Author(s): Natalie A. N. Parker and Marsha C. Bradley

E-mail Address: parkern3@ten-nash.ten.k12.tn.us or bradleym1@ten-nash.ten.k12.tn.us

School: Houston High School, 9755 Dogwood Rd., Germantown, TN 38139;

Bolton High School, 7323 Brunswick Rd., Arlington, TN 38002

Subject/Grade Level: Theatre Arts I, grades 9-12

Principal Curricular Area(s) Addressed: Fine Arts

Introduction

Oral Interpretation is the expression and sharing of literature with an audience. The function of the interpreter is to establish oneself as a liaison between the author who created the literature and the audience which responds to it. The goal of the interpreter should be influenced by the author's intention which can be discovered by investigation into the author's background, viewpoint and the time and conditions under which the selection was written. For purpose of expectations, we will perform Oral Interpretations along the guidelines of THSSDL (Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League). Schools that participate in speech tournaments or that have a curriculum that includes performance standards use this assignment to introduce the use of voice, facial expressions, and gestures to interpret pieces of literature: poetry, prose and drama.

Learning Goals

Student will learn...

• to analyze the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of characters found in dramatic texts from various genre and media
• to develop effective vocal control of rate, inflection, pitch, volume, quality, and articulation
• to use gestures, vocal control and body language to express attitudes, ideas and emotion
• to research and describe appropriate historical techniques and performances from various cultures to assist in making artistic choices and from these, developing an understanding of and a respect for diversity in language use, patterns and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, economic backgrounds, and social roles
• to compare and demonstrate various classical, contemporary, realistic, and non-realistic dramatic techniques and methods in theatre and film
• to compare the unique interpretive and expressive natures and aesthetic qualities of traditional arts from various cultures and historical periods with contemporary new art forms
• to analyze audience in order to develop suitable techniques and language for communicating effectively with the specific listeners
• to prepare original, oral, or published work for story telling
• to choose appropriate texts which will enhance student abilities and performance standards
• to collaborate with actors to develop aesthetically unified production concepts based on THSSDL standards
• to analyze, critique, and construct meanings from professional and student performances, accepting and applying oral and written criticism with grace

Learner Activities

1.  to discuss performance expectations and view rubrics for evaluation
2. to evaluate ten selections of each genre in order to choose the appropriate production pieces
3. to view (if possible) advanced student and professional performances live or on tape and to participate in oral discussion about options for performance.
4. to complete reading logs of works in progress for performance: speeches, song lyrics, poems, short fiction and nonfiction, and plays and to write introductions, transitions, character analyses
5. to rehearse performance pieces, using individual and group modeling activities
6. to perform prepared work for class, other classes, student assemblies, parents, and competitions
7. to offer constructive criticism

Teacher/Student Resources

Performance Pieces

• Aha Poetry
• Greek Drama - The Golden Age was characterized by individual freedom and a passion for excellence, two traits still inherent in western culture. Drama was a very important part of their culture.
• Mythology
• Classical and Related Videotapes at Williams - Unless otherwise noted, all of the tapes listed here are located in Sawyer Library. Some tapes are located in Audio-Visual (Stetson Hall; denoted by AV) or in the Classics Department (denoted by CL).
• Film/written Sources of Performance Pieces
• Story telling, Drama, Creative Dramatics & Readers Theater for Children... - Drama, creative drama, Reader's Theater and story telling for children and young adults K12 teacher and librarian curriculum resources.
• International Story telling

Authors

• Biographical information for Playwrights Most Performed in America  
• Theatre History Timeline
• Greek Drama - The Golden Age was characterized by individual freedom and a passion for excellence, two traits still inherent in western culture. Drama was a very important part of their culture.
• Book Projects - Verbal / Linguistic Write a formal letter to the author of your book, giving your opinion of the book and asking any questions you may have about the book.
• L2L - Our Favorite Authors - Our Favorite Authors Grade Level: PRIMARY A good author can inspire a young reader to create his or her own world in words and pictures. In this lesson, students go to the Internet to read descriptions of some favorite books and get the "inside scoop" on author-illustrator Jan Brett, including how she brings setting, plot, and characters to life.

Cultural Diversity High School Theatre International Dictionary Resource for International Story telling Esl English ESL Songs and Games ! ESL Songs, songs, songs Beatles, Carpenters, Diana Ross, The Animals, The Monkees, Simon and Garfunkle, The Mamas and Papas and The Hollies ! 17 Great ESL song worksheets with cassette of original music! 18 ESL games! Esl Grammar Composition for Theatre Book Projects - Verbal / Linguistic Write a formal letter to the author of your book, giving your opinion of the book and asking any questions you may have about the book. Elements of Style Esl Grammar

Verbal and Nonverbal Methods

• Dictionary/Pronunciation(Diction) - To hear the pronunciation, type word into Simple Text or go to International Dictionary.
• Physical Interpretations - The following are physical interpretations that you may use to create dramatic presentations.
• ESL Songs and Games - ESL Songs, songs, songs Beatles, Carpenters, Diana Ross, The Animals, The Monkees, Simon and Garfunkle, The Mamas and Papas and The Hollies ! 17 Great ESL song worksheets with cassette of original music. 18 ESL games.
• Multiple Intelligence Strategies - Linguistic Intelligence - (non traditional strategies) Open-ended language activities Story telling - mostly humanities, but can be used also for math and science.
• Performances -Sources for student modeling.
• Yahoo! Arts: Performing Arts: Education:Schools - Academy of Performing Arts - year-round instruction in dance, music, and drama for students of all ages and all abilities. American Musical and Dramatic Academy - trains young artists toward success in the extraordinary world of the performing arts.

Rubrics for Evaluation

• Assessment Rubrics
• Rubric Template

 Evaluation

 You may evaluate this web adventure.

 

Conclusion

 We hope that preparing for oral interpretation, that you appreciate the complexity of this creative process. This is just one example of how to approach performance. As we all know, the essence of this art lies within the performer. Performers must challenge themselves to strive for excellence. If you have comments or suggestions, we would like to hear from you, by e-mail: Parker / Bradley or by mail: Houston High School, 9755 Dogwood Rd., Germantown, TN 38139; Bolton High School, 7323 Brunswick Rd., Arlington, TN 38002. We hope you enjoyed your adventure.