Canadian Theatre Focus Course Profile

Abstract:

This course provides an in-depth exploration of Canadian theatre as a vehicle for drama development, theatrical presentation and actor training. Major movements in Canadian theatre history will allow students to analyze and use script work and improvisation in the development of theatre for political and entertainment purposes. Students will synthesize their knowledge in a culminating activity in which they will use the dramatic forms learned throughout the course to communicate their vision of Canadian culture and identity. Created in 2010 for 2009 Ontario Curriculum Support. THIS COURSE IS DATED, WRITTEN THROUGH A COLONIAL LENS. IT IS SLATED FOR REVISION. TEACHERS SHOULD USE DISCRETION WHEN OFFERING THIS COURSE.

Course Profile

Resources

Websites:

www.pact.ca is the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres.

www.playwrightsguild.ca is the The Playwrights Guild of Canada.

Books:

Atwood, Margaret. Survival: A Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature. ISBN: 9780771008726

Benson, E., & Conolly, L.W. Eds. The Oxford Companion to Canadian Theatre. ISBN: 978-0195406726

Berton, Pierre. Why We Act Like Canadians. ISBN: 9780140104424

Brask, P. Ed. Contemporary Issues in Canadian Drama. ISBN: 100921368518

Coupland, Douglas. Souvenir of Canada. ISBN: 9781550549171

Coupland, Douglas. Terry. ISBN: 9781553651130

Ferguson, Will. Why I Hate Canadians. ISBN: 9781553652793

Filewod, Alan. Collective Encounters: Documentary Theatre in English Canada. ISBN: 0802066690

Filewod, Alan. Up the Mainstream: The Rise of Toronto's Alternative Theatres. ISBN: 0802058345

Rubin, Don. Canadian Theatre History. ISBN: 0887547443 Wasserman, J., Ed. Modern Canadian Plays: Vol 1 ISBN: 9780889224360

Instructional Strategies

Direct Instruction: Structured Overview, Lecture, Didactic Questions

Indirect Instruction: Creative Problem Solving, Reflective Discussion, Writing to Inform, Reading for Meaning

Experiential Learning: Field Trips, Theatre Games, Storytelling, Role playing (Interviews), Synectic Thinking

Independent Study: Reflective Journals, Portfolio Writing, Writing in Role, Graphic Organizers, Learning Logs, Research Projects (Timeline Chart), Assigned Questions, Computer Assisted Research

Interactive Instruction: Brainstorming, Jigsaw, Peer Partnering, Whole Group Discussion, Think-Pair-Share, Structured Controversy, Scene Study

Instructional Skills: Explaining, Demonstrating, Questioning, Wait Time, Levels of Questions

Glossary of Terms Specific to Course

Cultural Mosaic: a term used to describe the ethnic groups, languages and cultures that co-exist within Canadian society.

Marginalization: to relegate or confine to a lower or outer limit or edge of social standing.

Objective: What a character wants to achieve by their words and actions in a scene (Scene Objective) or in the entire play (Overall or Super Objective).

Social Injustice: a concept relating to the perceived unfairness or injustice of a society in its divisions of rewards and burdens.

Examples of Activities

Example Lessons

Unit 1 Lesson 1: What makes us Canadian?

Unit 3 Lesson 3: Investigating Canadian Plays

Assessment and Evaluation Strategies

Observation: Anecdotal Records, Group Observation Sheets, Checklists, Oral Feedback, Rating Scales, Rubrics

Questioning: Exit Slip, Teacher Student Interview

Pencil and Paper: Portfolios, Reflective Journals, Written Assignments, Self and Peer Evaluation, Quizzes and Tests, Culminating Activities