Creating Dramatic Characters

Lesson Overview

Duration: 50 minutes
Year Level: Year 6
Subject: Drama
Class Size: 20 students

Curriculum Links

• AC9ADR6C01: Develop characters and situations, and shape and sustain dramatic action to communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning in improvised, devised and/or scripted forms.
• AC9ADR6E01: Explore ways that the elements of drama are combined to communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning in drama across cultures, times, places and/or other contexts.

Learning Objectives

• Students will be able to develop and portray unique characters through improvisation and devised drama.
• Students will explore how different elements of drama are used to communicate various ideas, perspectives, and settings.
• Students will collaboratively create a short performance that demonstrates their understanding of characterisation and dramatic elements.

Materials Needed

• Large sheets of paper
• Markers
• A selection of props (hats, scarves, glasses, etc.)
• Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Warm-Up (5 minutes)

   • Begin with a quick warm-up activity to get students comfortable and in the mood for drama. For example, a simple game of “Zip, Zap, Zop” where students pass an imaginary energy ball to each other, saying “zip,” “zap,” or “zop” respectively.
   • Explain the importance of warm-ups in preparing the mind and body for creative activities.

2. Learning Objectives and Overview (5 minutes)

   • Introduce the lesson objectives: developing characters, exploring elements of drama, and creating a performance.
   • Briefly explain the curriculum links and how today’s activities will align with them.

Activity 1: Character Development (15 minutes)

1. Introduction to Characterisation (5 minutes)

   • Discuss what makes a character unique using examples from books or films that the students are familiar with.
   • Highlight key elements such as physical traits, voice, movement, and backstory.

2. Character Creation Activity (10 minutes)

   • Divide the students into small groups of 4-5.
   • Provide each group with a large sheet of paper and markers.
   • Ask each group to brainstorm and create a unique character, giving the character characteristics like name, age, occupation, and a distinctive trait.
   • Each group should also decide on a simple scenario involving their character.

Activity 2: Improvisation and Devising (15 minutes)

1. Exploring Improvisation (5 minutes)

   • Explain the basics of improvisation and its importance in drama.
   • Use a starter scenario (e.g., "You are all at a bus stop, and it's starting to rain, but one of you has an umbrella.") to illustrate how improvisation works.

2. Group Performance Preparation (10 minutes)

   • Have each group use their created characters and scenarios to devise a short 2-3 minute improvisational performance.
   • Encourage them to think about the dramatic elements discussed earlier (voice, movement, space, etc.)
   • Provide a few props to each group to enhance their performance.

Performance and Reflection (10 minutes)

1. Group Performances (5 minutes)

   • Allow each group to perform their improvisational piece in front of the class.
   • Ensure that the audience is respectful and attentive during each performance.

2. Feedback and Discussion (5 minutes)

   • After each performance, engage the class in a brief discussion about what elements of drama they noticed and how effectively the character and scenario were conveyed.
   • Provide constructive feedback to each group, focusing on what they did well and areas for improvement.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Reflect on Learning (3 minutes)

   • Ask students to reflect on what they have learned about creating characters and using dramatic elements to convey a story or idea.
   • Encourage them to think about how they can apply these skills in future drama activities.

2. Preview Next Lesson (2 minutes)

   • Briefly introduce what they will be learning in the next lesson to build anticipation and continuity.

Homework (Optional)

• Students can be assigned to write a short character bio for their character and come up with a new scenario to further develop their improvisational skills.

Assessment

• Informal assessment based on participation and engagement in activities.
• Observational assessment during group performances and discussions.
• Constructive feedback to assess understanding and application of drama concepts.

By the end of this lesson, students will have developed an understanding of character creation and the elements of drama, laying a strong foundation for more advanced dramatic activities.