An Introduction to Theatre through Literature

This scheme is suitable for early KS3 and was designed with an English Literature focus though it could be used for Drama or Theatre Studies if desired.

Develops: Knowledge

This scheme of work introduces conventions of theatre.
Throughout the scheme, students explore the origins of theatre, Shakespearean texts, modern scripts and the history and conventions of theatre.

The scheme focuses on the evolution of theatre at its core and explores that theme through a variety of methods including: history of theatre and Shakespeare; analysis of Greek, Shakespearean and modern texts; creative writing; and performance.

The Scheme is focused into two parts (originally intented to spread across two half terms). The first half has more of a literature focus whereas the second half has more of a dramatic/Speaking and Listening focus.

Part 1
Lessons 1, 2 and 3 focus on the origin of Greek theatre, the introduction of stock characters, including protagonists and antagonists and some analysis of an extract from the Greek play Alcestis.
- Teaches history of theatre
- Introduces key vocabulary
- Introduces stock characters and their traits
- Teaches analysis of script
Lessons 4 and 5 introduce Shakespeare and explore Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking.
- Introduces history of Shakespeare
- Develops evolution of character
- Analysis of Shakespearean text with a focus on characterisation
Lesson 6 explores modern theatre and how characters have evolved in literature.
- makes links to the evolution of literature and characters within.
Lesson 7, 8, 9 and 10 build toward a written assessment in which students compare ‘Unto the Breach’ (Henry V) to an extract from The Hunger Games. This assessment has a literature focus and uses the ‘What/How/Why’ paragraph structure, though this could be easily adapted to PEE or similar.
- Develops use of literature essay. Could be used to introduce comparison of Shakespearean and modern texts OR the two texts could be explored individually.
Lessons 11 and 12 explore the Witches Spell from Macbeth and encourage students to explore Mise-en-Scene, stagecraft and creative poetry.
- Students continue to explore Shakespearean language and text
- Students write their own texts using Shakespeare’s poetic style.

Part 2
Lessons 1 and 2 explore TV and radio scripts and looks at the difference between them.
- Students develop an understanding of script conventions and how modern TV and radio is made.
Lessons 3 and 4 encourage line learning and performance through use of modern script.
- Students learn how to memorise script and build confidence in performing.
Lessons 5 and 6 allow students to write their own monologues as well as learn them.
- Students hone their creative writing and utilise the knowledge they have gleaned from the course.
Lessons 7 and 8 ask students to rehearse and perform their monologues.
- Students build confidence in performing and learn how to critique positively and support each other through performance.