Lesson Plan
Tech Theatre Finale
Students will demonstrate their understanding of technical theatre concepts by completing a chosen project: a 3D set model, a costume design with alterations, or a lighting/sound design.
This project allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world theatre scenarios, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on skills essential for a career in technical theatre.
Audience
10th Grade
Time
4 x 90 minutes
Approach
Project-based learning with student choice and practical application.
Materials
White model packet (provided by teacher), Cardstock/Thick Paper, Scissors, X-Acto Knives, Glue/Tape, Rulers, Pencils, Drawing/Sketching Supplies, Fabric Swatches, Sewing Machine/Hand Sewing Supplies, Lighting/Sound Design Software (optional), Access to relevant technical theatre equipment (optional), Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide, and Tech Theatre Finale Rubric
Prep
Teacher Preparation
60 minutes
- Review all generated materials: Tech Theatre Finale Lesson Plan, Tech Theatre Finale Slide Deck, Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide, and Tech Theatre Finale Rubric.
- Prepare and organize white model packets (if applicable).
- Ensure access to any necessary tools for costume design (sewing machines, fabric, etc.) or technology for lighting/sound design.
- Print copies of the Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide and Tech Theatre Finale Rubric for each student.
- Set up workstations or designated areas for each project type.
Step 1
Session 1: Introduction & Initial Planning
90 minutes
Hook (5 minutes)
- Begin by asking students: 'Imagine you're given a blank stage and a script. What's the very first technical element that comes to your mind, and why is it crucial for telling the story?'
- Briefly discuss student responses, connecting them to the diverse roles within technical theatre.
### Project Introduction (15 minutes)
- Use the Tech Theatre Finale Slide Deck to introduce the final exam project.
- Explain that this is a project-based assessment designed to showcase their skills in a chosen technical theatre discipline.
- Distribute the Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide and briefly go over the three project options: Set Design (White Model), Costume Design, or Lighting/Sound Design.
- Emphasize that this is an individual project and they will have four 90-minute sessions to work on it, starting today.
### Project Selection & Initial Planning (70 minutes)
- Allow students to individually review the Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide and select their preferred project.
- Encourage students to begin brainstorming, researching, and sketching initial ideas based on their chosen project.
- Circulate around the room, answering questions, providing guidance as students make their selections and begin planning, and approving initial concepts.
Step 2
Session 2: Dedicated Project Work
90 minutes
- Students will now independently work on their chosen project.
- For Set Design: Continue providing access to scale print-outs, cutting tools, glue, etc. Offer assistance with understanding scale and construction techniques.
- For Costume Design: Continue providing access to fabric scraps, sewing supplies, and design resources. Guide students on basic alterations or design principles.
- For Lighting/Sound Design: Continue providing access to computers with relevant software or design templates. Offer guidance on technical specifications and creative choices.
- Continuously circulate, offering individualized support, answering technical questions, and prompting deeper thinking about their design choices.
- Cool Down (5 minutes): At the end of the session, ask students to write down one challenge they faced today and how they plan to overcome it in the next session.
Step 3
Session 3: Dedicated Project Work
90 minutes
- Students will continue to independently work on their chosen project, aiming for significant progress.
- Offer targeted support and troubleshooting for any technical issues or creative blocks students might be experiencing.
- Encourage peer feedback where appropriate, fostering a collaborative yet individual learning environment.
- Cool Down (5 minutes): Ask students to verbally share with a partner their biggest accomplishment today and what their next steps are for the final session.
Step 4
Session 4: Final Project Work & Submission
90 minutes
- Students will use this session for final touches, refinements, and ensuring all deliverables are met according to the Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide and Tech Theatre Finale Rubric.
- Circulate to answer last-minute questions and provide final guidance.
- Submission (15 minutes before end): Announce time for students to organize their work for submission.
- Remind students to ensure all components outlined in the Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide are ready.
- Collect all projects and any accompanying documentation (design sketches, notes, artist/designer statements).
- Cool Down & Reflection (15 minutes): Lead a brief class discussion: 'What was the most challenging part of your project, what was the most rewarding, and what technical theatre skill do you feel you've improved the most?' Collect reflections or have students do a quick written exit ticket.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Your Technical Theatre Finale!
Showcase Your Skills!
This is your chance to shine and demonstrate everything you've learned in Technical Theatre. Get ready to create!
Welcome students and set the stage for the final project. Emphasize the opportunity to showcase their learning.
The Big Idea: Choose Your Path
A Project-Based Final Exam
- Individual Work: This is your chance to demonstrate YOUR skills.
- Your Choice: Select the area of technical theatre you're most passionate about!
Introduce the idea of a project-based final. Explain it's an individual effort and they have a choice.
Option 1: Set Design
Build a 3D White Model
- Concept: Take a provided scale print-out of a set design.
- Task: Construct a miniature, three-dimensional white model of the set.
- Skills: Precision, understanding of scale, attention to detail.
Go over the first option: Set Design. Explain the white model concept.
Option 2: Costume Design
Design & Alter a Costume
- Concept: Create an original costume design for a character/play.
- Task: Source or adapt a garment and make actual alterations or additions based on your design.
- Skills: Creativity, sewing, understanding of character through costume.
Explain the second option: Costume Design. Highlight the alteration aspect.
Option 3: Lighting/Sound Design
Create a Lighting or Sound Design
- Concept: Choose a scene or short play (provided/student choice).
- Task: Develop a detailed lighting design plan OR a comprehensive sound design plan.
- Skills: Technical knowledge, artistic vision, understanding of mood and atmosphere.
Present the third option: Lighting/Sound Design. Emphasize the design and concept aspect.
Option 4: Prop/Set Piece Design
Organize Props & Set Pieces
- Concept: Choose a scene and identify all necessary props and small set pieces.
- Task: Create a prop/set cue sheet, a build/borrow/buy sheet, and a plot showing their stage placement.
- Skills: Organization, logistical planning, attention to detail.
Introduce the fourth option: Prop/Set Piece Design. Emphasize the organization and planning aspect.
Your Project Guide & Rubric
All the Details You Need
- Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide: Your go-to resource for instructions and requirements.
- Tech Theatre Finale Rubric: Shows you exactly how your project will be graded.
Ask Questions!
Don't hesitate to ask if anything is unclear.
Explain where to find all the details and how their work will be evaluated.
Time to Create!
Make Your Choice & Get Started!
- Review the Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide.
- Choose your project.
- Begin brainstorming and planning.
- I'm here to help if you have questions!
Transition to work time. Encourage students to start brainstorming.
Project Guide
Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide
Objective: To demonstrate your understanding and practical application of technical theatre skills by completing a chosen project.
Audience: 10th Grade
Time Allotment: 90 minutes (plus any outside work you choose to do)
Project Options (Choose ONE):
Option 1: Set Design - 3D White Model
Description: For this project, you will receive a packet of scale print-outs of a theatrical set design. Your task is to accurately construct a three-dimensional white model of this set. This model should represent the final design and demonstrate your understanding of scale, proportion, and construction techniques.
Materials Provided: Scale print-outs, basic cardstock, cutting tools (scissors, X-Acto knives), glue, tape, rulers, pencils.
Deliverables:
- A completed 3D white model of the set design.
- A comprehensive (2-3 paragraph) artist statement explaining your process, any challenges encountered, and how your model accurately reflects the provided design.
Option 2: Costume Design - Design and Alteration
Description: You will choose a character from a play (either one we have studied or a character of your choosing with teacher approval) and design a costume for them. Then, you will take an existing garment (provided or one you bring from home) and make an alteration or addition that reflects a key element of your design. This could involve sewing, painting, adding embellishments, or modifying the silhouette.
Materials Provided: Fabric scraps, basic sewing kit (needles, thread), scissors, drawing supplies. (You may bring your own garment for alteration).
Deliverables:
- A detailed costume design sketch, clearly labeled with fabric choices, colors, and any special features.
- A modified garment demonstrating at least one significant alteration or addition based on your design.
- A comprehensive (2-3 paragraph) designer statement explaining your design choices, how the alteration supports your design, and the practical steps you took.
Option 3: Lighting or Sound Design
Description: Choose a specific scene (approximately 2-3 pages) from a play (teacher will provide options, or you can suggest one with approval). You will then create either a detailed lighting design OR a comprehensive sound design for that scene.
Materials Provided: Access to computers (optional for software), design templates (optional), paper, drawing supplies.
Deliverables (Choose ONE of the following):
For Lighting Design:
- A detailed lighting plot (drawn or digitally created) indicating fixture types, positions, angles, color choices, and areas of illumination. (You may use a provided blank stage template).
- A lighting cue sheet listing at least 5 distinct lighting cues, describing the mood, intensity, and any movement.
- A comprehensive (2-3 paragraph) designer statement explaining your artistic choices and how your lighting design enhances the scene and supports the story.
OR
For Sound Design:
- A detailed sound cue sheet listing at least 5 distinct sound cues (e.g., music, sound effects, ambience) with their purpose, duration, and approximate volume.
- Descriptions or examples of the specific sounds you would use for each cue (e.g., provide a brief description, a specific song title, or a type of environmental sound).
- A comprehensive (2-3 paragraph) designer statement explaining your artistic choices and how your sound design enhances the scene and supports the story.
Option 4: Prop/Set Piece Design
Description: Choose a scene (approximately 2-3 pages) from a play (teacher will provide options, or you can suggest one with approval). You will then design the props and specific set pieces needed for that scene. Your task is to create a prop/set cue sheet, a build/borrow/buy sheet, and a plot showing their stage placement.
Materials Provided: Access to computers (optional), paper, drawing supplies.
Deliverables:
- A detailed prop/set cue sheet listing all props and small set pieces, their entry/exit cues, and who is responsible for each.
- A comprehensive build/borrow/buy sheet for all props and set pieces, including descriptions, estimated costs (if applicable), and proposed acquisition methods.
- A clear on-stage plot (drawn or digitally created) indicating the precise placement and movement of all props and set pieces throughout the scene.
- A comprehensive (2-3 paragraph) designer statement explaining your organizational choices, how your prop/set design enhances the scene, and any logistical challenges you considered.
Rubric
Tech Theatre Finale Rubric
Student Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________________________
Project Option Chosen: ____________________
This rubric will be used to assess your final technical theatre project. Please review it carefully to understand the expectations for each project option.
General Criteria (Applies to ALL Projects)
| Criteria | 4 - Exceeds Expectations | 3 - Meets Expectations | 2 - Partially Meets Expectations | 1 - Does Not Meet Expectations | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsmanship/ Quality | Project is meticulously crafted with exceptional attention to detail and high-quality execution. | Project is well-crafted with good attention to detail and solid execution. | Project shows some effort in craftsmanship but has noticeable flaws or lack of detail. | Project shows minimal effort in craftsmanship and significant flaws. | |
| Creativity/Artistic Vision | Project demonstrates outstanding creativity and a clear, compelling artistic vision that significantly enhances the chosen concept. | Project demonstrates creativity and a clear artistic vision that supports the chosen concept. | Project shows some creativity but lacks a clear or cohesive artistic vision. | Project lacks creativity or a discernible artistic vision. | |
| Designer/Artist Statement | Statement is insightful, well-articulated, and deeply reflects on process, challenges, and design choices. | Statement is clear, reflective, and explains process and design choices. | Statement is present but lacks depth or clarity in reflection on process/choices. | Statement is missing or provides minimal insight. | |
| Time Management/Effort | Student utilized class time efficiently and demonstrated sustained effort and focus throughout the project. | Student generally used class time efficiently and demonstrated consistent effort. | Student struggled with time management or showed inconsistent effort. | Student demonstrated poor time management or minimal effort. |
Specific Criteria (Based on Chosen Option)
Option 1: Set Design - 3D White Model
| Criteria | 4 - Exceeds Expectations | 3 - Meets Expectations | 2 - Partially Meets Expectations | 1 - Does Not Meet Expectations | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy to Scale | Model is perfectly to scale and accurately represents all dimensions of the provided design. | Model is accurately to scale with minor, negligible discrepancies. | Model shows some understanding of scale but has noticeable inconsistencies. | Model is not to scale or does not accurately represent the design. | |
| Structural Integrity | Model is sturdy, well-constructed, and holds its form without issue. | Model is generally sturdy and holds its form. | Model is somewhat flimsy or has areas of instability. | Model is poorly constructed and easily falls apart. | |
| Detail & Proportion | All design details from the print-outs are present and in correct proportion on the model. | Most design details are present and in correct proportion. | Some design details are missing or proportions are incorrect. | Many details are missing or proportions are significantly off. |
Option 2: Costume Design - Design and Alteration
| Criteria | 4 - Exceeds Expectations | 3 - Meets Expectations | 2 - Partially Meets Expectations | 1 - Does Not Meet Expectations | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Sketch Quality | Sketch is highly detailed, professional, and clearly communicates all costume elements. | Sketch is clear, detailed, and effectively communicates costume elements. | Sketch is present but lacks detail or clarity. | Sketch is incomplete, unclear, or missing. | |
| Relevance to Character/Play | Costume design perfectly embodies the character/play, showing deep understanding and thoughtful choices. | Costume design effectively embodies the character/play. | Costume design has some relevance but could be stronger in representing character/play. | Costume design does not effectively represent the character/play. | |
| Alteration Quality | Alteration/addition is executed with excellent technique and seamlessly integrated into the garment. | Alteration/addition is well-executed and integrated into the garment. | Alteration/addition is present but has technical flaws or is poorly integrated. | Alteration/addition is poorly executed, incomplete, or missing. |
Option 3: Lighting or Sound Design
| Criteria | 4 - Exceeds Expectations | 3 - Meets Expectations | 2 - Partially Meets Expectations | 1 - Does Not Meet Expectations | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Accuracy (Plot/Cues) | Plot/cue sheet is meticulously accurate, comprehensive, and follows industry standards. | Plot/cue sheet is accurate and comprehensive with minor, negligible errors. | Plot/cue sheet has some technical inaccuracies or is incomplete. | Plot/cue sheet is highly inaccurate, incomplete, or missing. | |
| Artistic Effectiveness | Design choices (light/sound) profoundly enhance the mood, atmosphere, and storytelling of the chosen scene. | Design choices effectively enhance the mood, atmosphere, and storytelling of the scene. | Design choices have some impact but could be more effective in enhancing the scene. | Design choices do not effectively enhance the scene. | |
| Completeness of Deliverables | All required elements (e.g., 5 cues, detailed descriptions) are present and fully developed. | All required elements are present and adequately developed. | Some required elements are missing or underdeveloped. | Many required elements are missing or incomplete. |
Option 4: Prop/Set Piece Design
| Criteria | 4 - Exceeds Expectations | 3 - Meets Expectations | 2 - Partially Meets Expectations | 1 - Does Not Meet Expectations | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prop/Set Cue Sheet Quality | Cue sheet is meticulously accurate, comprehensive, and clearly indicates all props/set pieces, their placement, and timing. | Cue sheet is accurate and comprehensive with minor, negligible errors in placement or timing. | Cue sheet has some inaccuracies or is incomplete regarding prop/set piece placement or timing. | Cue sheet is highly inaccurate, incomplete, or missing. | |
| Build/Borrow/Buy Sheet Quality | Sheet is highly detailed, practical, and provides clear justifications for each item, demonstrating excellent resource management. | Sheet is detailed and practical, providing adequate justifications for each item. | Sheet is present but lacks detail, practicality, or clear justifications for items. | Sheet is incomplete, impractical, or missing. | |
| On-Stage Plot Clarity | Plot is exceptionally clear, detailed, and effectively communicates the precise placement and movement of all props/set pieces. | Plot is clear and effectively communicates the placement and movement of props/set pieces. | Plot has some clarity issues or omissions regarding prop/set piece placement or movement. | Plot is unclear, incomplete, or missing. |
Total Score: ________ / 60
Teacher Comments: