-unit overview-

Expression Through Art: Commentary on Speak

Class: Drama 1

Unit Objective: Students will use the novel Speak to create a single cohesive design including: director’s concept, costume design, set design, light design, sound design; exploring the importance of artistic expression.

Essential Questions:

• When words fall short, how can we use art to express ourselves?
• How can expression of ideas and feelings be effectively communicated through theatre design choices?

Enduring Understandings:

• In life and in theatre, there are many ways to express meaning non-verbally.
• Being able to justify and explain creative choices is important.
• There are many facets of theatre.

Standards: TH:Cr1.1.HSI

a. Apply basic research to construct ideas about the visual composition of a drama/theatre work.

b. Explore the impact of technology on design choices in a drama/theatre work.

c. Use script analysis to generate ideas about a character that is believable and authentic in a drama/theatre work.

Big Ideas:

• Main character uses art to express herself; we can do this too
• How to discuss difficult topics in art
• Why it’s important to discuss difficult topics in art

Lessons:

1. Art as Expression: Mandarin
2. Director’s Concept: Becca
3. Costumes: Michaella
4. Set
5. Light
6. Sound
7. Overall Pitch/Production Meeting