Silent Film Acting — Movement Unit

by Kirsten King

 

Objective:

Students will demonstrate their understanding of nonverbal communication by planning, recording, and presenting silent films.

 

Subject:

Movement, Nonverbal Communication

 

Level:

Beginner – Intermediate

 

Main Concepts:

Movement, Blocking, Communication, Film Techniques, Ensemble Acting

 

National Standards Represented:

TH:Cr1.1.8

a. Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a drama/ theatre work.

 

TH:Cr2.1.8

b. Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

 

TH:Cr3.1.8

a. Use repetition and analysis in order to revise devised or scripted drama/theatre work.

b. Refine effective physical, vocal, and physiological traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/ theatre work.

c. Implement and refine a planned technical design using simple technology during the rehearsal process for devised or scripted drama/ theatre work.

 

TH:Pr5.1.8

a. Use a variety of acting techniques to increase skills in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.

b. Use a variety of technical elements to create a design for a rehearsal or drama/theatre production.

 

Lessons

Lesson 1: Introduction to Nonverbal Communication and Movement

Educational Objective: Students will demonstrate their understanding of nonverbal communication by participating in discussion and various movement activities.

 

Lesson 2:  Intro To Silent Film

Educational Objective:  Students will demonstrate their knowledge of how movement can create meaning by analyzing different examples of movement in performance.

 

Lesson 3:  Project & Plot Structure

Education Objective:  Students will demonstrate their knowledge of plot structure by analyzing the plot structure of a short film clip and by creating their own plot structure for their silent film.

 

Lesson 4:  Movement, Blocking & Tableau

Educational Objective: Students will demonstrate their knowledge of stage pictures/tableaus by participating in tableau activities and discussions afterward.

 

Lesson 5:  Filming Techniques

Education Objective:  Students will demonstrate their understanding of the language of film through discussion, as well as the notes they take throughout the lesson.

 

Lesson 6:  Storyboarding and Film Work Day

Educational Objective:  Students will demonstrate their understanding of stage pictures and film techniques completing a storyboard as a group. Students will also demonstrate their understanding of their individual film roles as they complete worksheets.

 

Lesson 7:  Ensemble

Educational Objective: Students will demonstrate their ability to work as an ensemble by participating in various ensemble activities.

 

Lesson 8: Practice Day

Educational Objective: Students will demonstrate their understanding of nonverbal communication, film techniques, and ensemble as they work together to create and rehearse their films.

 

Lesson 9: Film Day

Educational Objective:  Students will use their time in class to work on filming their projects.

 

Lesson 10:  Movie Watching Day!

Education Objective: Students will demonstrate their summative knowledge of movement and nonverbal communication by presenting their completed films and by completing a reflection on their group and themselves.

 

 

Silent Film Movement Unit Lessons.Kirsten King