Theater History and Appreciation

A comprehensive introduction to theater for elementary students, covering acting techniques, playwriting, stage types, theater history, and technical "behind the scenes" magic. Students move from basic expression to designing and performing with confidence.

A three-day exploration of the life and legacy of Indiana-born comedian Red Skelton, presented in a vibrant magazine format. Students explore his early life in Vincennes, his iconic characters, and his lasting impact on American comedy through reading and creative performance activities.

A multi-day unit exploring Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed, focusing on the transition from spectator to 'spect-actor' through Image and Forum Theatre to address contemporary social issues.

A drama-focused sequence for 3rd grade that uses Mystery and Adventure plays to teach reading literature standards RL.3.1, RL.3.4, and RL.3.5. Students move from teacher modeling to independent practice using the gradual release of responsibility.

A comprehensive four-week unit and independent study guide for contemporary drama. Students analyze scripts, research playwrights, design technical elements, and stage scenes for a final production portfolio.

An advanced literary sequence for high school sophomores exploring archetypal evolution, intertextuality, and the deconstruction of folklore across Victorian literature and modern musical theater. Students analyze the socio-cultural shifts that transform classic legends into modern subversive narratives.

A sequence exploring the daily lives and creative processes of renowned artists, starting with John Byrne. Students observe artistic routines and apply those methods to their own creative practice.

A series of lessons exploring Caribbean folklore and cultural storytelling traditions, focusing on the iconic character of Anansi the Spider.

This unit explores the history of physical comedy, from the masked archetypes of Italian Commedia dell'Arte to modern slapstick and sitcoms. Students develop physical characterization skills, understand status dynamics, and learn to identify recurring comic archetypes across theater history.

A 5-lesson unit for 4th graders exploring the cultural origins and evolution of American Jazz and Tap dance, from African and European roots to the Harlem Renaissance and Broadway.

An immersive 8-lesson musical theater sequence for middle school students exploring the history, character motivations, and performance techniques of Broadway showtunes. Students analyze historical eras, dissect character lyrics, and develop basic stage performance skills.

An advanced playwriting module for graduate students focusing on non-linear, fragmented, and experimental dramatic structures. Students interrogate traditional narrative shapes and develop a comprehensive structural blueprint for a full-length experimental work.

A hands-on activity where students learn to decode and encode Shakespearean language by writing secret messages or insults, then swapping them with peers to translate.

A comprehensive assessment for Act 5 of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, focusing on the resolution of the plot, the role of fate, and the ultimate tragedy in the Capulet tomb.

Students explore the structural components of drama by mapping plot elements onto a diagram and analyzing how characters evolve through theatrical conflict.

A high-energy guessing game focused on iconic quotes from movies and television, designed to test pop culture knowledge and spark discussion.

A deep dive into Stanislavski's 'System', focusing on using real-world experiences to inform character work through peer interviews.

A lesson exploring the evolution of English theater during the reign of King James I, focusing on stagecraft, darker themes, and the transition to indoor performance spaces.

A 7-minute historical play and supporting materials that explore the origins of the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City, Philippines, focusing on themes of resilience and community spirit during the 1980s.

An in-depth exploration of Konstantin Stanislavski's revolutionary acting system, from the founding of the Moscow Art Theatre to the evolution of the Method of Physical Actions. Students will learn key concepts like the Magic If, Given Circumstances, and the shift from internal emotion to external action.

A cross-curricular project where students research a significant historical figure from the fields of science, civil rights, or WWII and transform their findings into a compelling 1-2 minute theatrical monologue. Students develop both historical inquiry skills and dramatic performance techniques.

A comprehensive lesson guiding students from the history and purpose of slam poetry through writing original verses to performing with impact and giving constructive peer feedback.

Students explore the cultural significance of Hula in Hawaii, learning about its storytelling power through rhythm and movement, and analyzing its influence and representation in musical theatre productions.

A short, impactful drama lesson centered around a school assembly script about Ruby Bridges. Students explore themes of bravery and segregation through performance, visual storytelling, and personal reflection.