Unit Plans

Students use improvisation to vary established patterns and to develop an idea or theme. They combine the basic elements of the dance form(s) into sequences, describe dance works using the language of dance criticism, and reflect on their own work and that of others.

Students learn about the history of Greek theatre, with specific focus on the conventions of the Greek chorus, ritual and choral speaking. Using many of these techniques, students explore the story of Persephone, who was kidnapped from her parents Zeus and Demeter by Hades and taken to the Underworld to be his wife.

This unit explores a genre of theatre that has gained importance and popularity in recent theatre history. Verbatim Theatre involves the creation of theatre that is drawn from word-for-word interviews with real people. It has been used to explore events in recent history such as 9/11, the murder of Matthew Shepard, and the race riots in Los Angeles. It also documents the voices of people from the margins, such as homeless youth or caregivers from the Philippines. Students might be familiar with the genre of the docudrama from prior drama courses, but they will certainly be familiar with reality television that has exploded in the last decade. Verbatim Theatre is designed to deepen their encounter and exploration of reality-based dramas. The unit could be used as the groundwork for the creation of a Verbatim theatre performance piece around a theme that is loosely explored in the unit: the theme of change.

In this unit, students define the concept of home and explore its importance in their lives. Students examine the historical event Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Students research and dramatize situations of leaving, losing and rebuilding home. Created in 2010 for 2009 Ontario Curriculum Support.