Curriculum Based Readers

Theatre
Definition

Curriculum Based Readers Theater (CBRT)- curriculum based topics presented

through script reading. CBRT is an arts-integrated instructional strategy that combines
traditional Readers Theatre with reading, writing, fluency, speaking, content learning and
rehearsing and performing.

Vocabulary
Actors Neutral- A comfortable and controlled way of standing to show focus and
preparedness.
1. Actors turn their voices to a level (0).
2. Actors make the facilitator or current speaker their focal point.
3. Actors relax their arms at their sides.
4. Actors stand shoulder width apart.
Actor- a person who performs/speaks in a play.
Audience- the people watching and listening to the performance.
Cues- a signal to an actor/ speaker to enter or begin their speech.
Director- a person who is in charge of assigning speaking parts.
Facial Expression- the look on someones face that communicates a particular emotion.
Gestures- a movement of part of the body, usually the hand or head, to express an idea
or meaning.
Lines- the words making up the dialogue or speech of the play.
Performance- the presentation of a script with the actors in front of the audience.
Rehearsal- the practice of the script before the performance.
Script- the written text of a play
Sound Effect- a sound used created by the actor, to make a storytelling point without the
use of the dialogue.

Resources/ materials
Created by: Rosalind M. Flynn, a Kennedy Center Associate
www.rosalindflynn.com
 Directions

1. Choose content related script. Disburse scripts to students

and have students do a silent first read.
2. Choose one person to be the script director.
3. Director will assign speaking parts to members of the
group. (If more solo parts exist than member,
double/triple up parts.)
4. Have actors highlight their solo lines.
5. With the assistance of the director, begin initial read
aloud, pausing to make decisions about the gestures and
sound effects that will be performed.
6. Rehearse the script, focusing on cues, gestures, and sound
effects. Remind student that the words in brackets are
stage directions.
7. Actors are to hold scripts in their lefts hand and gesture
with the right.
8. Director will help determine actors stage positions.
9. Actors to take stage positions and rehearse script again.
10. Director to guide rehearsal, focusing on gestures, cues
and ensuring group lines are being spoken in unison.
11. When actors feel confident, present for the audience.