Alternative Theatre Assignment

Learning Goals:

Demonstrate an understanding of how drama questions social and cultural conditions in a variety of Canadian and
global traditions.
use a variety of techniques to increase interaction with or participation by the audience
select and use a variety of technological tools, including forms of new media, to highlight the message and
enhance the impact of drama works; plus help convey mood, create tension, and suggest universal connections

TASK: In groups of four, you will have to choose a social/political issue and an alternative theatre style (or
mix of styles) for the basis of a devised performance, plus a media/technology format to enhance your dramatic
scene.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Alternative Theatre Styles

Epic Theatre
Theatre of Cruelty
Theatre of the Absurd
Theatre of the Oppressed

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Environment
Poverty
War
Addiction
Technology
Human rights

Social/Political Issues
8. Homelessness
9. Violence
10. Terrorism
11. Racism
12. Other, speak to Ms. Lillie

Proposal:
As a group, you are expected to write a proposal for a political/social issue that you feel strongly about
(that means something to you) that you would like to explore theatrically. Think about current events
and real life issues. Consider things that you would like to change about the world? Society? People in
general? Remember, make it personal. You want to be passionate about it so that you can explore it and
fully discuss and share with the class.
In your proposal, also discuss how you may want to or can use theatre to explore your particular issue.
What theatrical style(s) could lend themselves nicely to explore this issue?
Also, include some brainstorming notes and any research materials you have gathered which relate to
your issue or theme. These may include newspaper stories, quotes, Youtube videos, songs, poems,
stories, dances, photos, magazine clippings, etc.
Script:
Create a script utilizing your choices for topic/issue, style, and role for each group member
Ensure each member has an understanding of the theatrical style (or mix of styles) they want to use
Remember to use all available techniques and conventions of your style(s) to create a powerful social or
political form of theatre ie. narration, tableaux, sounds, chants, shock value, symbolism, alienation
techniques, breaking the 4th wall, rhythmic mime and gestures, colourful costumes, image theatre, etc
Research relevant information on the issue and bring notes to class
Submit a copy of your script with stage directions. Running time should be 5-10 minutes.
Rehearse like a fiend
Technology/Media:
Ensure that you have access and working knowledge of the electronic media you wish to use for
enhancing your scene.
Figure out how to incorporate this technology and electronic media into your script in a relevant and
meaningful way

PART ONE Proposal and Rehearsal Rubric

Categories
Expectations
-Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of a variety of facts related
Knowledge

Thinking

Communication

Application

to the style, issue and media enhancement

-Demonstrates knowledge of stage positioning, style, gestures
and actions to make format credible to audience
-Student contributes ideas, feedback, and positive energy to
rehearsals
-Tons of experimentation and/or group work skills shown in
rehearsal
-Proposal is detailed and thorough; includes notes, research
-outlines plan of action for devised theatrical style(s)
-Script employs proper execution of style, media and role
opportunities
-Script is written in the correct format, is legible and clear
-Prepares and rehearses the script with focus
-Actor applies safety rules in an exceptional manner
-Integrates the Learning Goals into the Script Objectives

Achievement

Mark

R - 1 + - 2 + - 3+ - 4 +
R - 1 + - 2 + - 3+ - 4 +
R - 1 + - 2 + - 3+ - 4 +
R - 1 + - 2 + - 3+ - 4 +
R - 1 + - 2 + - 3+ - 4 +
R - 1 + - 2 + - 3+ - 4 +
R - 1 + - 2 + - 3+ - 4 +
R
R
R
R

1
1
1
1

+
+
+
+

2
2
2
2

+
+
+
+

3+
3+
3+
3+

4
4
4
4

+
+
+
+

Rubric Questions: Reflection

After completing your own performance and viewing the scenes of your colleagues, consider the following
questions:
1. Do you think drama is a good vehicle for raising peoples awareness and changing perspectives on

issues? Explain your opinion using examples from the various performances.

2. In what way did you have to alter your acting approach to be able to create character(s) or act in this

specific style(s) of theatre? Be specific and give examples.

3. What technological tools did you use to enhance your piece of theatre? Explain how electronic media

can be used to highlight and promote the themes in a script.

4. What were the challenges, solutions and areas to improve for the plan and performance of this project

for your group?

PART TWO Devised Performance

Categories

LEVEL FOUR
(100 80%)

LEVEL THREE
(79 70%)

LEVEL TWO
(69 60%)

LEVEL ONE
(59 50%)

Knowledge
Style Principles
and techniques

Demonstrates thorough
knowledge/understanding
of chosen style(s)

Demonstrates good
knowledge/understanding
of chosen style(s)

Demonstrates some
knowledge/understanding
of chosen style(s)

Demonstrates limited
knowledge/understand
ing of chosen style(s)

Electronic Media

Demonstrates thorough
knowledge/understanding
of electronic media

Demonstrates good
knowledge/understanding
of electronic media

Demonstrates some
knowledge/understanding
of electronic media

Demonstrates limited
knowledge/understand
ing of electronic media

Memorization

Script is completely
memorized
Thorough analysis,
research and exploration
of chosen political, social
or cultural issue

Script is almost totally

memorized
Good analysis, research
and exploration of chosen
political, social or cultural
issue

Script is somewhat
memorized
Some analysis, research
and exploration of chosen
political, social or cultural
issue

Script is hardly
memorized
Limited analysis,
research and
exploration of chosen
issue

Excellent use of stage

space/blocking to explore
style. Actions are always
stylized and directed to
intended audience
Appeals to audiences
auditory and visual
senses; breaks the 4th wall;
desired effect is extremely
evident

Good use of stage

space/blocking to explore
theatrical style. Actions
are stylized and directed
to intended audience
Appeals to audiences
senses; interacts with
audience; desired effect is
noticeable

Satisfactory use of stage

space; somewhat reflects
needs of style; some work
needed on blocking

Ineffective use of
space; little evidence
of blocking for style

Somewhat appeals to
audiences senses; some
interactions; desired effect
is not obvious

Limited attempt to
interact with audience
and appeal to senses;
no desired effect
evident

Storyline/narrative

Provocative, shocking,
critical and true to style
and issue

Clear and mostly

effective; consistent with
style and issue

Somewhat clear and

story/narrative; adheres to
style and issue somewhat

Story/narrative is
limited; no evidence
of style/issue chosen

Vocal Work

Extremely expressive and

shows variety through
pitch, rate, stress and
projection; enhances
meaning

Expressive and
shows changes in pitch,
rate and stress; good
projection; shows
meaning

Shows some
expressiveness; some
projection and hints at
meaning

Vocal work is
LIMITED; does not
enhance meaning

Rubric questions

Thorough and detailed

reflections
Media enhancement
clearly promotes the
objectives of the style/
issue of the script during
performance

Completed with good

reflections
Media Enhancement
promotes the objectives of
the style and issue of the
script during performance

Some areas completed;

more details needed
Media Enhancement
somewhat promotes the
objectives of the style and
issue of the script during
performance

Limited reflections; no
thought put into it
Media Enhancement
rarely promotes the
objectives of the style
and issue of the script
during performance

Focus

Actor shows exceptional

focus through challenging
techniques and material

Actor demonstrates
considerable focus
onstage

Actor is occasionally
focused in performance

Actor is rarely focused

in performance

Style

Actions and effects are

always connected to the
chosen theatre style(s) and
techniques

Actions and effects are

usually connected to the
chosen theatre style(s) and
techniques

Actions and effects are

somewhat connected to
the chosen theatre style(s)
and techniques

Actions and effects are

rarely connected to the
chosen theatre style(s)
and techniques

Production
Elements (props,
costumes, music)

Prod. elements thoroughly

ensure that the audience
thinks critically about the
issues(s).

Prod. elements are useful

and make audience think
about the issue(s)

Prod. elements show some

thought; and make
audience reflect somewhat
on issue(s).

Prod. elements are

limited; used in a
limited way to make
audience think.

Thinking
Social Issue

Blocking/use of
stage

Communication
Effect on Audience

Application
Media
Enhancement

Comments:

R <
50%