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LBS 405: Engineering & the Arts in the Elementary Classroom

THEATRE MODULE
Notetaking & Assignment Guide

Name: Arianna Abundis

Class Section: 01
Instructor Name: Melissa Navarro
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Scoring

____ Reviewed only for Elementary Subject Matter Waiver

____ Scored for points. Total Points ______ out of 30

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Section I: What is Theatre?

I. Quick Write. Before beginning this module, write your responses to the following questions in your
own words:
a. What is theatre?
Theatre is a story told through performance. In theatre there are many components as
to how the story is made, how it will be told, and who will be telling it. There is also a
component of genre which is determined by the emotions conveyed through the
performance.
b. What types of experiences have you had with theatre?
I mostly had my experiences with theatre through my schooling career from elementary
school all the way up until college. I have seen many different plays and musicals either
at my school theatre or at a local theater in Los Angeles. Just last year in 2018 I was able
to attend the musical Come from Away in a theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
c. How do you feel about theatre, either as a participant or as an audience member?
I often forget how much I enjoy theatre, mostly as a participant. After I see theatre live
it always makes me want to be a part of the show. As a child I was always performing on
stage for dance and cheerleading so seeing performers live always makes me feel
nostalgic of my childhood.

II. Origins of Theatre

a. In your own words, explain the origins of theatre. Address how theatre came about and the
characteristics of early theatrical performances.
Just like everything else in our world, theatre had to have come from somewhere.
Theatre was born along with human existence. Theatre began at the exact moment
when humans began to express their emotions, experiences, and worships through
drama, storytelling, and “ritualistic ceremonies” (Younts, p. 1). Within these first ritual
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ceremonies came impersonations of God’s and animals through masks and behaviors.
This would only lead our society into what it is today in terms of theatre. Just like
society, humans, and civilizations have evolved, so did theatre.

III. Development of Theatre Over Time

a. Explain how theatre developed over time, from its origins to its modern characteristics. Select
three different time periods throughout history and explain how theatre differed during each
period.
The first time period of theatre was the classical period which took place 600BC-600AD.
The main focus of this time period was the development of the genres of comedy and
tragedy by the famous philosopher Aristotle. Years following came the renaissance
period. Which was from 1500-1650.It was also known as revenge of tragedy because so
many theatre plots involved murder, death, revenge, and madness. In this time period,
Shakespeare became well known. Following this period came the restoration period
which lasted up until the 1700’s. Unlike the two previous periods of theatre, the
restoration period had an emphasis on satirical humor pointed at any other class
besides the rich. Having wealth and flaunting your materialized lifestyle was a center
piece of the time.
IV. Personal Preference
a. If you could be alive during any time period and experience theatre, which time period would
you choose? Why would you select this time period? Explain the characteristics of theatre
during this time period and why you are attracted to it.
If I could choose to be alive during a time period of theatre, it would have to be during
the renaissance period simply because I enjoy dark stories. I get really invested into
tragic drama, murder stories, and anything horror. Horror films are one of my favorite
genres and to have a time period of theatre that is emphasized on that expression really
interests me.

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Section II: Analysis of Script & Performance

I. Summary of Theatre Elements

a. Write a one-paragraph summary (approximately 150 words) of the elements of a theatre
production. Explain how the elements work together to create a production.
There are four main elements of theatre. The first element is the script, text, scenario,
and even plan. This is how the theatre is created and developed. These are basically the
instructions for how the story is going to be told what the story actually is. Without this
element there would be no theatre. Next element is the process, once the first element
is finished, the process starts to happen which is where the coordinating and efforts
beginning to take place to bring the theatre to life. The process takes the first element
and begins to put it together with many contributors such as actors, directors, and other
dancers or musicians. The third element is the product, which is where the finalization
of the theatre takes place. After all the contribution from the two previous elements,
the product is what remains. Lastly is the audience element which is how actors and
play writers can get inspired. With an audience there is audience participation that may
be required which can change a whole theatre. Each and every one of these elements

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go hand in hand with one another, there cannot be one without the other. If there is
then it is not a complete theatre.

II. Mini-Analysis of a Script

a. Name of Script: Blue Christmas by Walter Wykes

b. Identify the follow aspects of the chosen script. Copy and paste the information from the script
to the different areas to demonstrate your ability to identify these aspects.

Downtown Las Vegas

Setting

GEORGE stands on a street corner, dressed as Santa Claus, ringing a bell

Character and taking donations.]
Descriptions

[SAMMY slides a hand inside GEORGE’s Santa suit.]

Stage
Directions

Dialogue
SAMMY: So this is what—community service?

GEORGE: Yeah. I had to do twenty hours. This is my last day. But I kind
of like it, so I think I’m gonna volunteer. Help spread good cheer, you
know. The Christmas spirit and all that.

SAMMY: That’s actually kind of sweet. Most guys I know wouldn’t

volunteer to do the dishes.

GEORGE: You know, you’re very nice for a whore. I mean hooker. I
mean … what’s the politically correct term?

III. Mini-Analysis of a Performance

a. Name of Performance: Shelter: Una Sobre Travesias

b. Venue Viewed: online

c. Analysis (approximately 3 paragraphs):

i. Overview of the Play
In the beginning of the play we are introduced to the seven characters, Maria
Ernesto, Pancho, Alicia, Jazmin, Xavier, and Julian which all happened to be

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teenagers from the ages 13-15. These teens happened to be immigrating into
the united states from Mexico. As they are waiting for someone to help them,
they attempt to catch this train, La Bestia that will take them to the US. During
their attempt they get caught by ICE and are sent to refugee camps where the
plays then focuses on other refugee stories.
ii. Explanation & Analysis of Elements of Theatre
This play fully executed the elements of theatre as there were hardly any
exaggerated props used, the actors were able to fully showcase a story and
reach the emotions of the audience. There were various scenes that depict true
hardship and emotion that the characters face as well as how their story should
be heard.
iii. Personal Response
I personally liked the play as it allowed me to join the characters on their
emotional rollercoaster of a journey. The actors did a well captivating job at
keeping the audience (me) entertained and emotional right along with them. I
felt like I was riding the train with them as well as facing these dangers with the
way they demonstrated their fear and hopefulness to only get caught by ICE.
This piece was overall heart felt and well showcased.

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Section III: Theatre in the Elementary Classroom

I. Quick Write. Based on what you know about theatre so far, how might you imagine incorporating
theatre and performance into the elementary classroom as a teacher?
I would incorporate theatre through lots of hands on and physical activities where the students
are either acting themselves in order to understand theatre elements or are creating art works
and different forms to demonstrate their understandings. There were two main activities that
caught my attention in which I would love to try as a future teacher. Both activities require art
projects and the student actively participating to demonstrate a full understanding of theatre.
II. Mini-Activity Plan

Activity #1
Name of Activity Actor’s Tool box

Learning Objective Students will be able to understand the different elements of acting and how
to use those elements.

Materials Needed A script; each student will get a designated actor

Summary of How Each student will get an actor from a script the class is using. Each student will
Activity Unfolds then see what is inside their tool box which would be the five tools each actor
(Be specific!) uses when creating a scene. Then the students will take turn practicing each
tool. Once they have gotten through all the tools, the students will use those
tools to create a scene presented from the script with each actor.

Activity #2
Name of Activity Classroom Wax Museum
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Learning Objective Students will be able to interact with historical figures they may or may not
know. They will be able to ask questions, listen to and learn from students
dressed as historical figures.

Materials Needed Paper, poster boards, pencils, markers, props, desks (if needed), and computer
or books for research.

Summary of How Students will choose historical figures they are interested in and will research
Activity Unfolds them. They will then create a poster board with information about them, as
(Be specific!) well as a costume to dress up in, and will give a little presentation of
themselves to the students as they press their “button”.