Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Theater: Creation and Characters

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to prepare students to understand the creation and development of characters in a theatrical context. By identifying and describing characters and practicing imitation, students develop essential practical skills for acting and understanding theater, which are also relevant to various areas of the job market that value creativity, expression, and critical analysis skills.

Main Objectives

1. Identify characters in a play and describe how they are created.

2. Practice imitation and make-believe in theater.

Side Objectives

1. Develop observation and critical analysis skills.
2. Stimulate creativity and bodily expression.

Introduction

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to prepare students to understand the creation and development of characters in a theatrical context. By identifying and describing characters and practicing imitation, students develop essential practical skills for acting and understanding theater, which are also relevant to various areas of the job market that value creativity, expression, and critical analysis skills.

Contextualization

Theater is an art form that has existed for thousands of years and has the power to transport us to different worlds and realities. By creating and interpreting characters, actors bring to life stories that reflect human emotions, conflicts, and dreams. This ability to create characters involves not only creativity but also a deep understanding of behaviors and feelings, making theater a powerful tool for personal and social development.

Curiosities and Market Connection

In theater, characters can be inspired by real people, fictional stories, or even inanimate objects. Professionals from various fields, such as advertising, marketing, and game design, use theatrical techniques to create engaging narratives and captivating characters. Furthermore, theatrical skills such as bodily expression, effective communication, and empathy are highly valued in the job market, especially in sectors that require creativity and interaction with the audience.

Initial Activity

To start the class, present a short video of a theatrical scene (2-3 minutes) where the characters are distinct. After the video, ask provoking questions such as: 'What did you think of the characters? How do you think the actors prepared to portray them?'

Development

Duration: 50 - 60 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to engage students in a practical and interactive process of creating and interpreting theatrical characters. Through the proposed activities, students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired, developing their expression, creativity, and teamwork skills, which are valuable in both theatrical contexts and various other professional areas.

Covered Topics

1. Identifying characters in a play.
2. Creation and development of characters.
3. Imitation and make-believe in theater.

Reflections on the Theme

Encourage students to reflect on how actors manage to bring the characters they portray to life. Ask them about the characteristics that make a character convincing and what types of skills actors need to develop to achieve that. Explain how these skills are useful not only in theater but also in many other professions that require creativity, empathy, and effective communication.

Mini Challenge

Character Creation: From Paper to Stage

A practical activity where students will create and portray their own characters.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into groups of 3 to 4 students.
2. Provide paper and pencils for each group to draw a character.
3. Ask the groups to discuss and note the character's traits (name, age, hobbies, fears, dreams, etc.).
4. Guide each group to choose a member to portray the created character.
5. Allow students to rehearse briefly (5-10 minutes), exploring the bodily expression and voice of the character.
6. After the rehearsal, each group will present their character to the class, explaining the choices made during the creation and portrayal.

Objective: Develop students' creativity and their bodily and vocal expression skills, as well as promote teamwork and critical analysis skills while creating and portraying characters.

Duration: 30 - 40 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. Describe in a few words a character you would like to portray and explain why.
2. List at least three important characteristics that make a character interesting and convincing.
3. Write a brief theatrical scene (3-4 lines) involving the character you created in the practical activity.

Conclusion

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate the knowledge gained by students, promoting reflection on the practical experience and its applications in daily life and the job market. By discussing and summarizing the main points, students have the opportunity to internalize their learnings and recognize the importance of theatrical skills in various areas of life.

Discussion

Facilitate a final discussion with the students, encouraging them to share their experiences during the creation and portrayal of the characters. Ask them how they felt playing the roles and what challenges and learnings they encountered. Question them on how theatrical skills can be applied in other areas of their lives and future professions. Encourage reflections on the importance of creativity, empathy, and bodily expression both in theater and in various other professional activities.

Summary

Recap the main topics covered in the class: identification and creation of characters, the importance of bodily and vocal expression, and the application of theatrical skills in other professional areas. Remind students of the practical activities they performed, such as identifying characters in a theatrical scene and creating and portraying their own characters.

Closing

Explain to the students how the class integrated theory and practice, showing the relevance of theater not only as an art form but also as a tool for personal and professional development. Highlight that skills such as creativity, effective communication, and empathy are valuable in any field of work. Conclude the class by reinforcing the importance of the topic for daily life, encouraging students to continue exploring and developing these skills.