Division:  Middle School

Department: Fine and Performing Arts:  Theater

Course Title/Code:  Exploring Theater    ARTTA100

(6th grade, year-long/ 3 days per week)

Course Description:  Through this course, students gain insight into the wonderful world of theater. They explore the rituals and myths of several ancient cultures, investigate the art of the playwright, and delve into what it really means to be an actor.

Goals

Throughout this course, students will gain insight into the wonderful world of theater.  Students will explore the rituals and myths of ancient cultures, investigate the art of the playwright, and delve into what it means to be an actor.  Along our journey, students will employ story-telling techniques, create original monologues and scenes, develop a theater vocabulary, and rehearse/perform scenes from selected plays. 

Skills

• Develop a respect for the art and the artist
• Fortify the use and understanding of our physical and vocal instruments
• Build self-esteem and confidence through both informal and formal presentations
• Investigate the development and origins of theater from both an artistic and a historical point of view
• Determine the importance of ensemble and collaboration in the theater
• Explore the fundamentals of acting

Activities/Content

• The Basic Elements of Ensemble: students develop improvisational skills as they explore the elements of Respect, Trust, Commitment, and Discipline.
• The Origins of Theater: students gain insight into the theatre of the 21^st century by exploring the myths and rituals of Ancient Greece, early performance spaces, customs, and plays.
• The Mask: students create masks to be used in the performance of their original myths.
• The Life of an Actor: students explore beginning acting technique, develop and grow their theater vocabulary, and get in touch with their physical and vocal instruments.
• The Art of Storytelling: students use their voices, bodies, images, puppets, and original monologues to discover the essence of great storytelling.

Assessment

• Students are evaluated weekly based on their in-class participation, preparation, and commitment to the ensemble ethic.
• Student presentations are graded using a number of criteria: peer evaluations, self-evaluations, and assignment-specific rubrics.
• Other assessment methods include: objective tests and quizzes, message board postings and other written assignments.

Resources: printed, internet & intranet sites, computer programs