Relate theatre skills and experiences to higher education and careers outside of the theatre

Standards Alignment

• TEKS.117.317.05G primary
  relate theatre skills and experiences to higher education and careers outside of the theatre; and
• TEKS.117.317.05H primary
  create a personal resume or portfolio of theatrical experience. Source: The provisions of this §117.317 adopted to be effective July 28, 2013, 38 TexReg 4575.

Lesson Overview

This Grade 11 theatre lesson focuses on helping students understand how the skills and experiences they gain in theatre can be applied to higher education and careers beyond the theatre industry. Students will also learn to create a personal resume or portfolio showcasing their theatrical experiences. The lesson aligns with TEKS standards and emphasizes critical evaluation and response to theatre performances.

Learning Objectives

• Explain how theatre skills and experiences can be applied to higher education opportunities.
• Identify careers outside of theatre where theatre skills are valuable.
• Create a personal resume or portfolio that highlights theatrical experiences and skills.

Success Criteria

• Students can describe at least two ways theatre skills are useful in higher education or non-theatre careers.
• Students can list at least three careers outside theatre that benefit from theatre skills.
• Students produce a personal resume or portfolio that includes theatrical experience and relevant skills.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have prior experience participating in theatre activities and understand basic theatre terminology and performance skills.

Key Vocabulary

• Theatre skills
• Resume
• Portfolio
• Higher education
• Career
• Transferable skills
• Critical evaluation

Materials and Resources

• Examples of theatre resumes and portfolios
• Paper and writing utensils or computers for resume/portfolio creation
• Projector or whiteboard for presentation
• Handouts on careers using theatre skills

Teacher Preparation

• Prepare examples of resumes and portfolios that include theatrical experience.
• Research and prepare a list of careers outside theatre that use theatre skills.
• Prepare guiding questions to facilitate discussion about transferable skills.
• Set up materials for students to create their own resume or portfolio.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Theatre Skills and Their Transferability

Theatre skills include communication, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and confidence. These skills are highly transferable and valued in many higher education programs and careers outside of theatre. For example, strong public speaking and presentation skills are useful in business, education, law, and healthcare. Teamwork and adaptability gained from theatre are important in almost any professional setting.

Relating Theatre Experiences to Higher Education

Many higher education programs value theatre experience because it demonstrates creativity, discipline, and interpersonal skills. Students can relate their theatre background to college applications by highlighting leadership roles, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. Theatre experience can also prepare students for majors in communication, education, psychology, and more.

Careers Outside of Theatre That Benefit from Theatre Skills

Careers such as marketing, sales, counseling, teaching, event planning, and public relations often require skills developed in theatre. For example, marketing professionals use storytelling and presentation skills to engage audiences. Counselors benefit from empathy and active listening developed through character study. Event planners use organizational and collaboration skills honed in theatre productions.

Creating a Personal Resume or Portfolio of Theatrical Experience

A theatre resume or portfolio is a document that showcases a student's theatrical roles, skills, training, and achievements. It should include personal information, a list of productions participated in, roles played, special skills (like singing or dancing), and any awards or recognitions. Portfolios may also include photos, videos, or written reflections. Creating this helps students organize their experiences and prepare for college or job applications.

Common Misconceptions About Theatre Skills and Careers

Some students may believe theatre skills are only useful for acting or theatre jobs. It is important to clarify that theatre skills are broadly applicable and valued in many fields. Another misconception is that a theatre resume is only for professional actors; however, it is a useful tool for any student to document and reflect on their experiences.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

Students discuss in small groups how their theatre skills might help them in different careers or college majors.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: Name two skills you have learned from participating in theatre.
2. Developing: List three careers outside of theatre where theatre skills could be useful.
3. Application: Explain how theatre skills can help you succeed in higher education.
4. Analysis: Review a sample theatre resume and identify three elements that make it effective for college applications.
5. Challenge: Create a brief outline for your own theatre resume or portfolio, including at least four sections you would include and why.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. Examples include communication and teamwork.
2. 2. Examples include marketing, teaching, and counseling.
3. 3. Theatre skills like public speaking, collaboration, and creativity help in presentations, group projects, and problem-solving in college.
4. 4. Clear listing of roles and productions, description of skills gained, and inclusion of training or awards.
5. 5. Sections could include Personal Information (to identify the student), Theatrical Experience (to show participation), Skills and Training (to highlight abilities), and Awards or Recognitions (to demonstrate achievements).

Guiding Questions

• What skills have you developed through theatre?
• How can these skills help you in college or a job?
• What should you include in a theatre resume?
• How can you show your skills through your experiences?

Common Misconceptions

• Theatre skills are only useful for acting or theatre jobs.
• A theatre resume is only for professional actors, not students.
• Theatre experience does not help in other careers or education paths.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Observe student participation in discussions about transferable skills.
• Review notes taken on resume and portfolio components.
• Students write one way theatre skills can help in a non-theatre career.
• Students list one item they will include in their theatre resume or portfolio.
• Evaluate the completed theatre resume or portfolio for completeness and clarity.
• Assess student presentations explaining how theatre skills relate to higher education or careers.

Answer Guide

• Name two skills you have learned from participating in theatre.
  Answer: Communication and teamwork.
• List three careers outside of theatre where theatre skills could be useful.
  Answer: Marketing, teaching, counseling.
• Explain how theatre skills can help you succeed in higher education.
  Answer: They help with public speaking, collaboration, and creativity in college.
• Review a sample theatre resume and identify three elements that make it effective for college applications.
  Answer: Clear listing of roles, description of skills, inclusion of training or awards.
• Create a brief outline for your own theatre resume or portfolio, including at least four sections you would include and why.
  Answer: Personal info, theatrical experience, skills and training, awards or recognitions.

Real-Life Application

Ask students to discuss with family members or mentors how skills learned in theatre might be useful in their jobs or education and report back.

Homework or Home Connection

• Ask students to discuss with family members or mentors how skills learned in theatre might be useful in their jobs or education and report back.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students explored how theatre skills and experiences are valuable beyond the stage, including in higher education and various careers. They learned to create a personal theatre resume or portfolio to showcase their skills and experiences, preparing them for future opportunities. Understanding the transferability of theatre skills empowers students to see the broader impact of their theatrical involvement.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

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