Working with CDE Standards in Theatre

Working with CDE Standards in Theatre

Evan Howk

Third Grade, Standard 3: Critically Respond

• Prepared Graduates: 8. Theatre artists reflect to understand the impact of drama processes and theatre experiences.

• Grade Level Expectation: 1. Perceive and analyze artistic work.

• Evidence Outcomes: Students Can interpret why artistic choices are made in creative drama and theatre.

What I'd Teach

I would have my students examine what makes characters distinct and what aspects of a character best show that character's personality. They can then take this information to expand their understandings of empathy and can reflect by thinking about why we use these tools in theatre and why they're important in real life (again, empathy).

Poll

Sample Question 1

"What do you think is the most defining feature of a character? (No wrong answers)"

• The way the character speaks/sounds

• The way the character walks/moves

• The way the character looks

Open Ended

Sample Question 2

"If you wanted to show that a character had just passed a very important exam, how would you show that in their voice/appearance/physicality?"

Why This is Important

• Helps break down effective acting techniques

• Promotes empathy (what are other people like when they experience xyz?)

• Encourages introspection (what am I like when I experience xyz?)

High School Advanced Pathway, Standard 1: Create

• 10th Grade Lesson

• Prepared Graduates: 1. Theatre artists rely on intuition, curiosity and critical inquiry.

• Grade Level Expectation: 1. Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

• Evidence Outcomes: Students Can investigate historical and cultural conventions and their impact on the visual composition of a drama/theatre work.

What I'd Teach

I would have students begin by connecting themes to imagery (symbols) and then expand that by having them research how different cultures use different images for symbolism. Lastly, they will design a set piece that is representative of a theme or themes from a play of their choosing.

Sample Question 1

"Let's get grim for a second. What are some things you associate with death? Make a collage to represent these associations. These can be objects, colors, animals, or places."

Open Ended

Sample Question 2

"In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliette, two of the show's main themes are 'love and loss'. What are examples of set pieces, props, or ligthing elements that you believe demonstrates one or both of these themes?"

Why This is Important

• Promotes critical thinking of technical design and design choices

• Provides practice for set/technical design from an artistic standpoint

• Promotes introspection (why do I associate a with b?)

• Promotes cultural appreciation and awareness