Structure of a Drama

General

Students learn the structure of a drama and understand its parts, including the cast list, setting, dialogue, and stage directions.

Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.5

Learning objective

Students will be able to explain the function of each part of a drama.

Introduction

Start by showing students two images on the interactive whiteboard and asking students what they have in common. Remove the grey cover to show one of the key areas of commonality, both require a script. Discuss with students that to be able to read a drama, they must also understand the parts of a script. Uncover the words- these are all parts of a script or important to drama.

Instruction

Start by showing a cast of characters for the play of Charlotte's Web. Then have the students pretend that they are a director and must cast the play. Which decisions would they make? Have students determine yes or no to the questions given. Next, explain what the setting of a drama (can) include. Then continue by explaining the acts and scenes of a drama. Have students select which images might fit with the scene given. Give them the scene for Act Two and then ask students to circle the objects that might appear in this scene. Read an example of dialogue. Explain that the lines given are the words the performer will say. Next, say that dialogue also has stage directions or information about the scene or dialogue. Show the example between Fern and Wilbur. Explain the importance of stage direction, and show what it adds to the script of a drama. Have the students form pairs and then ask them to follow the stage directions given in the bit of given dialogue - act it out!

Quiz

Students are given a set of ten questions that check their understanding of key concepts given in the lesson. These questions include questions about terminology used, who would be the best to cast, and what a performer might do in response to a stage direction.

Closing

Discuss with students what they have learned during the lesson and restate the learning goal. To close the lesson, have students write a script for a fractured fairy tale. Use the prompts given or have students write their own!

Teaching tips

If the class is dramatically inclined, you may choose to have a script of a fractured fairy tale ready or prepared and close the lesson by reading the fairy tale. This can also be done in smaller groups.