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Be sure to check the Lessons right here at the Drama-Education site.

ACT5 

• Act 5 offers professional and educational balanced courses from different areas of theatre - A Perth based organisation.

Acting Workshop OnLine (AWOL) 

• This is the place for beginning actors and actresses to learn about acting and the acting business.  For actors and actresses aspiring to become professional or for those who want to take their vocation to the highest artistic level possible. Each month or so, new "lessons" and relevant links will be posted for you to study, learn, practise, and get more info about acting.

• Welcome to the Lesson Plans Page! Please select from the following lesson plans. If you are trying to locate the current lesson plans for M. Sullivan's classes, please select "current lesson plans!" These lessons are not solely mine, but rather a gathering of plans I have acquired. Everyone is free to use them. I would welcome any feedback on these or submissions of other lesson plans. Thanks!

Arkansas State Communication Association Drama Units and Activities

• The Arkansas State Communication Association (ASCA) is a professional organization made up of high school and college speech and drama teachers. It is the goal of this organization to provide assistance to Arkansas teachers who will be teaching a course in drama. You will find two things in this section of our WWW homepage that we hope you will find useful.  First, there are six different units of study outlined that could be incorporated into a drama class. You are to use these areas as a menu.  Select from those units any combination you find appealing. Each area offers the opportunity to develop drama skills. The length of the units may vary depending on your knowledge and the student's interest.

ArtsEdge (Kennedy Centre) - Curricula, Lessons and Activities - Performing Arts

• A growing collection of ideas and lessonplans - check out the Arts mini sites as well 

Bunraku - Japanese Puppetry Theatre

• by Barbara Bishop  Explore the awe-inspiring techniques of the Bunraku puppetry masters. This Japanese art form involves the animation of large hand-crafted puppets. Their three-person puppetry techniques are unlike any other in the world.

• Includes a monthly Drama activity section, with an archive.

Classroom Lesson Plans by Matt Buchanan

• Here are links to some lesson plans I've developed for use in my Creative Drama Classroom (and a few games and lessons from others as well).  All of these lessons have been tested and proven successful in the classroom.  Let me know if they work for you.  Have a great lesson plan you'd like to share?  Send it to me!  I'll try it out and post it here.  I'm hoping eventually to have a large library of proven lesson plans here

• A series of courses compiled by Patrick M. Finelli. (Registration and payment required)

• Theatre History Cybercourse
• Contemporary Performance Theory Cybercourse
• Caribbean Theatre
• Introduction to Theatre
• Sound for the Stage

• King Lear - Teachers' Guide.
• Much Ado About Nothing - Teachers' Guide.
• The Taming of the Shrew - Teachers' Guide. 
• Julius Caesar - Teachers' Guide. 
• Language Change - Pre-Shakespeare Study.

• A haphazardly presented site with some useful insights peppered throughout.   Welcome to Illinois State University's Creative Drama WEB site. This site is intended for use with Theatre 280 Creative Drama, Theatre 381 Creative Drama Practicum, and Curriculum and Instruction 281 Core I Drama in Early Childhood Education at Illinois State University. The site was created with a small grant from the Office of Research in Arts Technology at Illinois State University. This site was written by Dr. Pamela Ritch, Professor, Department of Theatre at ISU.

Creative Drama and Theatre Resource Site

• A very comprehensive new site that offers a wonderful array of resources including lessons, frameworks for approaching classroom drama and play suggestions.

• The stories used in this lesson were collected by the author while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia, West Africa.  He lived in Zwedru, a town surrounded by the rainforest, or "the bush" as the Liberians called it.   These tales have been kid - tested and approved with students of all ages from around the world.  These stories, and any other African tales, work as a great introduction to the wealth of culture and history that Africa has to offer. Also check out Peter Martin's Hammurabi, the Priest King website - the dilemmas can be used as interesting kick off points for Drama...

• I'm a Drama teacher at Bishop Vaughan School in Swansea in South West Wales (UK). For the past few years I've given my students notes to help them in their preparation for the GCSE and A Level Drama examinations, and it occurred to me, with the advent of the Internet, that these notes may well prove useful to others outside my own school.  I make them available to you in no official capacity whatsoever. If you find them useful, great! If you find them useless, so be it! Either way, or if you have any suggestions or comments, please drop me an email to denise@bradsweb.co.uk

• In joining the name of Shakespeare with the notion of the digital--the electronic, the mechanical, the non-human--this course aims to raise questions about the roles of various technologies, "new" and "old," in the reproduction of "Shakespeare" as a cultural authority.

• Some theory, ideas and activities to get you started in the Drama classroom.

DRAMA GAMES AND WARM-UP EXERCISES

• These games are invaluable preparation for the skills and involvement required by the role plays. We strongly recommend using these prior to the role plays. There are many other warm-up activities you could use - these are just suggestions. 

• These are the most commonly played games in the Galt Collegiate Institute Drama Club.  Some games are more advanced than others and those games are played closer to the end of the school year.  Reading the suggestion box at the end can be very helpful, and make the scene more humorous.

Drama In Education site (Kenneth Taylor)

• Kenneth's site is certainly taking off - he has a range of resources and has started developing a lesson archive.  Well worth a look.

• A small but useful collection of original lessons mainly suited to Primary classes
• Yes But Dialogue Game (3+)
• Everyday Objects Come to Life (any)
• Movement Journey (K-2)
• Tour Guide (4+)
• Action Drama (3+)
• I Need Some Help (3+)
• Dramatic Feelings (any)

The Drama Library 

• Because we know that English teachers often teach both English and Drama we are delighted to be able to offer a little help in this area too.  Below is a list of Teachit's Drama materials for you to print off / download / peruse at your leisure / photocopy immediately ... We've also now added a list of useful Drama links - see the bottom of the page for these.  Any suggestions for good sites (or even your own contributions) are most welcome - just drop us a mail

Dramania

• Fun, Free, and Drama-y Things to Do for Kids (and parents and teachers, too!)

Drama Tas - Members Lesson and Ideas Exchange 

• In Tasmania, individual schools are responsible for developing their own drama curriculum from K to 8. The TasmanianSecondary Assessment Board provides Drama Syllabuses for study from years 9 to 12. Tasmanian teachers have been responsible for the development of these syllabuses and standards

• "a place where you can kick back and find some ideas for your classroom or production.
• At the Drama Teacher's Resource Room we are striving to make it easier for you to encourage creative and challenging  experiences for students in your drama classroom."

• This site contains my own collection of ideas I have used for teaching drama both in Theatre Workshop contexts for Youth Theatre Groups and for developing spoken language skills in classrooms across a variety of age and ability ranges. Encouraging the development of self-confidence through role play and dramatic improvisation is a major feature of the approach used. 

• More than a dozen lessons at Teacher's Corner on PBS

• A collection of links to Drama lesson plans and ideas - many are already listed on the page you're now reading.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES OF THE UTAH SHAKESPEAREAN FESTIVAL

• The Utah Shakespearean Festival is the place to turn when you need information about Shakespeare and other theatre people, places, and events. Thus we have opened our archives from past issues of Insights, Midsummer Magazine, educational study guides, souvenir programs, and other publications containing the articles, pictures, and other teaching aids below. They are a starting point for research and study, for teaching, and for general information.

  This resource page will grow as we put more information together and provide more aids of various kinds.

  All the resources below are fully copyrighted by the Utah Shakespearean Festival. You may, however, download and print them for educational purposes, as long as you credit the Utah Shakespearean Festival on each article or photo.

Encarta Schoolhouse Drama/Dramatics Lessons

• Part of a much larger collection of lessons.  Every learning area you can imagine is represented (however minimally)

• A series of lessons by Barbara T. Bontempo.  5 activities designed to use Drama to explore diversity (based on a novel).

• Applications in Performing Arts - We are moved by a wonderful performance, meaning that our spirits are touched, moved, changed by what we have experienced. Great performances do move us with the emotional interaction between artist and audience. But in a more literal sense, they also move us physically through the precision and artistry of the actual movements of the artist's body. For example, it is the quality of touch and movement that a master musician uses that brings forth a beautiful sound from an instrument. The FELDENKRAIS METHOD® provides us with an excellent tool for developing this artistry of movement and expressiveness in all performers, not just in those with special talents. 
• Applications in the Classroom -"Not exercise, not drama, not games, but the natural movement teachers often attempt to inhibit in their students can be channelled into productive movement-based activities to teach problem-solving and critical thinking. Learning movement and using movement for learning needn’t be restricted to early childhood, but can be applied to students of all ages. However, the sophistication and challenges of the movement needs to increase as the student matures. Through simple, effortless Feldenkrais® movement lessons, participants will discover both physical and mental benefits of what Howard Gardner calls bodily kinaesthetic intelligence."
• FELDENKRAIS® for Actors: Alan Questel interviewed by Tommie St. Cyr , an Assistant Professor of Movement, Voice and Acting. She has taught movement to the students in the University of Utah's Actor Training Program for over 5 years. 

• Fairly substantial instructions for an acting exercise.

Gateway to Educational Materials

• The Gateway provides the key to one-stop, any-stop access to high quality Internet lesson plans, curriculum units and other education resources. Browse subject and keyword lists, or search The Gateway. Retrieved records will link directly to the Internet resources they describe - it's that easy!  The Gateway currently contains over 3283 education resources. 

• This site is currently under construction but it looks to be a promising site in the future. With lesson plans, skits, theatre games and etc. 

• The material on this page was learned at an inservice some years ago. This role play was invented by Dorothy Heathcote, with the version presented below being the way we use this idea in the classroom (so any mistakes are ours). We do not know if this role play has been published in a book or periodical, and would be happy to include a credit indicating such publication.

How to Critique a Play - Theatre Reviews

• by Barbara Bishop  Students use the Play Review Checklist found at the first Trackstar Link as they read the on-line theatre reviews found at the other URLs listed at this Trackstar. Students read the review and then use the checklist to see how thorough the review was. It is best if students read reviews of plays with which they are familiar. Teachers may want to assign only some of the reviews listed here if time restricts or if students are not familiar with all plays. The checklist contains a rubric which the teacher might want to use as a way to grade students as they write their own reviews of plays.

• A website maintained by the Community Learning Network in Canada. A decent selection of resources - some duplication of sites listed on the page you are now viewing.

• A VERY interesting plan of lessons integrating theatre, art and art history. Worth checking out for creative teaching ideas.

Kids 4 Broadway

• A workshop organisation that offers some Drama activities via this website - also offer up to 12 original one-act plays written specifically for elementary and middle school students to perform.

• Lesson ideas for young children.

 Mystery and Morality Plays of Medieval English Theatre

• This Trackstar connects students with informative and interactive links to learn about the Mystery and Morality plays of the English Middle Ages.  

New York Time Learning Network

• A very useful site with a broad range of topics and materials.  Lessons may not be specifically Drama related but any decent Drama teacher will be able to adapt the materials.

• Tanya and Tim Chartier perform and teach mime, puppetry, and clowning at local, national, and international levels. Now, learn the arts from their unique style! 

• A small collection of lessons by a British drama teacher.  Site has recently been revamped.

Poetry Theatre

• from Poetryteachers.com

Saskatchewan Education Department

• An overview of a series of Drama lessons that form part of an Arts learning module.  This is from the Curriculum Overview section of this Canadian education department.

• Seegers Resources, an exciting new site providing a wealth of educational resources. Seegers Resources offers the ‘one stop’ convenience of offering a variety of educational resources all in one place...launched with resources for Hamlet by William Shakespeare. These include Hamlet lesson plans, Hamlet study notes and some historical background to the play. In support of the Hamlet educational resources we have put together a carefully selected catalogue of Hamlet audiobooks and Hamlet Videos.  Look under KNOWLEDGE NOTES 

Shakespeare Eclectic Science Fiction Interactive Theatre 

Interactive Drama Freeform Live Action Role Play & Educational Gaming Resources

• This page is basically a place for links to information about and scenarios for Interactive Drama, Freeform Role Plays, and Live Action Role Playing games. We'll also try to incorporate as much information as possible about educational use of role playing games and the like, particularly for language learning.

Shakespeare Lesson Plans and Courses 

• A very good collection of Shakespeare specific lesson plans and online courses - part of a much larger and very valuable Shakespeare site. 

• "Each month, we feature one distinctive lesson. If you are not a Shakespeare subscriber and would like to see a sample lesson, visit our lesson-of-the-month page. You may also view the current table of contents of lessons available."

• by Jackie Collier Lost Mountain Middle School This has been created for new teachers or teachers who have suddenly found themselves teaching speech/drama without having any prior experience.

• A small site that may be worth keeping an eye on.

• Stephen La Frenie has been performing mime and physical theatre for over 22 years and teaching for the last 19. An interesting site that might generate a few ideas on using Mime in your classes.  Stephen is also available to conduct workshops and performances (bear in mind he is based on Canada).  Hi site also contains quite a few outlines of teaching programs and lesson activities.

• A lesson plan developed by Curriculum Corporation (Australia)

• This link is for the Arts page - but most subject areas are covered.. There are a few Theatre Arts ideas.

• A collection of resources used to teach the classic text.

TOAS Theatre on a Shoestring - Creative Classroom Ideas 

• A Great selection of lessons, activities, information  and other classroom related materials.

Theatre 100: Introduction to Theatre

• -- Instructor: Mr. Larry Wild -- Fall 2000 --To provide the student with the fundamental knowledge of the development of western drama and the techniques of the theatrical arts of direction, acting, and design.

• A list of improv games provided by an Australian Online gaming community

Theatre History Cybercourse

• A complete on-line course in Theatre History; contains lecture notes and resources.  Has recently become a pay for use site.

• Some lesson plans and warm-up activities.  This site has gathered quite a few resources since I last looked - check it out and keep track as it grows.  This site has grown into an impressive collection of resources.  The author has an interest in Goleman's "Emotional Intellingence" and offers some lessons exploring that aspect as well... there are plans for technical lessons, practical, from K-Adult - also improvs, warm-ups and games...  

TRACKSTAR TRACKS

• Bunraku - Japanese Puppetry Theatre by Barbara Bishop  Explore the awe-inspiring techniques of the Bunraku puppetry masters. This Japanese art form involves the animation of large hand-crafted puppets. Their three-person puppetry techniques are unlike any other in the world.
• How to Critique a Play - Theatre Reviews  by Barbara Bishop  Students use the Play Review Checklist found at the first Trackstar Link as they read the on-line theatre reviews found at the other URLs listed at this Trackstar. Students read the review and then use the checklist to see how thorough the review was. It is best if students read reviews of plays with which they are familiar. Teachers may want to assign only some of the reviews listed here if time restricts or if students are not familiar with all plays. The checklist contains a rubric which the teacher might want to use as a way to grade students as they write their own reviews of plays.
• Mystery and Morality Plays of Medieval English Theatre  This Trackstar connects students with informative and interactive links to learn about the Mystery and Morality plays of the English Middle Ages. 
• Creating Sets  Play Production-This is an overview course in technical theatre and drama. As a part of the stagecraft unit, students are expected to utilize practical skills in measuring, drawing scale models, and constructing scale set models of a play to be performed during the current year. What they learn is then carried over into the actual construction of a stage set. This enables the student to recognize the value and difficulty of the technical side of a production. It also helps encourage students to consider a career on the opposite side of the curtain. This unit is found in the Content Standards and Learning Expectations of the Tennessee Curriculum Frameworks: Drama Content Standard: Level VI. The learner will understand and use processes, techniques, and materials of technical theatre
• Theatre History Drama I - Students should develop an awareness of theatre heritage and survey theatre and dramatic conventions throughout history. This internet unit will allow students to research the different eras of Theatre History. Once research has been completed, student groups will select an era of Theater History, and then each student will investigate a topic for that era. The groups will then present their findings in a 20-30 minute multimedia presentation. This unit addresses the following Content Standards and Learning Expectations of the Tennessee Curriculum Frameworks: Drama Content Standard: Level II. The student will develop an awareness of theatre heritage; Level III. The student will explore theatre heritage and history; Level IV. The student will survey theatre and dramatic conventions throughout history
• Dramatic Expression  Do your drama students sometimes lack confidence when speaking/acting before their peers? This unit helps build confidence in those students and provides creative means for exploring their imaginations. The Curriculum Standard for Theatre Arts, grade cluster 9-12, goal is to develop the means of expression for the individual through the use of drama/theatre experience. In addition, the student will identify and respond to various sensory stimuli.
• Greek Drama This is an introduction to Greek Drama with an emphasis on the history of Greek Drama and specifically tragedy. It also explores the characteristics of the tragic hero, a study of the Greek Theatre, and some information on Sophocles and his play and Antigone
• Children's Creative Theatre  K-2 / Special Education needs can be addressed using this unit. The stated Learning Gap is using higher order thinking skills through problem solving and imagination. Students use their imaginations as they study drama. The content standard for technology states the student will analyze the social impact and explore ethical issues of technology usage
• Basic Acting and Characterisation  This track is designed for a General high school Drama student beginning to learn acting skills and general characterization. Learning Gap and Curriculum Standard) Acting skills include the body positions such as cheating out, full front and profile and the ways students should use them. Most general drama students have difficulty in creating characters, they cannot make them "believable" and interesting.
• Drama  These links provide access to units that teach creative dramatics or describe various dramatic techniques. Interdisciplinary activities are also included in order to incorporate drama with social studies, reading, science, art, and other learning areas
• Creative Sparks  Is it difficult for your high school students to express themselves creatively? Sometimes free imagination is inhibited at the high school level, and it takes a little push for these students to relax. This track is based on the Curriculum Standard for Theatre Arts (Goal 1) for grade cluster 9-12: to develop means of expression for the individual through the use of drama/theatre experiences
• Rockin' the Classroom with Multimedia and Drama  A resource of drama activities, multimedia clips, and links to other web sites and organizations that are valuable for the experienced drama teacher, and the elementary teacher wanting to incorporate drama and theatre into their lessons.
• Victorian Costumes and Furniture  This track takes students through websites with information on Victorian style costumes and furniture. Great for Theatre Arts and drama students

Unit Lesson Plans (Brigham Young University) 

• A series of of Lesson Units on a range of Drama/Theatre Arts areas:
• Acting, Creating Characters, Character Development, Characterization, Improvisation, Movement and Mannerisms, Introduction to Directing, Dramatic Structure, The Stage, Costume Construction, Blocking, Scene Development

Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute 

• Marlowe and Faustus: Visceral Magicians of the Theater - Chris Angermann
• Dramatize English - Beatrice Ginter Bennetto
• Contemporary Drama: A Unit In Boundary-Breaking  - Robert L. Biral
• Images of Black Women in Drama - Belinda Carberry
• Script Writing as a Means to Effective Writing - Edward H. Fitzpatrick and D. Jill Savitt
• Drama in the Classroom - Myrella Lara
• The Family on Stage: Creative Play Production in the Classroom - Pamela M. Price
• Character Analysis: The Search for Self  - James Ramadei
• Remember the Time: An Exploration of History Through Drama by Nicolette W. Perrault
• The Mask—A West African Ceremonial Object by Sharon L. Mullen

• Mexicans: Mythology, Movement & Masterpiece (a drama curriculum unit for fifth graders) by Yel Hannon Brayton

Y Touring Theatre Company

• Y Touring Company is the national touring theatre company of the YMCA and these Web pages feature details of all the plays devised and performed by the group in schools and theatres around the country. Chief amongst these plays are "The Gift", "Cracked" and "Pig in the Middle", which, with funding from the Government and the Wellcome Trust, have all been written "to entertain and to generate informed debate and discussion about how research in the life sciences may affect more than our health in the years to come." As well as tour dates, cast details and plot synopses, which cover such issues as xenotransplantation, genetic selection and mental illness, the Web pages also give access to comprehensive teaching resources including debate materials and suggestions for classroom activities.

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