Grade 9 Drama Course Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to Drama
- Understanding the elements of drama, including plot, character, theme, language, music, and spectacle
- Exploring the role of the actor, including physical and vocal techniques, character development, and emotional range
- Developing basic acting skills, including improvisation, scene work, and monologues
- Creating short scenes that demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama and basic acting skills
Unit 2: Script Analysis
- Understanding the structure of a script, including acts, scenes, and beats
- Analyzing character and plot development, including character arcs, conflicts, and resolutions
- Exploring themes and motifs, including symbolism, metaphor, and allegory
- Creating character backstories that inform the actor’s performance and contribute to the overall meaning of the play
Unit 3: Improvisation
- Developing improvisational skills, including listening, reacting, and building on ideas
- Exploring different improvisational techniques, including short-form games, long-form scenes, and genre-based improvisation
- Creating improvised scenes and characters that demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama and improvisational techniques
- Understanding the importance of collaboration in improvisation, including supporting and building on each other’s ideas, and creating a safe and respectful environment for creative exploration
Unit 4: Play Production
- Understanding the process of play production, including script analysis, casting, blocking, rehearsal, and performance
- Exploring the roles of the director, stage manager, and technical crew, including their responsibilities and contributions to the production
- Creating a production plan that includes a timeline, budget, and artistic vision
- Rehearsing and performing a play that demonstrates an understanding of the elements of drama, acting skills, and production values
Unit 5: Theatre History
- Understanding the history of theatre, including its origins, development, and evolution over time
- Exploring different theatrical movements and styles, including classical, modern, and postmodern theatre
- Analyzing the works of influential playwrights, including Shakespeare, Ibsen, and Beckett
- Creating a timeline of theatre history that demonstrates an understanding of the historical context and cultural significance of different theatrical movements and styles
Assessment:
- Participation in class activities and discussions, including group work, scene work, and improvisation exercises
- Performance in individual and group projects, including scene work, monologues, and play production
- Written assignments and reflections, including script analysis, character backstories, and production plans
- Final project: creating and performing a short play that demonstrates an understanding of the elements of drama, acting skills, and production values, and incorporates improvisational techniques and historical context.
