DT.RE.3: Apply criteria to evaluate dramatic work.

I.DT.RE.3.4 Develop respect for theatre, its practitioners, and conventions such as copyright law. 

Student Actions

Teacher Actions

• Explore the importance of copyright laws in scriptwriting, set and costume design, script adaptation, and the use of music in production.

• Address the importance of timelines and personal responsibility as a member of a production ensemble.

• Learn discipline, independence, and ability to maintain stage properties, costumes, equipment, and facilities.

• Develop communication strategies and problem-solving capabilities through group interaction and artistic collaboration.

• Adhere to schedules, time restraints and deadlines

• Illustrate appropriate theatre etiquette as a member of an audience, as a performer, and as a technician.

• Facilitate discussions on the importance of copyright, royalty acquisition, honoring author intent, etc.

• Have students research copyright laws and requirements for each aspect of a drama/theatre production (directing, choreography, lighting design, etc.).

• Provide opportunities for students to display proper theatre etiquette. 

• Encourage the development of etiquette requirements/standards/expectations for your program, students, and practitioners.

• Direct students to define the roles of and appreciate the collaborative relationships between all artistic partners such as playwrights, composers, directors, actors, designers, technicians, and audience.

Key Understandings

Teacher Insights

• Copyright

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Artistic collaboration

• Theatre practitioners (playwrights, composers, directors, actors, designers, technicians)

• Theatre arts are an invaluable way to learn and develop critical thinking, collaboration, work ethic, consequences of ethical/unethical behavior, using criteria, respecting others, and much more.

• The standards gained in theatre arts are beneficial to academics, careers, and life.

Resources

Lesson Ideas

Supporting Resources

• Respect the Tech! A Technical Performance Challenge, Kerry Hishon - TheatreFolk Tech challenge exercise that may be used in class. 

• Get Your First Day of Drama Class Started Out Right, Kerry Hishon - TheatreFolk Article with tips for teachers to begin the first day of drama class. 

• Copyright Laws for Theatre People, Louis E. Catron Website that explains copyright law and its application in theatre. 

• Code of Ethics for Playback Trainers and Practitioners - Playback Theatre PDF with code of ethics that could be adapted for high school use. 

• Respect, Create, Learn: Setting the Stage in a New Theatre Classroom, Gai Jones - Prompt Book Article for teachers to reference as they set classroom culture and expectations in a new classroom. 

• Theatre Etiquette - Department of Theatre and Cinema, Radford University Online article with theatre etiquette for the audience, crew, scene shop, and performers. 

• Theatrical Creation, Participation and Performance - PBS Series of videos with lesson plans, interactive activities, and more. 

• Copyright for Drama Teachers, Craig Mason - TheatreFolk Article with copyright information for teachers and students.