Curtains Up on a New School Year!
Contributing Educator: Danielle Miller
The first weeks of a theatre class are critical to establishing a positive classroom culture where all students feel safe, respected, supported, and valued. Before students can confidently perform, present ideas, participate in discussions, or take creative risks in front of their peers, they must first develop trust in both their classmates and themselves. This unit uses theatre games, ensemble-building activities, and collaborative challenges to create a strong foundation for the remainder of the school year. All games and activities within this unit can be adapted to meet the developmental, social, emotional, and artistic needs of students across all grade levels. While the complexity of the activities may vary from Kindergarten through Grade 12, the purpose remains consistent: to build a safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom community where students develop trust in themselves and others, feel comfortable taking creative risks, communicate effectively, collaborate successfully, and celebrate one another’s contributions.
Lesson Plans Included: 6
Materials: Student-facing lesson slides and printable resources are editable and provided to guide learning.
Grade Levels: K-12
Lesson Plan Topics
- Building Connections - Developing Trust, Respect, and Meaningful Relationships (NCAS: TH:Cr2-K.a, TH:Cr2-3.b, TH:Pr5.1.7.a)
- Communication and Focus - Expressing Ideas + Staying Present (NCAS: TH:Cr1.1.1.c, TH:Cr1.1.2.a, TH:Cr2-2.b)
- Cooperation and Teamwork - Solving Problems and Achieving Shared Goals (NCAS: TH:Cr2-II.b, TH:Cr3.1.3.a, TH:Pr4.1.8.a)
- Creativity and Imagination - Artistic Risk-Taking to Explore New Possibilities (NCAS: TH:Cr1.1.4.a, TH:Pr4.1.4.a, TH: Re7.1.I.a)
- Leadership and Responsibility - Taking Initiative and Contributing Positively (NCAS: TH:Cr2-1.b, TH:Pr5.1.I.a, TH:Pr6.1.3.a)
- Celebrating Ensemble Growth - Reflection and Team Challenges (NCAS: TH:Cr2-K.b, TH:Cr2-4.b, TH:Cr2-7.b, TH:Cn10.1.7.a)
