Introduction to Shrek

Year Level

Year 11 Drama

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

15 students

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Unit: Adapting Shrek Creatively

Lesson 1 of 15

Lesson Title: Introduction to Shrek: Themes and Characters
Lesson Description:
Students will explore the main themes and characters of Shrek The Musical. Through guided discussions and interactive activities, students will understand the narrative structure and character arcs, setting the foundation for creative adaptation work in future lessons.

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Curriculum Alignment: Australian Curriculum (v9)

Relevant Content Descriptors

• Drama: Creating and making (ACADRM053)
  Develop and sustain the roles of characters for dramatic effect.

• Drama: Responding and interpreting (ACADRR054)
  Analyse how staging, design, and dramatic action shape meaning and engage an audience.

• English: Examining literature

  • Discuss features of plot, character, and setting in different types of literature and explore character features (ACELT1622).
  • Analyse and evaluate how people, cultures, places, events are represented in texts (ACELY1749).
  • Create literary texts that adapt or combine aspects of texts in innovative ways (ACELT1618).
  • Use interaction skills to contribute ideas and take turns in discussions (ACELY1709, ACELY1792).

These enable students to engage critically and creatively with Shrek, a multimodal text, linking to their dramatic practice and wider literary understanding.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify the main themes underlying Shrek The Musical (e.g., identity, acceptance, friendship).
2. Analyse key characters and their development within the narrative structure.
3. Discuss narrative structure and character arcs specific to Shrek.
4. Engage respectfully and effectively in group discussions using drama and literary metalanguage.
5. Make initial creative connections to the play as a foundation for adaptation.

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Lesson Structure & Timings

Time Allocation	Activity Description	Resources / Notes
5 mins	Introduction & Context	Brief overview of Shrek The Musical (no spoilers), set learning intentions. Project visual (image/poster from the musical).
10 mins	Class Discussion	Facilitate a guided whole-class discussion: “What themes might we expect in a story about an unlikely hero?” Encourage students to draw on prior knowledge. Introduce key drama terminology (character arc, theme, narrative structure).
10 mins	Character Exploration: Think-Pair-Share	Students individually brainstorm known Shrek characters (e.g., Shrek, Fiona, Donkey). Then pair up to share and add to lists. Finally, pairs share ideas with the class to compile a master list highlighting character traits and motivations.
15 mins	Theme and Narrative Mapping Activity	In small groups (3-4), students map the basic narrative arc of Shrek identifying key moments linked to major themes (e.g., transformation, acceptance). Students use chart paper or whiteboard space. Teacher circulates to scaffold and prompt deeper analysis using questions like: “How do the characters evolve through the story?” “What does the musical say about appearance vs. reality?”
10 mins	Creative Character Role Freeze & Quick Improvisation	Students volunteer to take on roles of key characters and "freeze" in a posture or expression that signifies their character’s key traits. Then, in pairs, they improvise a short introductory conversation between characters, using the characteristics discussed. Incorporate drama conventions like "hot seating" via quick Q&A from other students.
5 mins	Reflection & Exit Task	Individually write one key theme and one character they find interesting and why. Collect exit slips to inform subsequent lessons.

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Differentiation and Student Engagement

• Encourage all students to contribute during Think-Pair-Share and group discussion to cater for varying confidence levels.
• Provide sentence starters or drama/metalinguistic vocabulary prompts for students who may need extra support during discussions or improvisations.
• Challenge higher achievers to compare the narrative arc of Shrek with traditional fairy tales and question how Shrek subverts these (e.g., the anti-princess/prince motif).

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Assessment and Feedback

• Informal formative assessment through observation of group discussions and improvisations.
• Review exit task responses to assess individual understanding of themes and characters.
• Use students’ character and theme framings to guide planning for lesson 2, ensuring creative adaptations are linked to textual analysis.

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Resources Needed

• Shrek The Musical images/posters or brief synopsis handout (caution to avoid spoilers for those unfamiliar).
• Chart paper or whiteboards & markers for group work.
• Drama space cleared for improvisation activities.
• Writing materials for exit slips.

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Cross-curricular and 21st Century Competencies

• Critical and creative thinking: Analyzing characters, themes, and narrative structure to prepare for creative adaptation.
• Communication: Practising discussion and performance skills appropriate to drama contexts (ACELY1709, ACELY1792).
• Personal and social capability: Listening actively, respecting diverse views during discussions, collaborating in groups.

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Reflection for Teachers

• Monitor student engagement with dramatic and literary concepts for scaffolding next lessons on adaptation and performance.
• Consider linking students' personal experiences with themes of acceptance and identity to deepen understanding and empathy.

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This carefully structured lesson plan ensures alignment with the Australian Curriculum (v9) Drama and English standards relevant to Year 11, focusing on both literary and dramatic analysis of Shrek The Musical. It incorporates interactive activities tailored for students aged approximately 16-17 to develop foundational knowledge and skills essential for creative drama work throughout the unit.

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References to Curriculum Standards

• Drama Creating and Responding (ACADRM053, ACADRR054)
• English Literature and Literacy content descriptors (ACELT1618, ACELT1622, ACELY1709, ACELY1792, ACELY1749)