Theatre Lesson 2: Roles Exploration

Questions and Answers

What are the three primary roles explored in this theatre lesson?

Playwright, director, actor (correct)

Producer, playwright, stage manager

Director, producer, lighting technician

Set designer, costume designer, actor

What is one benefit of attending live theatre mentioned in the lesson?

Tickets are cheaper than movie tickets.

You can watch performances at home.

Performance quality is consistently higher than in films.

You get to be in the presence of the actors. (correct)

What is one difference between having a role in stage versus film that students are asked to consider?

Stage actors perform in front of a live audience. (correct)

Stage roles require more rehearsal time.

Film roles allow for multiple takes.

Film roles offer more creative freedom.

What is the role of a playwright in a theatrical production?

They write the script and develop the story. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the responsibilities of a director?

To guide the overall vision and staging of the play. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an actor's role in a play?

They present the characters through performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a playwright in theatre?

To come up with the story and write the play Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities of a director in a theatre production?

Overseeing the production and guiding the actors Signup and view all the answers

Which role in theatre is responsible for creating the script?

Playwright Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of a production is NOT a concern of the director?

Writing dialogue Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the director in theatre?

To oversee the entire production Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theatre Overview

Objectives include understanding key roles in theatre: playwright, director, and actor.
Students will engage with a story through the roles of a playwright, director, and actor.

Time Management

Lesson duration is 75 minutes, adaptable based on class length.
Includes ensemble-building exercises.

Introduction Activities

Entry Prompt encourages students to journal about convincing a friend to attend a live theatre performance instead of a movie.
Follow-up discussion highlights live theatre benefits versus film, such as presence with actors, uniqueness of each performance, and community support.

Warm-up Exercise

Group “Up” warm-up involves students working together to keep a non-helium balloon in the air, emphasizing ensemble teamwork.
Participants take turns tapping the balloon, fostering collaboration and communication.

Rehearsal and Performance

Students rehearse group scenes in a supportive environment.
Volunteers present scenes to the class, promoting confidence and readiness.

Follow-up Discussion

Identifies key theatre roles:
- Playwright: Creates the story, writes the play.
- Director: Guides the production, overseeing actor performances and creative elements like staging and lighting.
- Actor: Interprets and brings characters to life using the playwright’s words and the director’s vision.

"Who’s Who in Theatre" Wall

Create a poster categorizing roles in theatre (Artistic, Production, and Business) with specific roles like playwright, director, and actor.

Exit Slip

Students summarize definitions for playwright, director, and actor in their own words as an exit activity.

Assessment Suggestions

Various assessment methods include observation, exit slips, and journal entries.
Exit slips can be graded as complete/incomplete or on a numerical scale.
Journals assessed for depth and quality of responses.

Additional Ensemble-Building Exercises

Knots: Students form a circle and hold hands, creating a knot, then work together to untangle.
Bean Bag/Object Toss: Students toss various objects in a rhythm to develop teamwork and coordination.

Unit Vocabulary

Essential terms: theatre, playwright, director, actor, cue, and their definitions are reviewed throughout the lesson.

Description

In this lesson, students will dive into the essential roles in theatre: playwright, director, and actor. Through interactive activities, they will learn the significance of each role while presenting a story as a collaborative ensemble. This lesson is designed to enhance understanding and teamwork.