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Acting Resources

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Curriculum

Search through model lesson plans for grades K-12 created by educators for EdTA as a part of the 2020 EdTA Lesson Plan Project.

  • Forum Theatre
    High School Advanced lesson by Kaz Chandler. In this lesson, students investigate the techniques of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed through Forum Theatre in exploring reform of social issues through theatrical convention.
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  • Viewpoints Life Story
    High School Advanced lesson by Kaz Chandler designed for students to practice the 4 Viewpoints of Time and create an original composition using those Viewpoints.
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  • Using Different Action Techniques in Rehearsal
    High School Advanced lesson by Shira Schwartz. In this lesson students work with at least 2 different acting techniques to help create believable characters and reflect on the rehearsal process.
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Professional Learning

  • The Meisner Technique— Keys to Great Acting
    Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Certificate Includes a Live Web Event on 07/19/2022 at 4:00 PM (EDT)

    In this webinar, Acting Teacher Robyn Cohen (Artistic Director of The Cohen Acting Studio and Professional Actor), will explore with attendees the Meisner technique and its powerful foundations and fundamentals. Through a series of Meisner-based interactive exercises, teachers will discover what it means to “Live truthfully under imaginary circumstances,” and come away with a deeper understanding of Meisner’s methods, as well as concrete ideas, practices and exercises they can share with their classrooms.

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      • Non-member - $49
      • Thespian Troupe Director - Free!
      • Junior Thespian Troupe Director - Free!
      • Thespian - Free!
      • Professional Member - Free!
      • EDTA Staff - Free!

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  • Teaching Theatre to Students on the Spectrum
    Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Certificate Recorded On: 05/10/2022

    This training will help drama teachers identify what areas their actors on the spectrum need support with, along with ideas of how to appropriately offer that support. In addition, we will explore how to build an inclusive acting ensemble where everyone is valued and appreciated for their creativity and unique contributions.

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      • Non-member - $49
      • Thespian Troupe Director - Free!
      • Junior Thespian Troupe Director - Free!
      • Thespian - Free!
      • Professional Member - Free!
      • EDTA Staff - Free!

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  • Why Every Student Should Think Like A Dramaturg
    Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Certificate Recorded On: 03/25/2022

    Dramaturg and theatre artist Lindsay Kujawa makes an important case for understanding the historical and cultural context of a performance piece to become a better actor, director or technician.

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      • Non-member - $49
      • Thespian Troupe Director - Free!
      • Junior Thespian Troupe Director - Free!
      • Thespian - Free!
      • Professional Member - Free!
      • EDTA Staff - Free!

      Continue

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Enjoy these Model Cornerstone Assessments

Enjoy several free Model Cornerstone Assessment Units below. Learn more about Model Cornerstone Assessments.

  • HS-I Proficient MCA: Character Based Improv
    Students will choose a character from a suggested genre (fairy tale, nursery rhyme, or other literary source) with which they are familiar and complete the Character Analysis Worksheet. All students will then be given the same set of scene parameters that includes a place, situation and clearly-defined obstacle to overcome. Working with an assigned partner, students will improvise and perform a three-minute scene in character.
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  • HS-I Proficient MCA Finding the Meaning Behind Movement
    This musical theatre unit focuses on the student actor finding the meaning behind the character's movement on stage while performing a song. Emphasis is on replacing movement for movement's sake by character driven movement. Authors: Theatre Educator Jordan Herskowitz with Actor, Director & Choreographer Brian Curl
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  • HS-I Proficient MCA: Crafting and Refining the Monologue
    Students will select a monologue from one of the pre-selected choices. They will engage in script scoring by making choices about the monologue they have selected and work to prepare for two separate performances (Baseline and Summative). The students will then present their monologue for the class and teacher in a collaborative setting.
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