Theatre I

ABOUT THEATER ARTS 1

Grade Level: 9-12

This course provides an introduction to domain-specific vocabulary regarding theatrical performance and the ability to distinguish among artistic styles, trends and movements. Students will analyze descriptions, dialogue, and actions, participate in theatrical presentations, create dramatic action, and describe and analyze the components of theatrical design and production. They will investigate the structure of plays, assess character motivations, and explain the relationship between performance, technical design and management. Using description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation, they will critique, compare and evaluate various theatrical works. In addition, the influence of technology and culture on the arts, as well as social and political environmental changes, will be examined.

Below you will find a basic framework of what you will be learning this semester in Theater Arts I. We approach this class as a Basic Acting class, though you will be required to read and take notes regularly. Throughout the semester you will be learning basic acting technique. You will be required to get on stage for solo, duet, trio, and small group performances. In addition to performances, each chapter will conclude with a Chapter Quiz and every unit will conclude with a Unit Test. Theater History (Unit 4) instruction will be distributed weekly and each section will culminate in a quiz. Instead of a Unit Test, however, there will be an independent project to end the unit.

Unit 1 - Begin with the Basics

Chapter 1: Warm Up

Chapter 2: Observation

Chapter 3: Pantomime

Chapter 4: Improvisation

Unit 2 - Elements of Acting

Chapter 5: Movement

Chapter 6: Stage Directions

Chapter 7: Voice Production and Articulation

Chapter 8: Ensemble Work

Unit 3 - Creating a Character

Chapter 9: Character Analysis