Theater Foundations I
	Course Preface Printable Version (pdf)

 

Course Description

 

Core Standards of the Course

Standard 1
Students will integrate character and plot in scripting dramatic presentations.

Objective 1
CHARACTER Create appropriate character dialogue and physical attributes within a dramatic presentation.

1. Plan dialogue and physical attributes for characters in a dramatic presentation.
   
2. Act out dialogue and physical attributes for characters in a dramatic presentation.
   

Objective 2
PLOT Create linear and non-linear plot structures.

1. Plan linear and non-linear plot structures; e.g., exposition, point of attack, major conflict, rising action, climax, falling action.
   
2. Play out linear and non-linear plot structures; e.g., improvise fairy tales using linear and non-linear plots.
   

Standard 2
Students will develop the basic techniques of acting; i.e., movement, voice, sensory/emotional recall, character building, and ensemble/rehearsal techniques.

Objective 1
MOVEMENT Develop expressive use of stage movement through body awareness and spatial perception.

1. Demonstrate comfortable movement when acting.
   
2. Explain the elements of physical movement; e.g., energy, locomotion, balance, relaxation.
   

Objective 2
VOICE Develop expressive use of the voice.

1. Demonstrate a clear voice when communicating in performance.
   
2. Explain the elements of voice and speech production; e.g., intensity, pitch, rhythm, volume.
   

Objective 3
SENSORY/EMOTIONAL RECALL Develop sensory/emotional recall techniques.

1. Use memory and imagination to experience smells, tastes, textures, sights, and sounds.
   
2. Use memory and imagination to experience feelings and moods.
   

Objective 4
CHARACTERIZATION Develop character building techniques.

1. Explain objective (what a character wants) and motive (why a character wants something).
   
2. Explain character conflict (what prevents a character from getting what is wanted) and action (how the character goes about trying to get what is wanted).
   

Objective 5
ENSEMBLE/REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES Develop ensemble/rehearsal techniques.

1. Demonstrate rehearsal warm-up.
   
2. Demonstrate basic blocking and staging rubric; e.g., stage direction, focus, levels, crosses, share.
   
3. Demonstrate active listening skills.
   

Standard 3
Students will develop critical thinking skills to construct meaning.

Objective 1
APPLYING LIFE SKILLS Connect personal experiences with dramatic presentations to own life.

1. Explain how theatre can contribute to lifelong learning.
   
2. Explain how theatre can enhance and maintain complex thinking skills.
   
3. Explain how theatre builds effective communication skills.
   
4. Explain how theatre develops the ability to collaborate with others.
   
5. Explain how theatre promotes responsible citizenship.
   

Objective 2
SELF-ASSESSING Demonstrate the use of assessment techniques (especially rubric and portfolio assessment techniques) in achieving theatre objectives.

1. Articulate personal goals.
   
2. Use perceive/reflect rubric assessment.
   
3. Create an outcome portfolio reflecting content and process from across the term; e.g., notes, rubric assessments, process and production photos, programs, research, published reviews, letters, advocacy statements, reflections, visual art, written criticism, theory essays.
   

 

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Office of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Office of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.

 

For more information about this core curriculum, contact the USOE Specialist, Cathy Jensen or visit the Fine Arts - Theater Home Page. For general questions about Utah's Core Curriculum, contact the USOE Curriculum Director, Sydnee Dickson . UEN Contact Info: 801-581-2999 | 800-866-5852 | Contact Us