Discovering Theatrical Elements and Personnel in Play Production Cultural and Creative Arts Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Cultural and Creative Arts Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes

Week 3: Theatrical Elements and Personnel

Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 10-11 years
Topic: Theatrical Elements and Personnel
Sub-topic: Introduction to Play Production Elements and Personnel
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Identify the main elements of a play production.
2. Mention the various people involved in a play production.
3. Evaluate one Nigerian theatrical personnel in history.

Keywords

• Play production
• Theatrical elements
• Director
• Actors
• Stage
• Costumes

Set Induction

Ask the pupils if they have ever watched a play or a drama, either on stage or on television. Encourage them to share what they remember about it and highlight key elements such as the actors, costumes, and stage.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils are likely familiar with TV shows or movies that involve drama and acting. They may have some knowledge of actors and directors.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Pictures of Nigerian theatrical personnel (e.g., Hubert Ogunde)
• Videos of a short play production
• Flashcards showing elements of theatre (stage, lights, costumes)
• Diagram of a theatre stage

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Explain that just like in movies and TV shows, live play productions involve people and various elements that come together to tell a story.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Observation
• Communication
• Teamwork

Learning Materials

• Visual aids (photos, videos, flashcards)
• Reference materials on Nigerian theatre
• Flashcards with names of theatrical personnel

Reference

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Cultural and Creative Arts Textbook for Primary Schools

Content

1. Elements of a Play Production
   A play production has several important elements that work together to create a performance. These include:
   • Script: The written story or dialogue that the actors perform.
   • Stage: The physical space where the performance happens.
   • Costumes: Clothes worn by the actors to represent their characters.
   • Lighting: Used to enhance the mood and visibility of the performance.
   • Props: Items used by actors during the performance.
   • Sound/Music: Helps to create atmosphere and support the story.
2. Personnel Involved in a Play Production
   Many people work behind the scenes to make a play production successful:
   • Director: The person who oversees the entire production and gives instructions to the actors and crew.
   • Actors: The people who perform the roles in the play.
   • Playwright: The person who writes the script.
   • Stage Manager: The person in charge of managing the stage and coordinating the technical aspects of the play.
   • Costume Designer: The person responsible for designing and making the costumes.
   • Lighting and Sound Technicians: The people who control the lights and sound during the performance.
3. Nigerian Theatrical Personnel
   One important figure in Nigerian theatre history is Hubert Ogunde. He is known as the father of Nigerian theatre and was a pioneer of modern Nigerian drama. His plays often focused on social and political themes and were widely performed across Nigeria and abroad.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. The __________ is the written story or dialogue in a play.
   a) script b) stage c) costume d) sound
2. Actors wear __________ to represent their characters.
   a) lights b) clothes c) costumes d) hats
3. The __________ is the physical space where the play is performed.
   a) stage b) script c) director d) lighting
4. The person who oversees the entire play production is the __________.
   a) actor b) director c) playwright d) audience
5. Items used by actors during a performance are called __________.
   a) props b) costumes c) lighting d) music
6. The __________ manages the technical aspects of the play.
   a) playwright b) actor c) stage manager d) costume designer
7. The person who writes the play is called the __________.
   a) director b) playwright c) actor d) stage manager
8. Hubert Ogunde is known as the father of __________ theatre.
   a) Nigerian b) British c) American d) Indian
9. Lighting and sound help to create __________ in a play.
   a) atmosphere b) costumes c) props d) script
10. The __________ is responsible for designing the costumes for the actors.
    a) director b) stage manager c) costume designer d) playwright
11. Music and sound effects are important to create __________ in a play.
    a) noise b) excitement c) atmosphere d) props
12. The person who controls the lights and sound is the __________ technician.
    a) lighting b) music c) script d) costume
13. Props help to make a play more __________.
    a) realistic b) imaginary c) loud d) quiet
14. A __________ is used to show where the actors should stand on stage.
    a) script b) lighting c) stage marker d) prop
15. Costumes help actors to become their __________ in a play.
    a) friends b) characters c) directors d) audience

15 FAQs with Answers

1. What is a play production?
   A play production is the process of performing a story or drama on stage.
2. What are the elements of a play production?
   The elements include script, stage, costumes, lighting, props, and sound.
3. Who is the director in a play production?
   The director oversees the entire production and directs the actors.
4. What role do actors play in a production?
   Actors perform the roles or characters in the play.
5. What is the role of the playwright?
   The playwright writes the script or story for the play.
6. What is the function of the stage?
   The stage is where the actors perform the play.
7. Who manages the costumes for a play?
   The costume designer is responsible for the actors’ costumes.
8. What are props in a play production?
   Props are objects or items used by actors during the performance.
9. How does lighting affect a play?
   Lighting helps to set the mood and atmosphere of the play.
10. Who is Hubert Ogunde?
    He is considered the father of Nigerian theatre and a pioneer of modern Nigerian drama.
11. Why is sound important in a play?
    Sound and music help to create atmosphere and support the story.
12. What does the stage manager do?
    The stage manager coordinates the technical aspects of the play and ensures everything runs smoothly.
13. What is the importance of costumes in a play?
    Costumes help actors look like the characters they are portraying.
14. Can a play be performed without props?
    Yes, but props make the play more realistic and interesting.
15. What makes Nigerian theatre unique?
    Nigerian theatre often focuses on social, cultural, and political issues.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher introduces the concept of play production and the different elements involved.
Step 2: The teacher explains the roles of the people involved in play production (director, actors, playwright, etc.).
Step 3: Pupils evaluate the life and work of Hubert Ogunde, discussing his impact on Nigerian theatre.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the elements of play production using examples.
• Discuss the different roles and responsibilities of theatrical personnel.
• Show pictures of famous Nigerian theatrical personnel like Hubert Ogunde.

Learners’ Activities

• Identify and name elements of a play production.
• Mention the various people involved in a play production.
• Discuss the contribution of Hubert Ogunde to Nigerian theatre.

Assessment

Pupils should be able to identify the elements and personnel involved in a play production and evaluate the contribution of Hubert Ogunde to Nigerian theatre.

10 Evaluation Questions

1. Name two elements of a play production.
2. Who is responsible for writing the script of a play?
3. What role does the director play in a production?
4. Who are the people that perform the roles in a play?
5. What are props used for in a play?
6. Why are costumes important in play production?
7. Name one Nigerian theatrical personnel and their contribution.
8. What is the purpose of lighting in a play?
9. Who manages the technical aspects of the play?
10. What is one thing you learned about Hubert Ogunde?

Conclusion

The teacher will go around to assess pupils’ understanding of the elements and personnel involved in play production. Corrections and guidance will be given where necessary.

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