All the World’s a Stage: Let’s Go to the Theater!
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about plays and musicals.
- Talk about theater experiences and what makes a good performance.
- Read about the different people who help create a theater show.
- Listen to a director talk about making a play.
- Write a review of a play or musical.
Key Words:
- Theater: A place where actors perform plays or musicals for an audience.
- Play: A story that is acted out on a stage.
- Musical: A play where the actors also sing and dance.
- Actor/Actress: The people who perform in a play or musical.
- Stage: The raised platform where the actors perform.
- Audience: The people who watch the play or musical.
Important Theater Jobs:
- Playwright: The person who writes the play.
- Director: The person in charge of the whole show.
- Stage designer: The person who creates the sets and backgrounds.
- Costume designer: The person who makes the clothes the actors wear.
Let’s Talk About It!
- Have you ever seen a play or musical? Which one?
- What is your favorite kind of play or musical? (Comedy, drama, musical with lots of singing and dancing?)
- If you could be in a play, what character would you want to play? Why?
Let’s Read!
The theater is a special place where stories come to life. The actors on stage tell us the story, but many other people work hard behind the scenes too. Playwrights write the words, directors guide the actors, and designers create the world we see on stage. It all comes together to make a magical experience for the audience!
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short interview with a Broadway director talking about their work. Focus on the words the director uses to describe their role and the people they work with.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a theater critic. The other is a friend who has just seen a new play. The critic asks for a review of the show.
Example:
- Critic: “So, tell me about the play you saw. What was it like?”
- Friend: “It was amazing! The actors were incredible, and the costumes and stage design were beautiful. I would definitely recommend it!”
Homework:
Write a short review of a play or musical you’ve seen or read. What was the story about? Who were the main characters? Did you like it? Why or why not?
Extra Fun:
If you can, go see a play or musical! Or, choose a scene from a play and act it out with your friends or family.
