THEATER ARTS

(Revised Winter of 2001)

 

PHILOSOPHY:

Drama, as a form of expression, has been with mankind as long as a civilized society has existed. Artistic expression often is the means by which civilization is measured. The study and performing of drama allows students to relate to other cultures, develop discipline, work in teams and develop self-confidence. Therefore, a theater arts curriculum is offered to help establish a well-rounded education.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Theater arts is the study of and participation in the basic principles, terminology and disciplines of acting. Students read and discuss (orally and in written form) various play forms, thus learning appreciation of drama as an art form and literary form through the study of play structure and history. Furthermore, students perform in various one-act and three act plays, acting exercises and improvisations.

 

COURSE GOALS:

Students will develop an awareness and discipline of various levels of acting, dramatic forms, history of the theater as well as technical and literary techniques used in the theater.

 

OBJECTIVES:

Learn various dramatic forms

Learn history of theater

Overcome stage fright

Learn characterization

Learn basic stage movement

Learn basic stage craft

Increase speaking ability

Become aware of cultural differences


 

Students will learn objectives through the following activities:

Loosening-up exercises

Introduction to theater

Emphasizing believable action

Developing concentration

Sense recall

Strengthening imagination

Developing emotional response

Following stage directions

Motivation

Basic stage movements

Unusual movement problems

Analyzing a character in a play

Creating a character in a play

Playing serious and humorous roles

Reading and reporting about various theater forms and plays


 

Drama Benchmarks

2001-2002

 

Benchmarks

Recognize the various theater movements and styles throughout history

Recognize various theater vocabulary

Recognize various dramatic forms

Become aware of cultural differences

Evaluate various plays

Know basic stagecraft

Know basic stage movement

Demonstrate theater etiquette

Control stage fright

Interpret/perform a work

 

Assessment

Curriculum based or teacher designed tests

Curriculum based or teacher designed test

Performance

Tests and performance

Tests, Reports, Performance

Tests, Reports

Tests, Performance

Tests and Performance

Performance

Performance

Performance


 

DRAMA:

END OF COURSE ASSESSMENT

A portfolio will be maintained for each student throughout the semester that will show their competence in the following areas:

 

Recognize the various theater movements and styles throughout history

Recognize various theater vocabulary

Recognize various dramatic forms

Become aware of cultural differences

Evaluate various plays

Know basic stagecraft

Know basic stage movement

Demonstrate theater etiquette

Control stage fright

Interpret/perform a work

 

These standards will be assessed through curriculum based tests, teacher designed tests, student generated reports, and/or student performances.