping into historical, fictional, and creatively constructed scenarios, students will gain firsthand experience in effective communication strategies. These activities allow students to explore significant moments of negotiation and debate, fostering a deeper understanding of the art of persuasion, conflict resolution, and strategic communication.

Engaging in diverse scenarios, students will practice and refine their ability to persuade, manage conflicts, and communicate strategically. Whether negotiating peace between warring alien factions or reenacting historical diplomatic negotiations, these activities encourage creative thinking and adaptability. By adopting various roles and personas, students will develop empathy and the ability to see issues from multiple perspectives, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise for real-world challenges.

In Unit 3, students will: 

1.  Confidently negotiate terms and resolve conflicts in both formal and informal settings.

2. Articulate and defend positions in debates, demonstrating clarity, logic, and persuasiveness.

3. Analyze historical and fictional scenarios to extract key communication strategies.

4. Display versatility in adopting various roles, understanding different perspectives, and responding dynamically.

5. Collaborate effectively with peers to achieve common goals and present unified arguments.

How can mastering different styles of speech writing and delivery enhance our ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in various public speaking contexts?

This academic course delves into the domain of Communications, wherein students will acquire the skills necessary for crafting articulate speeches. Emphasis is placed on cultivating a nuanced perspective, ensuring the effective articulation of their voice in the realm of public speaking. The curriculum guides students through the development of proficiency in informative, persuasive, technological, and comedic speech writing.

Throughout this instructional unit, students will engage in a series of formative assessments, strategically integrated into both individualized workshops with the instructor and collaborative small-group settings with peers. These assessments serve as crucial benchmarks for gauging progress and refining skill sets.

At the culmination of each segment dedicated to distinct speaking styles, students will undergo summative assessments designed to comprehensively evaluate their evolution in the art of public speaking. These evaluations encompass a meticulous examination of the quality, coherence, and persuasive efficacy inherent in their delivered speeches.

In Unit 4, students will: 

1. Develop public speaking skills within their projects in speech delivery.

2. Write and develop a perspective and voice in the development of their speeches.