Term 1: Theatre Around the World
Pupils will explore theatre in different countries around the world including Greece, Italy, England, Japan and America.
Pupils will merge two theatrical styles and re-write a Shakespearean scene in the style of a famous American musical.
characterisation
the role of somebody else, created by an actor
facial expressions
showing emotion on the face to show how a character is feeling
stimulus
something that gives you a starting point for ideas (i.e. a picture)
gestures
physical movement performed by the hands
devising
creating a piece of drama
commedia del arte
A style of theatre from Italy
Develop the individual:
Pupils will learn teamwork skills and build confidence.
Pupils will study the historical context of theatre.
Create a supportive community:
Pupils will learn teamwork skills and build confidence.
Pupils will study the historical context of theatre.
Term 2: Exploring a Genre: Comedy, Farce and Slapstick
Pupils will explore the genre of comedy focusing particularly on slapstick and farce. They will look at the work of Charlie Chaplin, Mr Bean and scenes from Home Alone and Tom and Jerry. They will devise their own scenes inspired by these performers, building upon mime and pantomime skills learned in Y7.
In groups, pupils devise and film a scene with a focus on following the genre.
depiction
the action of representing something else
exaggeration
to make something bigger or more pronounced
slapstick
physical comedy that centres around accidents, mock fights and humiliation
comedy
the story shown is funny and ends happily
Develop the individual:
Pupils will learn about the context of silent films and the history of Hollywood.
Create a supportive community:
Pupils will learn about the context of silent films and the history of Hollywood.
Term 3: Devising: London Riots
Using skills learnt in our Y7 devising unit, pupils will devise small group performances learning new devising techniques and theatrical conventions along the way.
Performances will be recorded and evaluated by the pupils. Assessment focuses on team work and focus.
cross cutting
showing two different scenes which are happening at the same time
transitions
moving from one scene, set, or setting to another
thought tunnel
a devising technique used to explore a characters thoughts
freeze frame
a still picture showing a moment in time
slow motion
when the action slows down to show a moment or scene in more detail
Develop the individual:
Pupils will learn teamwork skills and build confidence.
Pupils will consolidate learning in history.
Create a supportive community:
Pupils will learn teamwork skills and build confidence.
Pupils will consolidate learning in history.
Term 4: Page to Stage: Blood Brothers
Following on from their work in English, pupils will practically explore the text looking at scenes from a theatrical perspective and exploring the world of costume, sound, lighting and set design.
Pupils will either learn and perform a monologue from the play or design a set or costume for the play.
blocking
movement patterns of actors on the stage -usually planned by the director
diegetic
a sound effect which the characters can hear (e.g. door bell)
character
a part being played
non-diegetic
a sound effect which a character can't hear (e.g. music during a scene change)
connotation
common feeling or association (what it means)
setting the scene
introducing the characters, place, time and situation.
Develop the individual:
Pupils will learn teamwork skills and build confidence.
Pupils will learn about the context of the play.
Create a supportive community:
Pupils will learn teamwork skills and build confidence.
Pupils will learn about the context of the play.
Term 5/6: Page to Stage: Bugsy Malone
Using the musical Bugsy Malone, pupils will explore the genre of musical theatre and rehearse scenes from the show. They will also learn about the historical context of the musical and the history and conventions of musical theatre.
Pupils will perform a scene from the play with a focus on genre.
protagonist
leading character in a story
audition
competitive try-out for a role in a play
articulation
the clarity with which you speak
Musical Theatre
a genre of drama in which singing and dancing play an essential part
antagonist
a character who acts in opposition to the protagonist
chorus
the background singers and dancers (and occasional actors)
Develop the individual:
Pupils will learn teamwork skills and build confidence.
Create a supportive community:
Pupils will learn teamwork skills and build confidence.