Acting Antics Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Acting Antics: The Actor's Toolbox
Drama Dreamers
Lesson 1 of 4
Learning Objectives
Identify and use the "Three Tools of an Actor": Voice, Body, and Imagination.
Demonstrate various emotions through facial expressions and physical gestures.
Collaborate with peers in pantomime and vocal exercises.
Lesson Pacing (60 mins)
00-10 min Warm-up: The Mirror Game. Students pair up and mimic each other's movements.
10-20 min Instruction: Introduce the Actor's Toolbox (Voice, Body, Imagination).
20-40 min Main Activity: Emotion Ocean. Exploring physicalizing feelings.
40-55 min Performance: Freeze Frame Challenge. Groups create "statues" of specific scenes.
55-60 min Cool-down: Reflection and Clean-up.
Materials
Acting Antics Slides
Emotion Ocean Worksheet
Handbell or Whistle
Open floor space
Key Vocabulary
Pantomime
Projection
Articulation
Physicalization
Teaching Tips & Facilitation
Voice Management
When doing "The Mirror Game," keep the volume low. Remind students that an actor must also know how to be silent. Use a "Call and Response" like "Curtain Up!" (Clap-Clap) to get their attention.
Differentiation
Grades 1-2: Focus on basic emotions (Happy, Sad, Angry). Use animal imagery to explain movement (e.g., "Move like a heavy elephant").Grades 3-5: Introduce complex emotions (Proud, Nervous, Envious). Encourage students to use "levels" (high, medium, low) in their physical statues.
The "Safe Stage" Rule
"Theater is a brave space."
Remind students that laughing *with* someone is great, but laughing *at* someone stops the magic. Establish a "No Touching" rule during movement activities to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable.
Debrief & Discussion
1. Which tool was the hardest to use today?
Encourage students to share if controlling their bodies (staying still) or voices (speaking clearly) was more challenging.
2. How did your face change when we switched from 'Happy' to 'Sad'?
Ask them to describe specific physical changes (eyebrows, mouth, eyes).
3. Why is imagination important for an actor?
Discuss how imagination helps an actor believe they are in a forest, even if they are in a classroom.
Acting Antics Slides Acting Antics
THE ACTOR'S TOOLBOX
The Actor's Toolbox
The Voice
Volume, Pitch, Tone, and Speed.
The Body
Movement, Gesture, and Facial Expression.
Imagination
Believing in the world of the play.
Emotion Ocean
Acting is about showing, not just telling. Let's practice using our facial expressions and gestures!
Happy
Scared
Angry
Surprised
When I say "Action!", show the class your best expression!
The Volume Knob
01
Whisper (Level 1)
Secrets and Mice
05
Normal (Level 5)
Talking to a Friend
10
Projected (Level 10)
The Back Row Must Hear!
Let's say this line together:
Freeze Frame!
In small groups, create a "Human Statue" of these scenes. Use your imagination to tell the story without moving or speaking!
Winning a Gold Medal
Getting caught in a rainstorm
Exploring a spooky cave
Emotion Ocean Worksheet Emotion Ocean
The Actor's Physical Expression
Name:
Date:
Section 1: The Face
Actors use their faces to show how they feel. Draw a line from the emotion to the part of the face that changes!
Surprise
Anger
Sadness
Wide Eyes & Open Mouth
Furrowed Brows & Tight Lips
Down-turned Mouth & Heavy Lids
Section 2: The Body
Actors use their whole body to tell a story. Choose one emotion from below and describe how your body would move to show it.
Excitement
Sleepiness
Bravery
My Chosen Emotion:
How would my hands move?
How would my legs/feet move?
Would my body be tall or small?
Section 3: Sketch an Actor
In the box below, draw a character who is feeling very NERVOUS. Think about their eyes, their hands, and their posture!
End of Activity
Story Spells Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Story Spells: Writing for the Stage
Drama Dreamers
Lesson 2 of 4
Learning Objectives
Identify key elements of a play: Character, Setting, and Conflict.
Differentiate between dialogue and stage directions in a script.
Collaborate to write a short, three-line scene with a clear arc.
Lesson Pacing (60 mins)
00-10 min Warm-up: Fortunately/Unfortunately. Students pass a story around, alternating positive and negative developments.
10-25 min Instruction: Script Anatomy. Show how dialogue and stage directions look on paper.
25-45 min Main Activity: Script Sketcher. Students plan their characters and write their mini-scenes.
45-55 min Sharing: Table Reads. Groups read their scripts aloud from their seats.
55-60 min Reflection: Why do we need stage directions?
Materials
Story Spells Slides
Script Sketcher Organizer
Pencils and Erasers
Key Vocabulary
Dialogue
Stage Directions
Conflict
Playwright
Teaching Tips & Facilitation
Focus on Conflict
Explain that without a problem, there is no story. If two characters are just eating lunch, it's a snack. If they are eating lunch but one stole the other's sandwich, it's a play .
Dialogue Tips
Encourage students to keep lines short. Real people don't give long speeches in regular conversation. Remind them that dialogue is written next to the name:
LENNY: I love drama class!
Differentiation
Grades 1-2: Use "Story Dice" or images to spark ideas. They can draw their stage directions instead of writing them.
Grades 3-5: Challenge them to include a "Turning Point" where the conflict changes or resolves. Ensure they use parentheses for stage directions correctly.
Debrief Questions
Is it easier to show an action or say it?
Why do actors need to read the stage directions?
How does conflict make a story more exciting?
Story Spells Slides Story Spells
THE ART OF PLAYWRITING
What is a Play?
A Book...
...is meant to be read by one person in their head.
A Play...
...is meant to be performed by actors for an audience.
"A script is a blueprint for a building that hasn't been built yet!"
The Story Recipe
Characters
Who is in the story? What do they want?
Setting
Where and when does the story happen?
Conflict
The "OOPS!" moment. What goes wrong?
Script Anatomy
Example Script:
(A dark cave. SPARK the Firefly is glowing brightly.)
SPARK: I think we're lost, Griz.
GRIZ: (Nervously checking a map) We aren't lost. The map is just upside down.
(Griz flips the map. It rips in half.)
SPARK: Now we're definitely lost.
DIALOGUE = What people say
STAGE DIRECTIONS = What people do
WRITE YOUR OWN!
Use your Script Sketcher to create a mini-scene with a partner. Remember:
Script Sketcher Organizer Script Sketcher
Playwriting & Storytelling
Name:
Date:
1. Characters
Character A Name:
Character B Name:
2. Setting
Where is the story taking place?
3. Conflict
What is the "Oops" or the problem?
The Mini-Script
DIRECTIONS:
(Describe what is happening as the scene starts...)
Name: ________
Name: ________
ACTION:
(Write a physical action that happens here...)
Name: ________
Curtain Closes
Stage Secrets Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Stage Secrets: History & Terms
Drama Dreamers
Lesson 3 of 4
Learning Objectives
Identify the 9 basic areas of the stage (Upstage, Downstage, Stage Left/Right, etc.).
Understand the origin of "Upstage" and "Downstage" from raked stages.
Recognize the comedy and tragedy masks as symbols of theater history.
Lesson Pacing (60 mins)
00-10 min Warm-up: Simon Says - Stage Directions Edition. Students move to areas of the "stage" (the classroom).
10-25 min Instruction: The Raked Stage. Explain theater history and why directions are relative to the actor.
25-45 min Main Activity: Stage Map. Students label the diagram and learn symbols.
45-55 min Game: Stage Dash. Shout a term (e.g., "Downstage Center!"), and students must point or move there.
55-60 min Cool-down: Trivia Quiz. Quick check for understanding.
Materials
Stage Secrets Slides
Stage Map Activity
Painter's tape (to mark the stage floor)
Key Vocabulary
Upstage / Downstage
Stage Left / Stage Right
Proscenium
The Fourth Wall
Teaching Tips & Visual Map
History Hook
Tell the story of Raked Stages . In the past, the back of the stage was higher than the front so everyone could see. To go away from the audience, you literally walked up the hill. This makes the terms "Up" and "Down" make sense!
"Whose Left?"
Always emphasize that Stage Left and Stage Right are from the Actor's perspective looking at the audience. It's the opposite of the audience's left and right!
Teacher's Reference Map
USR
USC
USL
SR
CS
SL
DSR
DSC
DSL
↑ AUDIENCE ↑
Extension Activity: "Blocking Master"
Challenge students to write a short set of "Blocking Directions" for a partner."Start at Upstage Right. Skip to Center Stage. Bow to the audience. Exit Stage Left."
"Great actors are like pilots—they need to know their coordinates to avoid crashing!"
Stage Secrets Slides Stage Secrets
HISTORY & HIEROGLYPHICS
Why "Up" and "Down"?
Long ago, stages were raked (tilted).
The back was higher than the front. To move away from the audience, an actor had to walk UP a hill!
"Don't trip on your way Upstage!"
Upstage
Downstage
AUDIENCE (The House)
The 9 Basic Areas
Upstage Right
Upstage Center
Upstage Left
Center Right
Center Stage
Center Left
Downstage Right
Downstage Center
Downstage Left
YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE AUDIENCE!
Comedy & Tragedy
Comedy
Thalia, the Muse of Comedy. Makes us laugh!
Tragedy
Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy. Makes us think.
The Fourth Wall
The invisible window between the ACTORS and the AUDIENCE.
When an actor looks right at you and talks, they are
Stage Map Activity Stage Map
Theater Geography
Name:
Date:
Direction Word Bank
Upstage Left Upstage Center Upstage Right Stage Left Stage Right Downstage Left Downstage Center Downstage Right
Part 1: Label the Stage
Imagine you are standing on the stage looking at the audience. Write the correct names in each box!
CENTER STAGE
↓ AUDIENCE (HOUSE) ↓
Part 2: Symbols
Theater is often shown with two masks. What do they stand for?
Part 3: Secret Term
What is the "invisible" wall between the actors and the audience called?
Answer Here
Hint: It's the "___________ Wall"!
Stage Shapes Handout Stage Shapes
Architecture of the Theater
Name:
Date:
The 4 Main Stage Types
Proscenium
Common "picture frame" stage. Audience on one side.
Thrust
Sticks out into crowd. Audience on 3 sides .
Arena
Theater-in-the-round. Audience on all 4 sides .
Black Box
Flexible room painted black. Move chairs anywhere!
The Stage Challenge
1
"This stage is great for a circus because everyone can see from every angle."
2
"The Globe Theatre used this type of stage that pokes out into the crowd."
3
"We have a stage with a big red curtain that pulls across the front."
The Fourth Wall Check
Which stage type makes it hardest to keep a "Fourth Wall"? Explain why!
Write Answer Here
Great job, stage expert!
Spotlight Stars Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Spotlight Stars: Performance & Confidence
Drama Dreamers
Lesson 4 of 4
Learning Objectives
Practice vocal projection and articulation in front of a group.
Demonstrate "Stage Presence" through confident posture and eye contact.
Give and receive positive peer feedback using the "Glow and Grow" method.
Lesson Pacing (60 mins)
00-10 min Warm-up: Tongue Twisters. Focus on clear articulation (e.g., "Unique New York").
10-20 min Instruction: Stage Presence. Discuss eye contact, stance, and projection.
20-45 min Main Activity: Spotlight Stars Monologues. Students choose a prompt card and perform.
45-55 min Feedback: Peer Review. Focus on what was done well (Glows).
55-60 min Ceremony: Unit Completion celebration.
Materials
Spotlight Stars Slides
Confidence Cards
"Star" Certificates
Key Vocabulary
Articulation
Projection
Stage Presence
Monologue
Performance Success Criteria
Performance Checklist
Feet are planted firmly (The Superhero Stance).
Voice is loud enough for the back row (Projection).
Words are crisp and clear (Articulation).
Making eye contact with the audience.
Glow & Grow Stems
Teach these to students to facilitate peer feedback:
"I liked your GLOW when you..."
"A way you could GROW is by..."
"Your character was great because..."
Managing Stage Fright
"It's okay to have butterflies in your stomach—just teach them to fly in formation!"
1. Shake it out!
Shake arms and legs to release nervous energy.
2. Breathe like a Dragon
Deep inhale, long silent exhale.
3. Re-focus
Focus on the character's goal, not the audience.
Spotlight Stars Slides Spotlight Stars
CONFIDENCE & PERFORMANCE
Stage Presence
Eye Contact
Look at the back wall or your audience's foreheads if you're shy!
The Stance
Feet shoulder-width apart. Standing tall like a superhero.
Projection
Speak from your belly so the back row can hear you!
Articulation Station
Warm up your mouth! Say these as fast as you can, 3 times each:
"Unique New York, Unique New York!"
"Red leather, yellow leather!"
"Rubber baby buggy bumpers!"
Be a Kind Audience
GLOW
Tell the actor one thing they did that was amazing!
GROW
Give one tip they can try next time to be even better.
SHOWTIME!
Pick a Confidence Card, take a deep breath, and step into the light.
The stage is YOURS!
Confidence Cards Activity Confidence Cards
Performance Prompts
Cut along the dotted lines!
PROMPT #1
"Behold! The largest chocolate cake in the world has arrived at the palace! It is as big as a mountain!"
Character: A Royal King or Queen
PROMPT #2
"Ten... nine... eight... we are about to blast off into the unknown! Don't forget to buckle your space-belts!"
Character: A Brave Astronaut
PROMPT #3
"Aha! A footprint in the dust. I think the sneaky cookie thief went... that way! Follow me, team!"
Character: A Secret Detective
PROMPT #4
"Boo! Oh, I didn't mean to scare you. I'm actually a very friendly ghost. Would you like to share some invisible tea?"
Character: A Polite Ghost
PROMPT #5
"Step right up! See the amazing, the incredible, the flying elephant! It's the show of a lifetime!"
Character: A Circus Ringmaster
PROMPT #6
Write Your Own Monologue:
Character: ______________
Technical Magic Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Technical Magic: Behind the Scenes
Drama Dreamers
Lesson 5 of 5
Learning Objectives
Identify the roles of a theatrical crew (Stage Manager, Prop Master, Costume Designer).
Understand how technical elements (lighting, sound, sets) contribute to the mood of a play.
Collaborate to design a costume or set piece for a specific character prompt.
Lesson Pacing (60 mins)
00-10 min Warm-up: The Prop Box. Students are given a random object and must "invent" a dramatic use for it.
10-25 min Instruction: The Crew. Introduce the people who work "backstage" and the technical tools they use.
25-50 min Main Activity: Costume & Set Design Challenge. Students draft designs for a "Fractured Fairy Tale" character.
50-60 min Gallery Walk: Students display their designs and explain their technical choices.
Materials
Technical Magic Slides
Character Design Worksheet
Colored Pencils/Markers
"Mystery" Props (basket, umbrella, etc.)
Key Vocabulary
Prop (Property)
Stage Manager
Backstage
Lighting Cues
Backstage Secrets & Tips
Prop vs. Set piece
A simple rule for students: If an actor carries it , it's a prop. If they stand on it or sit on it , it's a set piece. (Example: A chair is set, a coffee mug is a prop).
Creating "Mood"
Ask students: "What kind of lighting do we need for a spooky scene?" (Blue/Low/Flickering). "What about a sunny day at the beach?" (Bright/Yellow/Warm). Help them see tech as an emotion-builder.
Differentiation
Grades 1-2: Focus on props and costumes. Let them handle physical objects to understand textures and weight.
Grades 3-5: Introduce the concept of a Prompt Book —the script where the Stage Manager writes all the cues for lighting and sound.
Debrief Questions
Why is the Stage Manager called the "Boss of the Backstage"?
How does a costume help an actor feel like their character?
Can you have a play without any tech at all? Why or why not?
Technical Magic Slides Technical Magic
THE WORLD BEHIND THE CURTAIN
The Crew
Stage Manager
The "Pilot." They call out cues for lights and sound.
Prop Master
The "Shopkeeper." They create everything actors carry.
Designers
The "Artists." They dream up costumes and sets.
Setting the Mood
Lighting shows the time of day and the character's feelings.
Sound effects create the world we can't see (like rain or a door!).
Discussion:
"What tech secrets would you use to make an audience feel like they are inside a magical underwater kingdom?"
Is it a Prop or a Set?
Props
Things an actor picks up or holds.
Sets
The scenery and big furniture.
Design Challenge!
Grab your Costume Creator worksheet.
You are now the Lead Designer. Choose a character and dream up their look!
Costume Creator Activity Costume Creator
Backstage Design Studio
Name:
Date:
1. Character Profile
Give a character from a story a modern "twist"!
Character Name:
Character's "Twist":
Character's Mood:
Fabric Swatches
What textures would you use? (Fuzzy, Shiny, Rough, etc.)
Describe
Describe
Final Design
Sketch the costume below!
Essential Props
What 2 items must they carry?
Lighting Cue
What color light shines on them?
Designer Signature: _______________________
