by Karlee Brading, Rebecca McDonnell & Jana Wilhite
UNIT: Monologues & Auditions
HS Beginning Drama
Authors: Karlee Brading, Rebecca McDonnell, Jana Wilhite
Unit Objective: Students will be able to demonstrate their ability to show contrasting characters by mock-auditioning with two monologues.
Enduring Understandings:
Students make strong choices to effectively convey meaning.
Students develop communication, confidence, and voice skills.
Students reflect to understand the impact of drama processes and theatre experiences.
Students critically inquire about drama processes and productions to inform their work.
Essential Questions:
How can we use this if we never did theatre again?
How can we foster understanding between self and others through critical awareness, social responsibility, and the exploration of empathy?
In what ways can research into history, literature, and performances alter our understanding of our surroundings?
Standards for the Unit:
TH.CR.3.HSI c. Explore physical, vocal and psychological choices to develop a performance that is believable, authentic, and relevant to a theatrical work.
TH.PR.4.HSI a. Research various character objectives and tactics in a theatrical work to overcome an obstacle.
TH.PR.4.HSI b. Apply pacing to better communicate the story in a theatrical work.
TH.RE.7.HSI a. Respond to what is seen, felt, and heard in a theatrical work to develop criteria for artistic choices.
TH.CN.10.HSI a. Investigate how cultural perspectives, community ideas and personal beliefs impact a theatrical work.
TH.CN.11.HSI b. Use basic theatre research methods to better understand the social and cultural background of a theatrical work.
TH.PR.5.HSI a. Use a variety of acting techniques to expand skills in a rehearsal or theatrical performance.
TH.PR.6.HSI a. Perform a scripted theatrical work for a specific audience.
Objective: Students will be able to demonstrate their initial understanding of monologues by selecting a dramatic monologue to work with throughout the unit.
Objective: Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of monologues by identifying key features of a monologue in their own dramatic pieces.
Objective: Students will demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills by exploring and experimenting with various memorization techniques.
Objective: Students will demonstrate their understanding of contrasting monologues through selecting a comedic monologue and analyzing their monologue in comparison with the dramatic monologue already selected.
Objective: Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of how culture, community, and personal beliefs impact their selection and presentation of a monologue by presenting background research on their monologue.
Objective: Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of professionalism, slate, and responding to an audition by presenting and giving feedback to auditions in small groups.
