Global Theatre Transformation: Influencing Perspectives Through Modern Plays
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Global Theatre Transformation: Influencing Perspectives Through Modern Plays

Grade 12Other20 days
In this project, senior students explore the transformative power of theatre in reflecting and shaping global cultures, focusing on the analysis of modern plays and their impact on societal issues. Through activities like time capsule investigations, play analyses, and career exploration workshops, students investigate how cultural and historical contexts influence theatrical creation and interpretation. The project emphasizes artistic integration, professional preparation, and community impact, gathering insights from both historical and modern theatrical practices. Students create portfolios and gain an understanding of theatre's potential as a catalyst for social change across diverse global contexts.
TheatreSocial ChangeGlobal PerspectivesCultural ContextsTheatrical InterpretationArtistic IntegrationProfessional Development
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can theatre transform and reflect global cultures and perspectives while serving as a catalyst for social change?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can theatre be a catalyst for social change in different cultures and communities?
  • In what ways do modern plays reflect and influence global perspectives and societal issues?
  • How do cultural and historical contexts shape the creation and interpretation of theatrical works?
  • What are the differences and similarities between historically accurate productions and their modern interpretations?
  • What roles do different art forms play in enhancing theatrical presentations?
  • How do cultural beliefs and global perspectives shape the creative choices in drama and theatre?
  • What are the career opportunities in theatre and drama, and what skills and knowledge are required to pursue them?
  • How can theatre contribute to community development and enrichment?
  • What are the essential components for creating a professional portfolio and resume in the dramatic arts?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Analyze how theatre can act as a catalyst for social change across various global and local contexts.
  • Critically evaluate modern plays and their influence on global perspectives and societal issues.
  • Examine the influence of cultural and historical contexts on the creation and interpretation of theatrical works.
  • Distinguish between historically accurate theatre productions and their modern reinterpretations.
  • Integrate multiple art forms to enhance theatrical presentations.
  • Investigate cultural and global belief systems that shape theatre and drama.
  • Explore career opportunities in the theatre and drama industry, understanding required skills and professional preparation.
  • Articulate the role of theatre in community development and enrichment.
  • Develop essential components of a professional portfolio and resume in the dramatic arts.

CONTENT STATEMENTS

HSP.1CO
Primary
Describe how drama and theatre can affect social change, both globally and locally.Reason: This standard directly addresses the project's focus on theatre as a catalyst for social change globally and locally, which aligns with the primary inquiry framework.
HSP.2CO
Primary
Investigate, compare, and contrast dramatic and theatrical works as products and reflections of the time period and culture in which they were created.Reason: This standard encourages analysis of how plays reflect the time and culture of their creation, aligning with the inquiry on how modern plays influence and reflect global perspectives.
HSP.3CO
Supporting
Integrate other art forms into a dramatic presentation.Reason: Supporting standard as it allows students to consider the role of different art forms in theatre, enhancing their understanding and skills for the project.
HSP.4CO
Secondary
Compare and contrast a historically accurate production and a production of the same work in modern times.Reason: Aligns well with the inquiry on understanding the differences and similarities in production approaches, important for grasping the evolution of theatre practices and techniques.
HSP.5CO
Primary
Research and report on career opportunities in theatre and drama; investigate the level of discipline, knowledge and skill required for career preparation in drama and theatre.Reason: This standard is crucial for students to explore career paths and understand the necessary skills and preparation, which is a focus area of the project.
HSP.6CO
Primary
Explore how cultural and global belief systems affect creative choices in a dramatic or theatre work.Reason: Directly supports understanding of how cultures impact theatre creation, deeply connected to the project objective of reflecting and influencing global perspectives.
HSP.7CO
Secondary
Discuss the importance of drama and theatre in a community and provide examples.Reason: This supports the inquiry into theatre's role in community development, enriching both local and global perspectives through artistic expression.
HSP.8CO
Secondary
Identify specific purposes and intents for portfolio and resume development in the dramatic and theatrical fields.Reason: Supports students in professional development and preparation for careers in drama, supplementing the project's focus on portfolio development in theatre.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Theatre Time Capsule

A mysterious time capsule appears in class containing scripts, costumes, and props from different eras. Students work together to uncover the cultural and historical significance of each item, sparking conversations about how theatre reflects societal changes over time.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Theatre Time Capsule Detective

Students explore a time capsule containing historical scripts, costumes, and props to learn about the cultural and historical significance of these items, analyzing how they reflect societal changes over time.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce the concept of the Theatre Time Capsule and present the items contained within.
2. Divide students into groups, each assigned a specific era of theatre represented by the capsule items.
3. Task each group to research the historical and cultural background of their era, examining how it influenced the theatrical works.
4. Have groups present their findings, focusing on how dramas and theatre can create social change in their respective time periods.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityCollaborative group presentations discussing the cultural and social impact of theatrical works from different eras.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standards HSP.1CO, HSP.2CO, HSP.7CO by describing how drama affects social change and investigating dramatic works as reflections of their time.
Activity 2

Modern Playwright Analysis

Students analyze contemporary plays, examining how these works influence and reflect current societal issues and global perspectives.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a modern play that tackles current social issues or global perspectives.
2. Perform a detailed reading and analysis of the chosen play, focusing on themes, characters, and socio-political commentary.
3. Write a critical essay discussing how the play reflects or challenges contemporary societal norms and stimulates discussion around global perspectives.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA critical essay analyzing a modern play's impact on society and global perspectives.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets standards HSP.1CO, HSP.2CO by critically evaluating modern plays and their influence on global perspectives and societal issues.
Activity 3

Cultural Lens: Theatre and Beliefs

This activity focuses on exploring how cultural and global belief systems impact creative choices in theatre. Students will analyze a dramatic work under the lens of these belief systems.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select a dramatic work influenced by specific cultural or global beliefs.
2. Research the cultural background and beliefs that influence the themes and presentation of the play.
3. Discuss how these beliefs are woven into the narrative and how they shape characters' motivations and actions.
4. Conclude with class discussions on how cultural perspectives inform their understanding of the play.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn analysis paper on how cultural beliefs shape the creative elements of the selected play.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports standards HSP.6CO by exploring how belief systems affect creative choices in theatre.
Activity 4

Historic to Modern Theatre Adaptation

Students will gain insights into the differences and similarities between historically accurate and modern productions of the same play.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select a historical play and its modern adaptation.
2. Research the original historical context and presentation of the play.
3. Compare with modern adaptations, noting differences and similarities in themes, settings, and cultural significance.
4. Create a visual or digital presentation highlighting key insights from the comparison.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative visual presentation on historical and modern theatre adaptations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standards HSP.4CO by comparing and contrasting production approaches.
Activity 5

Theatrical Cross-Art Integration

Explore how different art forms contribute to theatrical presentations by integrating music, dance, visual arts, or multimedia elements into a short play.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a short play or scene for adaptation.
2. Identify art forms to integrate, such as music, dance, or visual elements, enhancing the play's presentation.
3. Collaborate in groups to plan the integration of these art forms into the play.
4. Perform the adapted play for the class, showcasing the integration.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA performance of a play or scene with integrated artistic elements.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets standards HSP.3CO by integrating other art forms into a dramatic presentation.
Activity 6

Theatre Career Exploration Workshop

Engage students with opportunities and career paths in theatre by researching different professions, skills, and educational requirements in the dramatic arts.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Investigate various career opportunities available in theatre and drama industries.
2. Research the skill set, educational background, and discipline required for selected careers.
3. Prepare and present a report outlining career opportunities in theatre, including personal reflections on potential career interests.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed career report on opportunities and required skills in theatre.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsTargets standards HSP.5CO by encouraging research into career opportunities and necessary preparations in drama and theatre.
Activity 7

Community Theatre Impact Panel

Students explore and discuss the role of drama and theatre in community development, while proposing initiatives that could enhance community engagement through theatre.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research examples of how theatre has contributed to community development modern examples.
2. Organize a panel discussion where students propose initiatives for enhancing community engagement via theatre.
3. Design a community-based theatre project or initiative as a class.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA proposal for a community-based theatre initiative, along with a panel discussion summary.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports standard HSP.7CO by discussing theatre's importance in community enrichment.
Activity 8

Dramatic Arts Portfolio Project

Guide students in creating a professional portfolio and resume tailored to the dramatic arts and theatre industry.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Instruct students on the essential components of a professional portfolio and resume specific to theatre.
2. Help students gather and organize their work, including performances, designs, writings, and other relevant experiences.
3. Assist students in creating a digital or physical portfolio and resume that highlights their skills and experiences.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive portfolio and resume suitable for professional opportunities in theatre.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligned with standard HSP.8CO by aiding in the development of portfolios and resumes in dramatic fields.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Global Theatre Transformation Assessment Rubric

Category 1

Understanding and Analysis

Evaluation of the student's ability to understand and analyze the cultural, historical, and social aspects of theatre works.
Criterion 1

Cultural and Historical Understanding

Measure of understanding the cultural and historical significance of theatrical works.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates an exceptional understanding of cultural and historical significance, providing comprehensive analysis and connections to current societal issues.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows thorough understanding with competent analysis of cultural and historical contexts in theatrical works, relating them to contemporary issues.

Developing
2 Points

Displays basic understanding with limited analysis of cultural and historical contexts, occasionally linking to current societal issues.

Beginning
1 Points

Exhibits initial recognition of cultural and historical contexts with minimal to no analysis of their relevance to modern issues.

Criterion 2

Thematic Analysis and Innovation

Assessment of the ability to analyze themes and the innovative application of these themes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Offers a detailed and insightful thematic analysis with innovative ideas on how these themes catalyze societal discussions.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides solid thematic analysis with appropriate discussion on societal implications and relevance.

Developing
2 Points

Presents basic thematic analysis with sporadic insights into societal discussion elements.

Beginning
1 Points

Attempts thematic analysis; however, lacks depth and fails to connect themes with societal implications.

Category 2

Integration and Application

Evaluation of student ability to integrate and apply knowledge and skills from multiple art forms in dramatic presentations.
Criterion 1

Art Form Integration

Measure of effectiveness in integrating various art forms into dramatic presentations.

Exemplary
4 Points

Integrates multiple art forms seamlessly and creatively, enhancing the overall theatrical experience.

Proficient
3 Points

Successfully integrates selected art forms into the presentation, contributing meaningfully to the narrative.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts integration of art forms with moderate success; occasional disconnects observed.

Beginning
1 Points

Utilizes art forms minimally, with considerable gaps in the integration process.

Category 3

Career and Professional Development

Assessment of understanding and preparation for careers in theatre and drama through portfolio and resume development.
Criterion 1

Portfolio and Resume Quality

Evaluation of the completeness and professionalism of student portfolios and resumes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents a comprehensive, professional portfolio and resume that effectively showcases skills and experiences relevant to the theatre industry.

Proficient
3 Points

Offers a well-organized, mostly complete portfolio and resume that display relevant skills and experiences.

Developing
2 Points

Creates a basic portfolio and resume, lacking in organization and depth of content.

Beginning
1 Points

Attempts to compile a portfolio and resume but lacks coherence and critical elements.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How did your understanding of theatre as a catalyst for social change evolve throughout this project?

Text
Required
Question 2

On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about integrating other art forms into a dramatic presentation after this project?

Scale
Required
Question 3

What similarities did you find between historically accurate productions and their modern adaptations during the 'Historic to Modern Theatre Adaptation' activity?

Text
Required
Question 4

Which career opportunities in theatre and drama are you interested in pursuing, and why?

Text
Optional
Question 5

How effective was the 'Community Theatre Impact Panel' in expanding your understanding of theatre's role in community development?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Very effective
Somewhat effective
Neutral
Somewhat ineffective
Very ineffective
Question 6

What components did you find most challenging when creating your Dramatic Arts Portfolio and Resume, and how did you overcome these challenges?

Text
Optional