Contemporary Scenes Unit

Unit Objective: Students will create a believable and understandable contemporary scene by synthesizing acting techniques and original ideas.
Grade Level: Drama 2/Drama 3 (HS Accomplished–HS Advanced)
Prior Experience Needed: Students need some familiarity with basic acting/theatre techniques (character creation, objectives, tactics, blocking, script analysis, memorization, etc). Additionally, they also need to be comfortable selecting and performing a scene for their peers. This unit also builds off of knowledge/experience from the previous Shakespeare unit.
Big Ideas: Contemporary Issues, Subtext, Skill Transfer, Communication, Relationships, Age, Humor, Emotional Awareness, Reflection, Power of Questions
Major National Standards:

1. TH:Cr3.1.III.b. Synthesize ideas from research, script analysis, and context to create a performance that is believable, authentic, and relevant in a drama/theatre work.
2. TH:Pr4.1.III.b. Apply a variety of researched acting techniques as an approach to character choices in a drama/theatre work.
3. TH:Pr5.1.II.a. Refine a range of acting skills to build a believable and sustainable drama/theatre performance.
4. TH:Re8.1.II.b. Apply concepts from a drama/theatre work for personal realization about cultural perspectives and understanding.
5. TH:Re9.1.III.c. Compare and debate the connection between a drama/theatre work and contemporary issues that may impact audiences.
6. TH:Cn10.1.II.a. Choose and interpret a drama/theatre work to reflect or question personal beliefs.
7. TH:Cn10.1.III.a. Collaborate on a drama/theatre work that examines a critical global issue using multiple personal, community, and cultural perspectives.
8. TH:Cn11.1.I.a. Explore how cultural, global, and historic belief systems affect creative choices in a drama/theatre work

Major

1. Standard L2.T.CR.5: Explore physical, vocal, and emotional choices to develop a

   performance that is believable, authentic, and relevant in a drama/theatre work.

2. Standard L3.T.CR.5: Apply appropriate acting techniques and styles in performances of

   characters from a variety of dramatic genres and historical periods.

3. Standard L2/L3.T.P.3: Observe, listen, and respond in character to other actors

   throughout a scripted or improvised scene.

4. Standard L2.T.P.9: Present a drama/theatre work using creative processes that shape the

   production for a specific audience.

5. Standard L3.T.R.2: Articulate responses based on personal experiences when

   participating in or observing a drama/theatre work.

State Standards:

6. Standard L3.T.R.3: Compare and debate the connection between a drama/theatre work and contemporary issues that may affect audiences.
7. Standard L2/L3.T.R.4: Demonstrate the ability to receive and act upon coaching, feedback, and constructive criticism.
8. Standard L2.T.CO.1: Choose and interpret a drama/theatre work to reflect or question personal beliefs.
9. Standard L3.T.CO.3: Examine contemporary social, cultural, or global issues through different forms of drama/theatre work.

Enduring Understandings:

1. Students will understand that theatre can help them explore contemporary issues.
2. Students will understand that acting tools are transferable.
3. Students will understand that they are capable.
4. Students will understand that relationships are about love.
5. Students will understand that trial and error is a part of the creative process.
6. Students will understand that reflection is an important part of performance.

Essential Questions:

1. How do we explore contemporary issues?
2. What is the importance of exploring contemporary issues?
3. How do we evaluate art?
4. How do we communicate?
5. How do we rehearse effectively?
6. Which acting tools are most effective?
7. What is the value of reflection?

Key Knowledge:

1. Students will know that authors leave clues to analyze.
2. Students will know that theatre can help us explore contemporary issues.
3. Students will know that feedback is meant to assist.

Key Skills:

1. Students will be able to transfer tools/techniques across units.
2. Students will be able to self-assess their learning.
3. Students will be able to create and apply objectives and tactics.
4. Students will be able to create character relationships.
5. Students will be able to listen and react in character.

Authentic Performance Tasks:

1. Students will evaluate the importance/prevalence of contemporary issues.
2. Students will practice transferring acting tools across units.
3. Students will rehearse, revise, and perform a 3-5 minute contemporary scene.

4. Students will reflect on their growth/knowledge about contemporary issues and the

   relevance of contemporary issues in their lives.