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Playwriting

by Alex Taylor

BIG IDEA: 

The power of voice in storytelling

UNIT OBJECTIVE: 

Students will demonstrate their understanding of dramatic structure and their ability to use this structure to create an original script by writing a short one-act play.

LEARNING LEVEL: 

The Playwriting Unit is to be used in any level theatre class with ninety-minute class periods.

PRIOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE: 

It is expected that students will have some basic script analysis knowledge and familiarity with styles of plays, but no experience with actually writing a script.

NATIONAL / STATE STANDARDS:

Utah Standard L1.T.CR.3: Use correct form and structure to create a scene or play with a be-

ginning, middle, and end that includes full character development, believable dialogue, and logical plot outcomes.

Utah Standard L1.T.CR.4: Investigate the collaborative nature of the actor, director, play-

wright, and designers and explore their interdependent roles in a drama/theatre work.

Utah Standard L1.T.P.1: Interpret the character, setting, and essential events in a story or

script that make up the dramatic structure in a drama/theatre work.

Utah Standard L1.T.P.6: Use imagination to inform artistic choices.

Utah Standard L1.T.R.4: Demonstrate the ability to receive and act upon coaching, feedback, and constructive criticism.

National HS Accomplished TH:Cr1.1.II: Use personal experiences and knowledge to develop a character that is believable and authentic in a drama/theatre work.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

What is the purpose of a play? How do playwrights use dialogue, character, and setting to convey meaning and create impact? How does conflict drive the narrative of a play? How does the structure of a play differ from other forms of storytelling? How does the process of playwriting contribute to personal growth and self-expression?

KEY KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: 

Creativity, storytelling, character development, critical thinking, editing/revision, dramatic structure and imagination.

AUTHENTIC PERFORMANCE TASKS: 

Keeping a journal that documents the little assignments that students complete throughout the unit. Used mainly for freewriting.

Creating one minute monologues based off a given prompt.

Creating dialogue for a silent scene.

Taking a test that assesses student’s knowledge of elements of playwriting and dramatic structure.

Lessons

Lesson 1 – Creativity

by Alex Taylor

Lesson 2 – Dialogue

by Alex Taylor

Lesson 4: Character

Objective The students will demonstrate their knowledge of characters by completing a “Myspace” profile for a character in a play read in class.

Lesson 5 – Conflict

by Alex Taylor

Lesson 8 – Writing

by Alex Taylor