Performance Preparation

Lesson Overview

Unit: Musical Theatre Adventures (Lesson 7 of 8)
Year Level: Year 2
Time: 30 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Subject: Drama
Curriculum Area: The Arts – Drama (Australian Curriculum: Version 9.0)

Curriculum Links:

• AC9ADR2C01: Develop and apply elements of drama to create role and story through voice, body, movement, space and language.
• AC9ADR2C02: Rehearse and perform short scripted drama, using performance skills and elements of drama to share meaning.

Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will:
✅ Rehearse their scenes using movement, dialogue and sound effects.
✅ Improve their timing, characterisation and confidence in performance.
✅ Practise entering and exiting the performance space effectively.

Success Criteria

Students will demonstrate success by:
⭐ Using expressive voices and movement in their rehearsals.
⭐ Entering and exiting on cue with confidence.
⭐ Collaborating with peers to improve their performance.

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes) – "Character Walks"

Purpose: Helps students embody their character using movement and expression.

🔹 Call out different character types related to their scenes (e.g. "pirate", "little bird", "robot", "magical queen").
🔹 Students walk around the space, changing how they move to match the character’s personality.
🔹 Encourage exaggerated movements, facial expressions, and sound effects.
🔹 Freeze at intervals and ask a few students to demonstrate.

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2. Focus Activity (10 minutes) – "Rehearsing the Scene"

Purpose: Provides structured practice for groups while refining movement, dialogue, and teamwork.

👥 Small Group Rehearsals (6 minutes):

• Divide students into their performance groups.
• Each group runs through their scene with a focus on clear dialogue, expressive gestures, and fluid movements.
• Emphasise entry and exit techniques (e.g. stepping in confidently, staying in character).
• Use a volunteer "director" from each group to give positive feedback (e.g. "I liked how you used your hands when you spoke!").

🎭 Whole-Class Check-In (4 minutes):

• Bring students together and ask, "What worked well in your group?" and "What could we improve?"
• Model one improvement with a group (e.g. showing how to make an exit smoother).

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3. Refinement Activity (10 minutes) – "Performing with Energy!"

Purpose: Develops dramatic presence and confidence.

📣 Cue & Response Practice (5 minutes)

• Call out cues such as "Louder!" "Slower!" "More movement!"
• Students adjust their performance dynamically.
• Reinforce the "golden rule": the audience needs to SEE and HEAR you!

🎤 Mini Showcase (5 minutes)

• Select two groups to perform part of their scene for the class.
• Class provides constructive feedback using "Stars & Wishes" (e.g., "I loved your big gestures" ⭐ / "I wish your group used different levels" 🌟).

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Wrap-Up (5 minutes) – "Audience Awareness"

Purpose: Helps students consider how to engage an audience.

🔸 Ask: "How can we make sure the audience enjoys our performance?" (e.g., energy, clear voices, expressive actions).
🔸 Students stand in a circle and take turns stepping forward and saying one line from their scene using their biggest, clearest voice.
🔸 End with a group "Bravo!" clap—students give themselves and their friends a round of applause.

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Assessment Opportunities

✅ Observation Checklist – Look for:

• Voice Projection: Are they speaking clearly?
• Expressive Movement: Are they using their body to tell the story?
• Collaboration: Are they rehearsing as a team?

✅ Self-Reflection Exit Question:

• "One thing I did well today was ___. One thing I want to practise for next time is ___."

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Differentiation Strategies

🟢 For students who need support:

• Assign leadership roles so peers can guide them.
• Provide sentence starters for dialogue confidence.

🔵 For students ready for an extra challenge:

• Let them direct a small segment of their group’s rehearsal.
• Introduce another dramatic element like props or levels.

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Materials Needed

• Printed scripts
• Simple props (scarves, hats, wands)
• Small bells or chimes (for cue practice)

⏭ Next Lesson (Lesson 8): Final Performance! Students perform their musical theatre scenes for an audience.

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🎭 Teacher Reflection: What worked well? Any adjustments needed for the final performance?