Unit 1 — Elements of Theatre
Description
This unit focuses on the elements of theatre including setting, plot, character, stage areas, and technical theatrical elements. Students explore the 5 W's and how they are used in identifying setting, plot and character, as well as key elements in creating a stage.
Essential Questions
- What are the 5 W's and how are they used in identifying setting, plot and character?
- How can you identify the setting?
- What are key elements in creating a stage?
Learning Objectives
- Assess the application of the elements of art and principles of design in dance, music, theatre, and visual artworks using observable, objective criteria.
- Define technical proficiency, using the elements of the arts and principles of design.
- Analyze the use of technical theatrical elements to identify how time, place, mood, and theme are created.
- Identify how the script requirements of environment, time and actions influence the design of a scene.
- Observe the relationship between the actor and the audience.
- Identify and understand the principal types of theater and performance spaces.
- Identify the basic area of a stage and a theater.
- Describe a setting that will enhance the mood of a scene (e.g., a forest on a moonless night).
- Identify how light can be used to suggest the setting and mood of the play.
Supplemental Resources
- Elements of Drama Video
- Drama Instructional Video (grade 5)
- Elements of Drama Resource
- Glossary of Terms
- Stage Management and Production by Diane Bailey
Visual Arts - Creating
Visual Arts - Presenting
Visual Arts - Responding
Students engage in conversations and collaborative discussions with diverse partners, integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media formats, analyze how individuals and events develop over time, interpret words and phrases in texts, and write routinely for various tasks and purposes to support theatre learning and analysis.
Students explore how cultures express themselves through behavior and traditions, recognize how languages and cultural development shape society, and understand the importance of multiple perspectives in an interconnected world.
Formative Assessments
- Teacher observation: Use a variety of vocal tones and breath control to create a character's feelings and mood.
- Teacher observation: Use basic analysis skills to perform a character within a scene.
- Performance rubrics
- Performance task checklist
- Self reflection - Mapping ones journey
- Critique a performance of script using predeveloped criteria.
- Pair-share
- Peer evaluation and observation
- Analyzing primary source documents on the history of theatre in various cultures.
- Conduct short research projects on the cultural origins of theatre to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- Use technology to create a presentation
- Evaluate informal in class performances and video evidence of student performances using observation, discussions, drawings, video, and simple student-created rubrics.
Summative Assessment
Students create and perform a short scene (2-3 minutes) that demonstrates their understanding of setting, character, and plot by identifying and using the 5 W's. Students use vocal tone, facial expressions, and basic staging choices to show how technical elements create mood and time/place.
Benchmark Assessment
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Alternative Assessment
Students may demonstrate understanding of theatre elements through drawing or labeling a stage diagram with setting, plot, and character details, or by participating in a guided discussion with the teacher about a character's traits and the 5 W's instead of written responses. Visual supports such as picture cards of stage areas or character emotion charts may be provided.
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
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Section 504
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ELL / MLL
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At Risk (RTI)
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Gifted & Talented
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