Theater Arts

Course Description

Theatre Arts is designed to serve as an introduction to all things related to Theatre and performance. This course focuses on establishing a stronger sense of self, a deeper awareness of others, and a basic understanding and respect for specific theatre and acting-based terminology. Students will learn how to become more effective performers, audience members and consumers of media. Students participate in community building, improvisation, acting and audition techniques and production analysis.

Course Big Ideas

Theatre: A Mirror to Our World (and a Way to Change It!) This big idea explores how plays, musicals, and performances are often like giant mirrors, reflecting the real issues, feelings, and events happening in society, both past and present. But it's more than just a mirror – theatre can also be a powerful force that makes people think differently, challenges unfairness, and even inspires real-world change in our communities.
The Ultimate Team Sport: Collaboration is Key in Theatre Theatre isn't a solo act; it's a massive team effort! This idea emphasizes that every single person involved – from the actors on stage to the directors, set builders, costume designers, lighting crew, and sound engineers – must work together seamlessly. Learning to truly collaborate, share ideas, and respect each other's roles is a fundamental skill that theatre teaches, and it's essential for bringing any show to life.
The Magic of "Right Now": The Live Connection This idea focuses on the unique, unrepeatable energy that happens only when performers and an audience are together in the same room. Every performance is alive and responsive, creating a direct, thrilling connection that makes you feel truly part of the story unfolding before your eyes.
Telling Stories with Your Whole Self: Body, Voice, and Space This concept goes beyond just memorizing lines. It's about how theatre uses every tool available – your physical movement, your voice, your facial expressions, and how you use the stage space – to communicate ideas, emotions, and character. It's about learning to express powerful stories and deep feelings not just with words, but with your entire being.
Stepping into Someone Else's Shoes: Theatre Builds Empathy When you play a character, you get to explore what it's like to be someone completely different from yourself. When you watch a play, you get to see the world through the eyes of others. This big idea highlights how theatre is a powerful tool for building empathy, helping you understand different perspectives, emotions, and challenges, ultimately making you a more thoughtful and compassionate person.

Course Essential Questions

Why do humans create and participate in theatre?
What makes a live theatrical performance a unique and powerful experience compared to film, TV, or video games?
How do performers use their body, voice, and emotions to tell a story and create believable characters?
Why is collaboration essential for creating theatre, and how do different roles contribute to a shared artistic vision?
How can theatre serve as a mirror reflecting society, and can it also be a catalyst for change?
In what ways does the audience actively participate in and influence a live theatre performance?
How can exploring different characters and their experiences build our empathy and understanding of others?
Beyond the stage, what practical skills and life lessons can we gain from studying and participating in theatre?
How does the physical space of a theatre (stage, lights, sound, sets) shape the audience's experience and understanding of a production?

Course Competencies

Students will analyze and articulate the role of theatre as a cultural and social mirror, identifying how plays reflect and influence societal values, issues, and historical contexts.
Students will demonstrate effective collaborative skills by actively participating in and contributing to a theatrical ensemble, respecting diverse roles, and working cooperatively to achieve a shared artistic vision.
Students will effectively utilize foundational acting techniques, including body, voice, and emotional expression, to communicate character, narrative, and theme in various theatrical exercises and scenes.
Students will critically observe and evaluate live theatrical performances, identifying key elements of acting, directing, and design, and articulating their impact on the audience's experience.
Students will explore and apply principles of empathy and critical thinking through engaging with diverse theatrical narratives and characters, reflecting on different perspectives and their own personal growth.

Course Assessments

Breaking Down Barriers Project
Theatre and Stages Terms Test
Intro to Acting and Workshopping Test
Monologue Performance Project
Improvisation Application Assessment
Improvisation Terms Test
Theatre Arts Final Exam
Theatre Arts Final Monologue Project

Course Units

Unit 1: Theatre Awareness

Standards

National Core Theatre Standards

THCn10.1: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
THCn10.1.A Investigate how cultural perspectives, community ideas and personal beliefs impact a theatrical work.
THCn10.1.B Choose and interpret a drama/theatre work to reflect or question personal beliefs.
THCn10.1.C Investigate how vulnerability and connecting to others impacts a performance.
THCn10.1.D Explore the basics of human emotion and how we manage them.
THCn10.1.E Explore and discover connections between others.
THCn10.1.F Share experiences and personal connections with classmates
THCn10.2 Students present appropriately in formal speaking situations, listen critically, and respond intelligently as individuals or in group discussions.
THCn10.2.A Learn how to be more comfortable with oneself and others.
THCn10.2.B Understand the basic physiology of stage fright/anxiety and how to start managing it.
THCn10.2.C Recognize the barriers that we often put up to keep us from truly being seen
THCn10.2.D Demonstrate an ability to lower our water levels/barriers when performing

Know

Vulnerability in theatre refers to the willingness to be emotionally open, authentic, and present, recognizing it as a core strength for compelling performance rather than a weakness.
Active listening and acute observation are fundamental tools for being truly present and responsively connected to their scene partners in the moment.
Non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions, proxemics, eye contact) significantly contribute to character, relationship, and meaning within a scene.
Establishing a foundation of trust and mutual respect within the ensemble is crucial for creating a safe space where individuals feel comfortable taking creative risks and exploring challenging emotions.
Learning how to step outside one's comfort zone and embracing perceived "mistakes" are essential steps in the artistic learning process and personal growth in theatre.

Understanding/Key Learning

The Authentic Self in Performance: Embracing Vulnerability as Strength. This big idea explores how true theatrical presence and compelling character portrayal emerge when performers are willing to be open, honest, and emotionally available. It emphasizes that letting go of self-judgment and allowing oneself to be seen (vulnerable) is not a weakness, but the very foundation of powerful and authentic acting, fostering deeper connection with the audience and fellow actors.
Responsive Awareness: The Art of Being Present and Connected. This idea focuses on the crucial role of heightened awareness in theatre—awareness of one's own body and emotions, the physical space, and critically, the presence and reactions of scene partners and the audience.
Building Trust, Taking Risks: Cultivating a Safe Space for Artistic Growth. This big idea recognizes that vulnerability and deep awareness can only flourish in an environment of trust and psychological safety. It examines how ensemble members build mutual respect and support, creating a space where taking risks, making mistakes, and exploring uncomfortable emotions are seen as essential parts of the creative process rather than sources of embarrassment or failure.

Do

Students will spend time getting to know each other and their teacher.
Students and teacher will take time to learn each other's names.
Students and teacher will share information about themselves with each other through a variety of focused icebreakers and presentations.
Students will discover and explore the power of vulnerability in their life and acting work.
Create and present a Breaking Down Barriers project

TH.Cn12 Students will become familiar with the basic aspects of a theatre space and what is needed for theater to occur.
TH.Cn12.A Identify the basic technical elements of theatre and explain how the constraints of physical space affect the use of those elements.
TH.Cn12.B Identify the basic elements of theatre and explain how they interact with each other.
TH.Cn12.C Demonstrate technical vocabulary regarding stage directions, types of stages, parts of a theater building and basic staging.
TH.Cn12.C Recognize the ways in which technical elements contribute to an audience's understanding and appreciation of a performance.
TH.Cn12.D Understand the Mechanism of Story and the role that it plays in a performance
TH.Cn12.1 Students will construct meaning by analyzing, comparing, critiquing and integrating concepts from theater and other art forms from a variety of contexts and cultures.
TH.Cn12.1.A Identify the origins and basic evolution of theatre over time throughout history. (Early Civilization-Modern)

Know

Understand the fundamental components of a theatrical production (e.g., the script, the performers, the audience, the director, and the performance space) and how they interact.
Show an ability to identify the standard stage directions and areas (e.g., upstage, downstage, stage left, stage right, center stage) from a performer's perspective.
Students will know the primary types of stage configurations (e.g., proscenium, thrust, arena/in-the-round, black box) and understand how each impacts the audience's view and actor-audience relationship.
Discover the essential roles and responsibilities of key personnel involved in creating a theatre production (e.g., playwright, director, actor, stage manager, designers).
Students will know and be able to explain basic theater etiquette for audience members, understanding its importance for the live performance experience.

Understanding/Key Learning

Theatre as a Shared Language: Understanding the Vocabulary of the Stage. This big idea emphasizes that theatre has its own unique set of terms and conventions, much like any other specialized field or sport. Learning this "stage language" is crucial because it allows everyone involved in a production – actors, directors, designers, and crew – to communicate clearly and efficiently, ensuring that complex creative ideas can be understood and brought to life.
The Dynamic Space: How the Stage Dictates Storytelling and Audience Experience. This idea explores how the physical layout of a theatre, from the stage itself to the various types of performance spaces (like a proscenium or arena stage), directly influences how a story can be told and how the audience experiences it. Students will understand that every decision about blocking, set pieces, and even actor placement is guided by the specific geometry and conventions of the performance space.
The Building Blocks of Performance: Identifying the Essential Roles and Elements of a Theatrical Event. This big idea breaks down a theatre production into its fundamental components and the people who make it happen. It covers the core elements that must be present for theatre to exist (like a story, performers, and an audience) and introduces the key roles behind the scenes and on stage that collaborate to transform a script into a live, shared experience.

Theater
Stage/Deck
Backstage
Lobby
Raked
Set Shop
Costume Shop
Costume Loft
Legs
Down Center
Up Center
Center Stage
Theatre
Teasers
Patron
Proscenium
Sight Lines
Fly System
Upstage
Offstage/Wings
Catwalk
Platform Stage
Left Center
Right Center
Theatricality
Box Office
Concessions
Usher
Green Room
Fly Space
Downstage
Intermission
Arena Stage
Black Box
Up Right
Down Right
House
Sound Board
Mezzanine
Orchestra
Pit
Main Curtain
Mid-Stage Traveler
Cyc
Props Loft
Proscenium Stage
Up Left

TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation
- TH:Pr4.A Shape character choices by understanding the basic story of the selected piece.
- TH:Pr4.B Identify the basic emotions and feelings that might be included in the moment of the scene
- TH:Pr4.C Show an ability to select a piece that accurately showcases the performer's talent level and/or type
- TH:Pr4.D Understand the basic parts of acting: Text and Feeling and how vulnerability plays in their communication.
- TH:Pr4.E Discuss and pay attention to the beats or moments of the piece where the feelings/emotion/or story shifts.
- TH:Pr4.F Practice various acting techniques to expand skills in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance
TH:Cr3 Prepare an artistic work for presentation.
- TH:Cr3.A Practice and refine various acting techniques to expand skills in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance
- TH:Cr3.B Discover how bold and truthful choices shape believable and sustainable performances and implement them effectively.
- TH:Cr3.C Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
- TH:Cr3.D Discover how feeling and emotions are expressed through vocal and physical cues
- TH:Cr3.E Understand and demonstrate the difference between feeling without text and text without feeling
- TH:Cr3.F Demonstrate an ability to allow oneself to feel what the text/story/moment is asking them to feel.
- TH:Cr3.G Demonstrate an ability to make and take the adjustments that are given to the actor.
- TH:Cr3.H Understand and show the difference between acting as "DOING" vs. acting as "BEING"
TH:Pr5 Demonstrate the use of levels and variation of voice and body in acting.
- TH:Pr5.A Use pitch to create variation in vocal delivery.
- TH:Pr5.B Use projection to reach the audience and vary performance.
- TH:Pr5.C Enunciate properly while maintaining character.
- TH:Pr5.D Apply an appropriate pace to a performance
- TH:Pr5.E Demonstrate the ability to use pausing and beats for dramatic effect.
- TH:Pr5.F Understand and demonstrate the ability to stay “on breath” during a performance
- TH:Pr5.G Analyze the possible motivations behind movement or action.
- TH:Pr5.H Explore and implement effective gestures/physical choices for character
- TH:Pr5.I Eliminate superfluous fidgeting, pacing and movement.
TH:Re7 Perceive, analyze and reflect on artistic work as an audience member and performer
- TH:Re7.A As an audience, respond to what is seen, felt, and heard in a drama/theatre work to develop criteria for artistic choice
- TH:Re7.B Demonstrate an understanding of multiple interpretations of a performance.
- TH:Re7.C As a performer, respond to what is seen, felt, and heard in a drama/theatre work to develop criteria for artistic choices.
- TH:Re7.D Discuss and share what was effective/not effective about a performance
- TH:Re7.E Study self by means of video to determine areas of strength/need.

Know

Understand the difference between a character's objective (what they want) and their obstacle (what stands in their way), and how these elements drive the action of a scene.
Recognize that authentic acting comes from actively listening and responding truthfully to their scene partners, rather than simply delivering memorized lines.
Understand the purpose and benefit of various acting warm-up exercises (physical, vocal, and mental) in preparing an actor for rehearsal and performance.
Identify and implement the principles of giving and receiving constructive feedback in a workshop setting, focusing on observations and suggestions that support artistic growth.
Discover that the workshop environment is a safe space for experimentation, risk-taking, and learning from "mistakes," prioritizing the process of discovery over immediate perfection.

Understanding/Key Learning

Acting as Authentic Human Behavior in Imagined Circumstances. This big idea emphasizes that effective acting isn't about "faking it," but about finding genuine human reactions and emotions to believable situations, even if those situations are fictional. It explores how actors delve into a character's motivations, objectives, and obstacles to create a truthful and relatable portrayal that resonates with an audience.
The Workshop as a Creative Laboratory: Embracing Process, Experimentation, and Feedback. This idea highlights that the rehearsal and workshopping process is a vital, experimental space for discovery, not just memorization. It focuses on the importance of trying new things, taking risks, learning from "mistakes," and giving/receiving constructive feedback as essential steps in developing a character and refining a performance.
Bringing a Character to Life Through Action, Reaction, and Relationships. This big idea centers on the practical tools actors use to build a role. It teaches that characters are defined not just by what they say, but by what they do (their actions), how they respond to others (their reactions), and the dynamic relationships they have with their scene partners. It's about making choices that drive the story forward and reveal the character's inner world.

Do

Discover the basic feel, flow and foundational aspect of master class workshopping.
Discover a basic understanding of performing a script in front of an audience.
Learn specific acting terminology that will be used throughout their CYPA experience.
Explore the connection between text and feeling.
Learn how to improve their acting ability and personal life skills (what makes you a good actor, makes you a good person).

Text
Monologue
Scene
Workshopping
Take
Sides
The Moment
Dropping In
Resetting
Growth vs. Fixed Mindset
Vulnerability
Adjustment
Character
Slate
Beat
Awareness
Instinct
Caps
Schmacting
Projection
Anchor Point
Prepared Read
Cold Read
Making the Jump
Permission to Feel
The Drop
Booking the Job
Self-Tape
Headspace
Tone
Raising the Stakes
Investment
Text without Feeling
Feeling without Text
On Breath
Commitment
Mid-Frame
Pausing
Rate
Pitch

TH:Pr6 Acting by developing, communicating, and sustaining characters in improvisations and informal or formal productions.
- TH:Pr6.A Build an environment where actors can trust each other, support each other with bold choices, and feel comfortable trying and failing
- TH:Pr6.B Learn the rules and guidelines for improv as well as several performance type improv games
- TH:Pr6.C Participate in a series of warm-up activities that help build support and confidence.
- TH:Pr6.D Explore and share personal connections and experiences where improvisation occurs in real life.
- TH:Pr6.E Recognize (and participate in) the two major forms of improvisation comedy: Short-Form and Long-Form.
- TH:Pr6.F Understand the basics of AGREEMENT and how to find ways to keep an improv scene going. (Yes, And, Character of the Space, Base Reality
- TH:Pr6.G Demonstrate the ability to apply truthful object work into an improvisational scene.
- TH:Pr6.H Understand the difference between showing vs. telling when improvising.
- TH:Pr6.I Understand the importance of active listening in an improv scene and apply active listening through the scene work.
- TH:Pr6.J Demonstrate an ability to share the stage with other people through "Give and Take."
- TH:Pr6.K Display an ability to stay committed throughout a scene or improv activity.
- TH:Pr6.L Present scenes and characters by using the "top of their intelligence" (the ability to respond in truthful ways to stimuli.
- TH:Pr6.M Understand the forms of denial in improvisation and the ability to identify them.
- TH:Pr6.N Analyze scenes and short comedy sketches to help discover and understand important improvisation concepts.
- TH:Pr6.O Present scenes and characters by using the "top of their intelligence" (the ability to respond in truthful ways to stimuli.

Know

The fundamental principle of "Yes, And..." as the cornerstone of building collaborative and cohesive improvised scenes.
Active listening and immediate responsiveness to scene partners' verbal and non-verbal offers are critical for creating believable and dynamic improvised interactions.
How to identify and accept "offers" (any new information or action presented) from scene partners to move an improvised scene forward.
How to embrace mistakes and perceived "failures" as opportunities for new discoveries is an essential part of the improvisational mindset and process.
The basic elements needed to establish a scene's initial context (who, what, where, when, and immediate objective) through collaborative offers.

Understanding/Key Learning

"Yes, And...": The Power of Collaborative Storytelling and Acceptance. This big idea emphasizes that improvisation isn't about being "funny" or having all the answers, but about building together. It centers on the core principle of "Yes, And..." – accepting your scene partner's ideas and adding to them. This fosters a highly collaborative environment where every idea is valued, leading to unexpected and engaging stories that are co-created in the moment.
Being Fully Present: The Art of Listening, Observing, and Responding in Real-Time. This idea highlights that successful improvisation demands total engagement in the current moment. It's about developing heightened awareness – truly listening to dialogue, observing non-verbal cues, and reacting honestly and spontaneously to what's happening. This ability to be fully present and responsive allows improvisers to create dynamic, believable, and surprising interactions without a script.
Embracing the Unknown: Cultivating Courage, Creativity, and Resilience. This big idea frames improvisation as a powerful tool for personal growth beyond the stage. It encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, take creative risks without fear of failure, and use "mistakes" as springboards for new discoveries. This process builds confidence, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to think quickly on their feet, all while having fun in a supportive environment.

Improvisation
Short-Form
Long-Form
Spontaneous
Suggestion
Listening
Top of Intelligence
Offer
Initiation
Yes, And
Blocking/Denial
Back Line
Side Line
Talking Head Scene
Agreement
Character of Space
Mirroring
Complimenting
Base Reality
Middle of Things
Cheating Out
Object Work
Showing
Telling
Heightening
Game of the Scene
Commitment
Give and Take

TH:Re9 Perceive, analyze and reflect on the artistic and technical duties of a production staff.
- TH:Re9.A Recognize the ways in which technical elements contribute to the audiences’ understanding and appreciation of a performance.
- TH:Re9.B Recognize coherent stage management, promotional and business plans
- TH:Re9.C Understand the basic elements of a production process (How does a show get produced?)
- TH:Re9.D Articulate how some positions in the production team hierarchy contribute to the production process.
- TH:Re9.2.E Identify and utilize appropriate audition etiquette.
- TH:Re9.1 Perceive, analyze and reflect on the audition and casting process.
- TH:Re9.1.A Understand the basic elements of the audition process
- TH:Re9.1.B Discover and demonstrate an understanding of how to audition more effectively.
- TH:Re9.1.C Explore some of the key expectations and roles of casting and auditioning.
- TH:Re9.1.D Prepare and present a script (monologue or scene) for an audition, while showing an ability to perform well
- TH:Re9.1.E Understand how to prepare and present an audition (LIVE and SELF-TAPED)
- TH:Re9.2 Demonstrate an understanding of acting as a career.
- TH:Re9.2.A Describe the typical lifestyle of the working professional actor.
- TH:Re9.2.B Explore positive and negative aspects of acting as a career.
- TH:Re9.2.C Identify the basic materials needed to start an acting career.
- TH:Re9.3 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for FINAL presentation.
- TH:Re9.3.A Apply appropriate character choices by understanding the basic story of the selected piece.
- TH:Re9.3.B Identify the basic emotions and feelings that might be included in the moment of the scene.
- TH:Re9.3.C Show an ability to select a piece that accurately showcases the performer's talent level and/or type
- TH:Re9.3.D Apply the basic parts of acting: Text and Feeling an how vulnerability plays in their communication.
- TH:Re9.3.E Apply the beats or moments of the piece where the feelings/emotion/or story shifts.

PA Career and Workforce Standards:

13.1 Career Awareness and Preparation
13.1.11.A Relate careers to individual interests, abilities and aptitudes
13.1.11.B Analyze career options based on personal interests, abilities, aptitudes, achievement and goals.
13.2 Career Acquisition (Getting a Job)
13.2.11.A Apply effective speaking and listening skills used in a job interview.

Know

The essential components of preparing for an audition, including selecting appropriate material, organizing a resume/headshot, and practicing presentation skills.
How to demonstrate standard audition room etiquette, including entering, slating, taking direction, and exiting gracefully.
That casting decisions are based on how an actor's unique qualities fit the director's specific vision for the character and the overall ensemble, rather than simply identifying a single "best" actor.
The common types of auditions (e.g., prepared monologue/song, cold reading, callbacks) and the purpose of each stage in the casting process.
That rejection is a common and often impersonal part of the audition process, and how to develop resilience and use every audition as a learning experience for future growth.
That professionalism is just as (if not more) important than talent.

Understanding/Key Learning

The Audition as a Personal Presentation: Preparedness, Authenticity, and Professionalism. This big idea emphasizes that an audition is not just a test, but a unique opportunity for an individual to showcase their skills, personality, and potential. It highlights the critical importance of thorough preparation (of material, resume, and attitude), bringing one's authentic self into the room, and demonstrating professionalism throughout the entire process, regardless of the outcome.
Casting as a Collaborative Vision: Finding the Right Pieces for the Artistic Puzzle. This idea focuses on the director's perspective, understanding that casting is a complex process of assembling an ensemble that fits the director's overall artistic vision for the production. It's about finding actors who not only have the individual talent but also the right chemistry, physical type, and interpretive understanding to create a cohesive and compelling theatrical world. It acknowledges that casting choices are often about suitability for a specific role and the overall group, rather than simply identifying a single "best" actor.
Resilience and Growth: Navigating Feedback, Rejection, and Continuous Improvement. This big idea addresses the emotional and mental aspects of the audition process. It teaches students to view auditions as valuable learning experiences, regardless of whether they get the role. It emphasizes the importance of developing resilience in the face of potential rejection, using feedback for self-improvement, and maintaining a positive attitude and passion for theatre even when outcomes are not as hoped.