Curriculum Samples
Below you will find a selection of unit maps, lesson plans, and student assessments that I have written and used in the classroom. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to see a more extensive version of my curriculum or have any questions about what you see!
Theatre Production Sub-Unit: Dramaturgy
This unit was designed for a High School Theatre Production class and serves as an introduction to Dramaturgy through the study of the play August: Osage County. Students explore the role of dramaturg by analyzing theme, dramatic structure, and the world of the play while engaging in script read-throughs, collaborative discussions, and hands-on research. Throughout the unit, students move from defining what a dramaturg does to applying that knowledge by mapping the play's structure and creating a dramaturgical casebook as a class. This unit can be adapted to support any play.
7th/8th Grade Theatre Lesson Plan: Peer Feedback and Rehearsals
This lesson was designed as part of an Acting Skills unit and focuses on the power of constructive feedback and rehearsal. Students begin by identifying the qualities of a successful performance through collaborative discussion and a class "mind map", then they apply those criteria while evaluating their peers' scenes. Through guided peer feedback and structured rehearsal time, this lesson emphasizes reflection, collaboration, and growth, helping students understand that strong performances are built through revision and intentional rehearsal.
Beginning Acting Lesson: Introducing Beats and Tactics
This lesson was designed for a High School Theatre classroom and introduces students to the concepts of beats, tactics, and playing a scene objective. Students begin by exploring objectives through interactive warm-ups and playful activities. From there, students break down scripted text to identify beats and assign specific, action-driven tactics to each beat. Through guided practice, students begin to see how intentional choices bring clarity, motivation, and conflict to a performance.
Beginning Acting Lesson: Using Beat Changes and Tactics
This lesson was designed for a High School Beginning Acting class and serves as a review and practical application of beats and tactics. Students recall existing knowledge of beats, identify what prompts a beat change, and explore how strong tactics support a character's objective. Through guided script analysis, collaborative marking, and workshop-style scene work, students apply their understanding by making intentional acting choices and performing for their peers. This lesson can be extended into continued scene work for more in-depth exploration and application.
Musical Theatre Lesson Plan: The History of Musical Theatre
This lesson was designed for a High School Musical Theatre Class and serves as an exploration of Musical Theatre History. Students are exposed to various eras of Musical Theatre from pre-1920s storytelling traditions to the Contemporary era. Through interactive activities such as a scavenger hunt, matching game, and class discussion, students identify key characteristics of each wave of Musical Theatre History and examine how history and cultural changes have influenced the art form.
Musical Theatre Lesson Plan: Current Genres of Musical Theatre
This lesson was designed for a High School Musical Theatre class and focuses on identifying and analyzing current genres of Musical Theatre. Students begin with a review of historical eras before diving into contemporary trends including pop/rock/rap musicals, jukebox musicals, biographical works, and satirical comedies. Through guided discussion and collaborative activities, students examine how film, television, and popular music continue to influence modern Musical Theatre.
Musical Theatre Project: Jukebox Musicals
This project was designed for a High School Musical Theatre Class and challenges students to step into the role of creators by developing their very own jukebox musical. Students select an artist, craft an original storyline using an artist's music, and map out major plot points and musical numbers. This project unfolds in stages from pitching their concept to presenting a full musical production number. Throughout the process, students practice storytelling, collaboration, performance, and creative problem-solving. This framework can be adapted to fit different timelines, class sizes, or artist selections.
7th/8th Grade Theatre Lesson Plan: The 4 Elements of Lighting
This lesson was designed as part of a Middle School Technical Theatre unit and introduces the four core elements of lighting design. Students begin by defining each element and exploring how lighting choices establish mood, environment, and focus on stage. Through collaborative discussion and a hands-on color experiment using m&m's and different lighting looks, students observe how color affects visibility, perception, and atmosphere in real time. By combining direct instruction with interactive group activities, this lesson helps students connect lighting theory to practical application.
7th/8th Grade Theatre Lesson Plan: Welcome to Theatre
This lesson was designed as an introduction to the Theatre classroom and sets the tone for a collaborative and structured school year. Through interactive icebreakers and partner discussions, students build community while reflecting on what they hope to gain from the class. The lesson also establishes classroom expectations in an engaging way through a small-group poster activity that reinforces routines and shared responsibility. By blending relationship building with clear structure, this first-day experience helps students feel excited and equipped for a successful school year.
7th/8th Grade Theatre Lesson Plan: Shakespearean Scene Sharing
This lesson serves as a final scene sharing and reflection experience for a Shakespeare scene study unit. Students rehearse and perform scripted scenes for their peers, demonstrating use of voice, body, and characterization while practicing appropriate audience etiquette. After each performance, students engage in guided peer feedback and self reflection, evaluating both their preparation and final product. Through structured discussion and written self-assessment, students learn how to give and receive constructive feedback in a supportive environment.