Introduction to Drama and Theatre Cultural and Creative Arts JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Cultural and Creative Arts JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 11 years
Topic: Drama and Theatre
Sub-topic: Introduction to Drama and Theatre Arts
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

• Pupils should be able to define drama and theatre.
• Pupils should understand the basic elements of drama and theatre.
• Pupils should be able to describe different roles in a theatre production.

Keywords:

• Drama
• Theatre
• Script
• Actor
• Director
• Stage
• Props
• Performance

Set Induction:

Start with a short performance or skit to capture pupils’ attention and illustrate the concept of drama and theatre.

Entry Behaviour:

Pupils should have a basic understanding of what storytelling is and may have seen or participated in simple performances.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Drama textbooks (e.g., Lagos State Scheme of Work)
• Video clips of theatre performances
• Props and costumes
• Stage setup or designated performance area

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Link the concept of drama and theatre to storytelling and previous lessons on creative arts. Discuss how drama and theatre are forms of artistic expression.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Communication
• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Public speaking

Learning Materials:

• Textbook: Lagos State Scheme of Work for Cultural and Creative Arts
• Video clips of theatre performances
• Drama props and costumes

Instructional Materials:

• Examples of theatre scripts
• Handouts on basic drama concepts

Content:

1. Definition of Drama and Theatre:
   • Drama: A form of storytelling where actors perform a story through dialogue and action.
   • Theatre: The place where drama is performed; it includes the building, stage, and the act of performing.
2. Elements of Drama:
   • Script: The written text of a play, including dialogue and stage directions.
   • Actors: Individuals who perform the roles in a play.
   • Director: The person who oversees the production and guides the actors.
   • Stage: The area where the performance takes place.
   • Props: Items used by actors during the performance to enhance the story.
3. Roles in Theatre Production:
   • Actor: Performs the roles in a play.
   • Director: Manages and coordinates the performance.
   • Stage Manager: Organizes the stage setup and ensures everything runs smoothly.
   • Costume Designer: Creates or selects costumes for the actors.
4. Types of Theatre Performances:
   • Play: A scripted drama performed by actors.
   • Musical: A performance that combines singing, dancing, and acting.
   • Improvisation: Unscripted acting where performers create scenes spontaneously.

Evaluation:

1. Drama is defined as __________. a) A form of storytelling through dialogue and action
   b) A type of musical performance
   c) An area where performances are held
   d) The written text of a play
2. The script in a theatre production is __________. a) The place where the performance takes place
   b) The written text of the play
   c) The items used by actors
   d) The person who guides the actors
3. Actors are responsible for __________. a) Performing the roles in a play
   b) Organizing the stage setup
   c) Creating costumes
   d) Overseeing the production
4. The director of a play __________. a) Performs the roles in the play
   b) Manages and coordinates the performance
   c) Creates costumes
   d) Organizes the stage setup
5. Props are __________. a) The written text of a play
   b) Items used by actors during a performance
   c) The area where the performance takes place
   d) The individuals who perform roles
6. Stage refers to __________. a) The written script
   b) The items used in the performance
   c) The place where the performance takes place
   d) The person who oversees the production
7. The stage manager is responsible for __________. a) Performing roles in the play
   b) Organizing the stage setup
   c) Creating costumes
   d) Directing the performance
8. The costume designer __________. a) Manages the performance
   b) Creates or selects costumes
   c) Performs the roles in a play
   d) Writes the script
9. Improvisation is __________. a) A scripted performance
   b) A type of musical performance
   c) Unscripted acting where scenes are created spontaneously
   d) The written text of a play
10. A musical combines __________. a) Only acting
    b) Singing, dancing, and acting
    c) Writing and directing
    d) Costume design and stage management
11. Theatre includes __________. a) Only the performance
    b) The building, stage, and performance
    c) Only the script
    d) Only the actors
12. Drama differs from theatre in that __________. a) It is only the performance
    b) It is the act of performing
    c) It is the written text of the play
    d) It includes dialogue and action
13. The director guides the actors and __________. a) Creates props
    b) Writes the script
    c) Oversees the production
    d) Designs costumes
14. Actors are essential because they __________. a) Write the script
    b) Manage the stage
    c) Perform roles in the play
    d) Design costumes
15. Props enhance the story by __________. a) Performing roles
    b) Organizing the stage
    c) Adding visual elements to the performance
    d) Writing the script

Class Activity Discussion:

1. Define drama and explain its importance in theatre.
2. Describe the role of a director in a theatre production.
3. What is the function of props in a performance?
4. Discuss the different types of theatre performances.
5. Explain how actors contribute to a successful play.
6. Describe the responsibilities of a stage manager.
7. What is the role of a costume designer in a theatre production?
8. Define improvisation and provide an example.
9. How does a musical differ from a regular play?
10. Discuss how drama and theatre can be used to tell stories.

Presentation:

1. Step 1: Review the basic concepts of storytelling and performance.
2. Step 2: Introduce the elements of drama and theatre, explaining their roles and significance.
3. Step 3: Engage pupils in a role-play or a short drama activity to apply the concepts.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Perform a short skit to demonstrate drama.
• Guide pupils in a discussion about different roles in theatre.
• Facilitate a practical exercise where pupils create their own short scenes.

Learners’ Activities:

• Participate in a discussion and role-play.
• Identify different roles and elements in theatre through examples.
• Create and perform a short scene in groups.

Assessment:

• Observe pupils’ participation and understanding of drama and theatre concepts.
• Review their short scene performances and discussions.

Evaluation Questions:

1. Define drama and explain its role in theatre.
2. Describe the responsibilities of a director.
3. What are props, and how do they enhance a performance?
4. Explain the concept of improvisation with an example.
5. What makes a musical different from a regular play?
6. Discuss the role of actors in a theatre production.
7. What is the function of a stage manager?
8. Describe the responsibilities of a costume designer.
9. How can theatre be used as a form of storytelling?
10. Explain how drama and theatre can impact audiences.

Conclusion:

The teacher will review pupils’ performances, provide feedback, and ensure understanding of the concepts of drama and theatre.