Drama 2 Unit: Script Analysis
By Jess Plewe
Unit Title: Script Analysis
Theatre Unit Objective: Students will demonstrate an understanding of script analysis techniques by workshopping a monologue from The Glass Menagerie within the context of the play.
Learning Level: Drama 2, Proficient Theatre
Prior Experience Needed: Definitions of Objectives/Tactics and how to identify them, Scene Work (including blocking), Improvisation, Monologue Selection/CuttingTheatre Unit Standard: L2.T.CR.8- Generate ideas from research and script analysis to devise a performance that is believable, authentic, and relevant in a drama/theatre work.
Other Standards Addressed, But Not Formally Assessed:
- TH:Cr1.1.I.c. Use script analysis to generate ideas about a character that is believable and authentic in a drama/theatre work.
- TH:Pr4.1.II.a. Discover how unique choices shape believable and sustainable drama/ theatre work.
- TH:Pr6.1.I.a. Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
- L2.T.P.4: Use body to communicate meaning through space, shape, energy, and gesture.
- L2.T.P.5: Use voice to communicate meaning through volume, pitch, tone, rate of speed, and vocal clarity
- L2.T.R.4: Demonstrate the ability to receive and act upon coaching, feedback, and constructive criticism.
- TH:Pr4.1.I.b. Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
- TH:Cn11.2.I.b. Use basic theatre research methods to better understand the social and cultural background of a drama/theatre work.
Understanding By Design Theatre Big Ideas:
- Analysis deepens understanding
- Identifying Subtext
Enduring Understandings:
Students will understand that…
- Subtext improves characterization
- Background information informs people’s actions
- How we use our voice and body conveys who we are.
- Meaning comes from words and other nonverbal cues.
Essential Questions:
- Why is background information important?
- How does analysis improve understanding?
How do body language and other non-verbal cues change the meaning of our communication?
- How do I recognize the subtext behind other’s words?
How do multiple readings of a text improve your critical understanding?
- Why should you read a script more than once before performing and/or staging the show?
- Where does meaning in performance come from?
Key Knowledge/Skills:
Students will know…
How to read like a detective
How to identify/research given circumstances
Methods for memorizing lines
Students will be skilled at…
Identifying objectives and tactics
Assigning actions to their lines
Analyzing a script for it’s mood
Performance Tasks:
Students will read The Glass Menagerie, analyze and annotate selected scenes from it, and formally workshop a selected and rehearsed monologue from it.