Practical Approaches to Shakespeare in the Drama Classroom

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6

TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6

TH:Pr4.1.6.a - Identify the essential events in a story or script that make up the dramatic structure in a drama/theatre work.

TH:Pr4.1.6.b - Experiment with various physical choices to communicate character in a drama/theatre work.

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7

TH:Cr1.1.7.a - Investigate multiple perspectives and solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7

TH:Pr4.1.7.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8

TH:Cr1.1.8.a - Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a drama/ theatre work.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6

TH:Cr2.1.6.b - Contribute ideas and accept and incorporate the ideas of others in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7

TH:Cr2.1.7.b - Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 7

TH:Re8.1.7.a - Identify the artistic choices made based on personal experience in a drama/theatre work.

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6

TH:Cr3.1.6.b - Identify effective physical and vocal traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/theatre work.

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7

TH:Pr6.1.7.a - Participate in rehearsals for a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8

TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Proficient

TH:Pr6.1.HSI.a - Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished

TH:Pr6.1.HSII.a - Present a drama/theatre work using creative processes that shape the production for a specific audience.

Critical Thinking & Reflection

TH.912.C.1.5 - Make and defend conscious choices in the creation of a character that will fulfill anticipated audience response.

TH.912.C.1.7 - Justify personal perceptions of a director's vision and/or playwright's intent.

TH.912.C.2.1 - Explore and describe possible solutions to production or acting challenges and select the solution most likely to produce desired results.

TH.912.C.2.7 - Accept feedback from others, analyze it for validity, and apply suggestions appropriately to future performances or designs.

Historical & Global Connections

TH.912.H.1.4 - Interpret a text through different social, cultural, and historical lenses to consider how perspective and context shape a work and its characters.

TH.912.H.3.5 - Explain how the social interactions of daily life are manifested in theatre.

Skills, Techniques & Processes

TH.912.S.1.6 - Respond appropriately to directorial choices for improvised and scripted scenes.

TH.912.S.2.4 - Sustain a character or follow technical cues in a production piece to show focus.

TH.912.S.3.2 - Exercise artistic discipline and collaboration to achieve ensemble in rehearsal and performance.

TH.912.S.3.3 - Develop acting skills and techniques in the rehearsal process.

6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work

6.TH:Cr1.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.

6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.

6.TH:Pr4.a - Identify the essential events in a story or script that make up the dramatic structure in a drama/theatre work.

6.TH:Pr4.b - Experiment with various physical choices to communicate character in a drama/theatre work.

7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work

7.TH:Cr1.a - Investigate multiple perspectives and solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.

7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.

7.TH:Pr4.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.

8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work

8.TH:Cr1.a - Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a drama/ theatre work.

6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

6.TH:Cr2.b - Contribute ideas and accept and incorporate the ideas of others in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

7.TH:Cr2.b - Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

7.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.

7.TH.Re8.a - Identify the artistic choices made based on personal experience in a drama/theatre work.

6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.

6.TH:Cr3.b - Identify effective physical and vocal traits of characters in a drama/theatre work.

7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.

67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.

8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.

8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.

Prof.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.

Prof.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted short drama/theatre work for a specific audience.

Acc.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.

Acc.TH:Pr6 - Present a drama/theatre work using creative processes that shape the production for a specific audience.

Speaking and Listening

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 - Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.3 - Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

Reading: Literature

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1 - Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Grade 6 - Creating

TA6.CR.1 - Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.
a. Identify artistic choices, utilize theatre vocabulary, and demonstrate non-verbal communication skills in the rehearsal process.
b. Interpret a character’s motivation by understanding the relationship between their background and their behavior.
c. Identify the variety of relationships between characters.
d. Identify, define, and classify character traits.
e. Recognize and demonstrate the roles, responsibilities, and skills associated with collaborative performance.
f. Use resources to identify and create technical elements of theatre.

Grade 6 - Performing

TA6.PR.1 - Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.
a. Demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, physical movement).
b. Execute character creation in a performance.
c. Demonstrate a variety of types of theatre performances.

Grade 7 - Creating

TA7.CR.1 - Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.
a. Identify and rehearse effective communication skills.
b. Compare and contrast character types and relationships by analyzing character motivations, objectives, and goals.
c. Compare the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a character.
d. Investigate the role and responsibility of the cast and crew.
e. Identify and model ensemble skills in the rehearsal process.
f. Utilize staging and blocking choices to enhance the performance.
g. Compare, contrast, and design elements of technical theatre.
h. Utilize theatre vocabulary throughout the rehearsal process.

Grade 7 - Performing

TA7.PR.1 - Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.
a. Execute effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in performance (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, physical movement).
b. Participate in a variety of acting exercises and techniques that can be applied in a rehearsal or theatre performance.
c. Engage in various performance styles.

Grade 7 - Connecting

TA7.CN.2 - Examine the role of theatre in a societal, cultural, and historical context.
a. Examine theatre development throughout history.
b. Identify and analyze cultural influences on theatre.
c. Utilize multi-disciplinary research skills to obtain cultural and historical information to justify artistic choices (e.g. costuming, make-up, setting of a time period in relation to the play).
d. Draw conclusions about the influence of theatre on society.

Grade 8 - Creating

TA8.CR.1 - Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.
a. Differentiate the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a variety of characters.
b. Compare the relationships and interactions between characters by analyzing character motivation (objectives, obstacles, strategy, action, stakes, outcome).
c. Incorporate dramatic elements through improvisation.
d. Connect theatre vocabulary to the application of theatre performance.
e. Identify and demonstrate both ensemble and leadership skills in the rehearsal process.
f. Evaluate the effectiveness of artistic and technical elements used in a theatre production.
g. Design and create scenery, props, costumes, lighting, and sound.
h. Assume different roles and responsibilities in the rehearsal process.

Grade 8 - Performing

TA8.PR.1 - Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.
a. Demonstrate the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a character in different types of theatre performances (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, motivation, physical movement).
b. Demonstrate appropriate ensemble skills throughout a performance.
c. Use appropriate listening and response skills during performances.

Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Performing

TAHSA.PR.1 - Act and direct by communicating and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments.
a. Examine and implement the voice, body, observation, and imagination as tools of the actor in presentations of formal and informal theatre.
b. Research and assess the development of acting skills for character creation and performance including historical movements, personal experience, and cultural influences.
c. Act by developing, communicating, and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments.
d. Identify and examine the responsibilities and tasks of an actor in relationship with directors, designers, and technical crew.
e. Use the skills and tools of a director to conduct rehearsals for performance.

Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating

TAHSFT.CR.1 - Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.
a. Recognize and/or employ realistic and conventional speech patterns within dialogue or dramatic verse.
b. Incorporate dramatic elements through improvisation.
c. Recognize and interpret artistic choices in performance.

Beginning High School Create

B.CR.1.1 - Devise a variety of scenarios and scenes through improvised and scripted activities.

Beginning High School Present

B.PR.1.2 - Communicate characters, situations, and scenarios using body and voice while adhering to staging conventions.

Beginning High School Respond

B.RE.1.1 - Analyze the dramatic structure of written and presented theatrical works.

Intermediate High School Create

I.CR.1.1 - Develop a variety of unique characters within given situations through improvisation.

Intermediate High School Present

I.PR.1.2 - Apply staging conventions to formal and informal theatrical productions by employing vocal and physical acting techniques.

I.PR.2.1 - Develop scenes for formal or informal presentations.

Accomplished High School Create

AC.CR.1.1 - Improvise a variety of extended scenes or performance pieces reflecting specific situations, styles, or genres.

Beginning High School Standards - Communication

B.C.1.1 - Use non-verbal expression to illustrate how human emotion affects the body and is conveyed through the body.

B.C.2.1 - Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization in a variety of theatre exercises.

Beginning High School Standards - Analysis

B.A.1.1 - Interpret the plot structure and the thematic, technical, and dramaturgical elements within scenes from plays.

Intermediate High School Standards - Communication

I.C.1.1 - Use non-verbal expression to illustrate how human motivations are prompted by physical and emotional needs.

I.C.2.1 - Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization, to demonstrate given situations.

I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.

Proficient High School Standards - Communication

P.C.2.1 - Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization, to create extended scenes.

MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance

C.2.C - select movements and dialogue to appropriately portray an imaginative character drawn from personal experience, cultural heritage, literature, and history.

C.2.F - create environments, characters, and actions.

MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance

B.2.C - select movements and dialogue to portray a character appropriately.

B.2.G - create improvised scenes that include setting, character, and plot.

MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.

MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance

B.2.B - portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.

HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

C.1.F - demonstrate a working knowledge of the language of theatre such as stage terminology, elements of theatre, or theatrical conventions.

HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance

C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.

C.2.C - employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.

C.2.D - use physical, intellectual, emotional, and social awareness to portray believable characters and convey a story when applying acting concepts, skills, and techniques.

HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

C.1.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction.

HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance

C.2.B - explore creativity as it relates to self and ensemble.

C.2.D - apply physical, intellectual, emotional, and social interactions to portray believable characters and convey a story when applying acting concepts, skills, and techniques.

HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.

C.1.B - experiment with stage movement.

Acting Drama 20

14 - identify and use operative words in a script

Acting Drama 30

20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture

Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced

32 - rehearse, polish and present text

Junior Goal II Objectives

develop the ability to give form or expression to feelings, ideas and images

Junior Goal III Objectives

develop awareness of various conventions of theatre

Junior Orientation

communicate through use of voice and body

demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks

focus concentration on one task at a time

generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems

listen effectively

meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments

move in a variety of ways

recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities

share ideas confidently with others

show awareness of story sequence

speak, move, and generate ideas spontaneously

work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups

Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning

11 - create a dramatic situation in response to varied stimuli: objects, pictures, music

5 - create and tell a story spontaneously

7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses

9 - communicate a clear beginning, middle and end in spontaneous and planned scenes

Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate

15 - use the body and body language to enhance characterization

21 - sustain a character throughout an exercise or scene

22 - create business appropriate to character and situation

Junior Goal I Objectives

develop a sense of responsibility and commitment

develop the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines

develop the ability to interact effectively and constructively in a group process

develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results

extend the ability to explore meaning through abstract concepts

extend the ability to think imaginatively and creatively

strengthen powers of concentration

Senior Goal I Objectives

apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations

demonstrate a sense of inquiry and commitment, individually and to the group

demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group

demonstrate the ability to considered decisions, act upon them and accept the results

demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process

extend physical and vocal capabilities

extend the ability to concentrate

Senior Goal II Objectives

explore various approaches to analyzing a script for purposes of study and/or presentation

Senior Goal III Objectives

explore various conventions and traditions of theatre

Orientation Drama 10

demonstrate effective use and management of time

make effective decisions or choices

share ideas confidently

solve problems imaginatively and creatively

work cooperatively and productively

work with abstract concepts

GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating

Create dramatic works both collaboratively and as an individual, using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, and purposeful play

Select and combine dramatic elements and principles to intentionally create a particular mood, effect, and meaning

GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting

Describe, interpret, and evaluate how performers and playwrights use dramatic structures, elements, and techniques to create and communicate ideas

Develop and refine ideas and technical skills to improve the quality of performance pieces

Receive, offer, and apply constructive feedback

GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Communicating and documenting

Adapt and apply learned skills, understandings, and processes for use in new contexts and for different purposes and audiences

GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding

Collaborate through reciprocal relationships during creative processes

Demonstrate increasingly sophisticated application and/or engagement of curricular content

Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience

Reflect on creative processes to make connections to personal learning and experiences

GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create

Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance

Develop performance skills in a variety of contexts

Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies

Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas and emotions

Explore dramatic works through presentation or performance

Intentionally select and combine drama conventions

GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect

Apply feedback to develop and refine ideas

Describe, analyze, and respond using drama-specific language

Examine the influences of social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal context on drama

GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Communicate and document

Compose, interpret, and expand ideas using symbolism and imagery

GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand

Demonstrate personal and social responsibility associated with creating, performing, and responding to dramatic performance

Demonstrate respect for self, others, and the audience

Make connections with family and community through drama and theatre

GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create

Create, rehearse, and refine dramatic works through collaborative and individual presentation or performance

Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts

Experiment with a range of materials, props, processes, and technologies to create and refine performances

Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas, meaning, and emotions

Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry

GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect

Describe, analyze, and respond to ways in which props, technologies, and environments are used in drama, using discipline-specific language

Examine the influences of social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal contexts on dramatic works

Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas

Reflect on dramatic works and make connections with personal experiences

GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Communicate and document

Document and respond to dramatic works and experiences in a variety of contexts

GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand

Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience

Demonstrate personal and social responsibility associated with creating, performing, and responding to dramatic works

Explore the impacts of dramatic works on culture and society

GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create

Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills, vocabulary, and techniques through presentation or performance

Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts

Experiment with a range of props, processes, and technologies to create and refine innovative dramatic works

Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas, meaning, and emotions

Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry

Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions

GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect

Describe, analyze, and evaluate ways in which props, technologies, and environments are used in drama, using discipline-specific language

Evaluate the social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal contexts of dramatic works

Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works

GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Communicate and document

Document, share, and collaborate on dramatic works and experiences in a variety of contexts

GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand

Demonstrate personal and social responsibility associated with creating, performing, and responding to dramatic works

Demonstrate respect for self, others, and audience

Examine the impacts of dramatic works on culture and society

Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices

C.3.2 - identify and apply the skills and attitudes needed to perform various tasks and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., use active listening and cooperative problem-solving skills; practise punctuality; use tact in suggesting changes and improvements; demonstrate willingness to accept criticism and build consensus)

Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences

C.2.1 - identify ways in which dramatic expression and performance reflect communities and cultures, past and present (e.g., the prominence of socially and/or politically powerful characters in the drama of pre-industrial societies; the use of boy actors for female roles in Shakespearean theatre; the emphasis on religious themes in the drama of many cultures in different eras)

Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies

A.3.2 - use a variety of voice and movement techniques to support the creation of character or atmosphere during rehearsal (e.g., use voice and movement to suggest an airport, circus, or factory environment)

Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions

A.2.2 - use a variety of conventions to create a distinct voice that reflects a particular global, social, or personal perspective (e.g., use voices in the head, role on the wall, and hot seating to create a complex character from another region or country)

Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process

A.1.3 - use role play and characterization to explore personal and social issues (e.g., with a partner, create or assume a role that explores an issue such as bullying; create a scenario that reveals details about a character’s motivation)