Broadway Musical Design

Overview

This 60-minute drama lesson invites Grade 6 students to explore Broadway musicals through the lens of set and costume design. Students will engage in research, hands-on creative work, and presentations, connecting learning to the Ontario Drama curriculum expectations related to form, elements of drama, and creative processes. The project emphasises student choice, collaboration, and artistic expression, supporting diverse learners’ needs.

Curriculum Connections

Ontario Arts Curriculum – Drama, Grade 6

Overall Expectation B: Creating and Presenting
Create and present drama using the elements of drama (role, relationship, situation, conflict, focus, tension, mood, symbol, sound, space, time).
Overall Expectation C: Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing
Reflect on and identify the role of drama in reflecting and shaping culture and community.
Specific Expectations:
Demonstrate an understanding of elements of drama and conventions (e.g., set, costume, props) through dramatic creation and presentation.
Use various art forms and media to enhance drama presentations.
Express ideas, feelings, and stories through drama collaboratively and individually.

Learning Goals / "I Can" Statements

I can explain what a Broadway musical is and identify its key features.
I can research and describe the role and importance of set and costume design in musicals.
I can creatively design a set model or costume sketches inspired by a chosen Broadway musical.
I can communicate my design ideas clearly through a creative presentation.
I can work respectfully with my classmates and contribute to a positive creative environment.

Success Criteria

I have answered research questions about Broadway musicals, set, and costume design with clear and thoughtful responses.
I have developed a creative set model or costume sketches that show imagination and attention to detail.
I have explained how my design supports the story or mood of the musical.
I have shared my work confidently with friends.
I have listened and responded kindly during peer presentations.

Materials Needed

Chart paper or whiteboard for introductory discussion
Printed or projected images of Broadway musicals, sets, and costumes
Research handout with questions
Drawing paper, pencils, markers, coloured pencils
Cardboard, construction paper, scissors, glue, tape for set model building
Tablets or computers (if available) for digital presentations
Projector or space for sharing student work

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 minutes)

Begin with a short discussion: What do you know about Broadway musicals? Have you seen one or heard songs from one?
Show images/short video clips of famous Broadway musicals (e.g., The Lion King, Annie, Matilda).
Distribute the research handout with 3 short questions:

What makes a musical different from other plays?
Why is set design important in a musical?
How do costumes help tell the story?

Ask students to write or discuss their answers briefly in pairs.

2. Mini-lesson on Set and Costume Design (10 minutes)

Explain the role of set design: it creates the place/time and mood for the story.
Show examples of simple to complex set models and discuss how the parts support the story’s mood, setting, or action.
Explain costume design’s role: to show character personality, time period, and mood.
Show sketches or photos of costume designs and highlight how colour, style, and props support character understanding.

3. Creative Group Work - Design Project (30 minutes)

Divide students into small groups (4-5 students per group). Each group chooses one of the following final project options:

Build a model of the set using cardboard and craft supplies.
Create detailed costume sketches for one or more main characters.
Prepare a short digital presentation combining photos, drawings, or clip art explaining their designs and ideas.

Provide materials and circulate to support teamwork, creativity, and ensure all voices are heard.
Encourage students to refer back to their research when designing.

4. Sharing & Reflection (10 minutes)

Each group presents their project to the class briefly.
Guide a reflection discussion using prompts:
How did your design help tell the story?
What did you learn about how sets and costumes help actors and the audience?
What was your favourite part about this project?

Differentiation Strategies

For Diverse Learners:
Provide sentence starters or graphic organisers for research questions.
Allow choice in project format to suit strengths (visual arts, technology, hands-on building).
Pair English language learners with peers for verbal brainstorming and support.
Use images and models extensively for comprehension and inspiration.
Offer one-on-one or small group check-ins during creative work to scaffold and encourage.
For Advanced Learners:
Challenge students to include symbolic elements in designs that reflect deeper themes.
Encourage digital presentation creators to include voice recordings or video clips explaining design choices.

Assessment Ideas

Review students’ research handout answers for understanding of key concepts.
Use a simple checklist during presentations assessing creativity, connection to story, teamwork, and communication skills.
Collect final design products to evaluate effort, creativity, and application of elements of design related to drama.

This lesson draws on the Ontario Drama curriculum by blending research, artistic creation, and presentation skills, enabling students to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of musical theatre design — a vibrant entry point into dramatic arts.

Teaching Instructions