Understand the use of resumes and portfolios in technical theatre

Standards Alignment

• TEKS.117.323.05A primary
  understand the use of resumes and portfolios in technical theatre;
• TEKS.117.323.05B primary
  recognize appropriate behavior at various types of live performances;
• TEKS.117.323.05C primary
  recognize the design and technical elements of theatre as an art form and evaluate self as a creative being;

Lesson Overview

This Grade 9 Technical Theatre lesson focuses on understanding how resumes and portfolios are used in the field of technical theatre. Students will also learn about appropriate behavior at live performances and recognize design and technical elements of theatre as an art form. The lesson supports students in evaluating themselves as creative beings within the theatre context, aligned with TEKS standards for Technical Theatre, Level I.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the purpose and components of resumes and portfolios in technical theatre.
• Identify appropriate behavior expected at various types of live theatre performances.
• Recognize and describe design and technical elements of theatre as an art form.
• Evaluate personal creative contributions and growth within technical theatre.

Success Criteria

• Students can list key elements of a technical theatre resume and portfolio.
• Students demonstrate understanding of appropriate audience behavior at live performances.
• Students identify technical theatre elements such as lighting, sound, set design, and costumes.
• Students reflect on their own creative skills and technical theatre experiences.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of theatre roles and terminology, and some experience attending or participating in live theatre performances.

Key Vocabulary

• Resume
• Portfolio
• Technical Theatre
• Design Elements
• Technical Elements
• Live Performance
• Audience Etiquette
• Creative Evaluation

Materials and Resources

• Sample technical theatre resumes
• Example portfolios (digital or physical)
• Videos or images of live theatre performances
• Paper and writing tools for note-taking and reflection

Teacher Preparation

• Prepare examples of resumes and portfolios used in technical theatre.
• Select video clips or arrange for a live theatre viewing to discuss audience behavior.
• Review technical theatre design elements to highlight during the lesson.
• Prepare reflection prompts for student self-evaluation.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Resumes and Portfolios in Technical Theatre

A resume in technical theatre is a document that lists a person's skills, experiences, and training related to theatre production roles such as lighting, sound, set construction, and costume design. A portfolio is a collection of work samples that visually or descriptively showcases a person's technical theatre projects, designs, or accomplishments. Together, resumes and portfolios help theatre professionals present their qualifications to directors, companies, or schools. Understanding what to include and how to organize these documents is essential for students pursuing technical theatre careers.

Appropriate Behavior at Live Performances

Audience etiquette varies depending on the type of live performance but generally includes arriving on time, turning off electronic devices, refraining from talking during the show, and responding respectfully to performers. Recognizing appropriate behavior helps maintain a positive environment for performers and fellow audience members. Discussing examples of good and poor audience behavior helps students understand their role as respectful theatre participants.

Design and Technical Elements of Theatre as an Art Form

Technical theatre includes elements such as lighting, sound, set design, costumes, props, and stage management. Each element contributes to the overall storytelling and mood of a production. Recognizing these elements allows students to appreciate theatre as a collaborative art form that combines creativity and technical skill. Students should be able to identify these elements in productions and understand their functions.

Evaluating Self as a Creative Being in Technical Theatre

Self-evaluation involves reflecting on one's skills, creativity, and growth in technical theatre. Students should consider what technical roles interest them, what skills they have developed, and areas for improvement. This reflection supports personal growth and helps students set goals for their theatre involvement. Encouraging honest and constructive self-assessment fosters confidence and motivation.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

Students examine the examples and take notes on what information and materials are included. They observe audience behavior in videos and discuss what is appropriate or inappropriate.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: What is the main purpose of a resume in technical theatre?
2. Developing: Name two types of work samples that might be included in a technical theatre portfolio.
3. Application: Describe appropriate audience behavior during a live theatre performance.
4. Analysis: Explain how technical elements like lighting and sound contribute to the storytelling in theatre.
5. Challenge: Reflect on your own technical theatre skills and experiences. What would you include in your resume and portfolio, and why?

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. To list a person's skills, experience, and training related to technical theatre roles so employers or directors can evaluate their qualifications.
2. 2. Design sketches and photos of completed projects or productions.
3. 3. Arriving on time, remaining quiet during the performance, turning off electronic devices, and applauding respectfully at appropriate times.
4. 4. Lighting and sound create mood, highlight action, and support the narrative by enhancing the atmosphere and focusing audience attention.
5. 5. Answers will vary but should include specific skills (e.g., set construction), experiences (e.g., working on a school play), and reasons such as demonstrating abilities to future employers or educators.

Guiding Questions

• What is the purpose of a resume in technical theatre?
• How does a portfolio support a technical theatre career?
• What behaviors are expected of an audience at live theatre performances?
• What are some key technical elements in theatre productions?
• How can you evaluate your own creative growth in technical theatre?

Common Misconceptions

• A resume and portfolio are the same thing; in reality, a resume is a list of qualifications while a portfolio is a collection of work samples.
• Audience behavior does not affect the performance; in fact, inappropriate behavior can disrupt performers and other audience members.
• Technical theatre is only about building sets; it also includes lighting, sound, costumes, and other design elements.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Observe student participation in discussions about resumes, portfolios, and audience behavior.
• Review notes taken on technical theatre elements.
• Listen to student reflections during self-evaluation activities.
• Write three key components of a technical theatre resume.
• List two examples of appropriate audience behavior at a live performance.
• Name one technical element of theatre and explain its role.
• Create a complete technical theatre resume and portfolio sample for a chosen role.
• Write an essay evaluating the importance of audience behavior in live theatre.
• Present an oral report on the design and technical elements of a recent theatre production.

Answer Guide

• What are three key sections of a technical theatre resume?
  Answer: Contact information, skills, and experience.
• Why is a portfolio important in technical theatre?
  Answer: It visually shows a person's work and skills, helping employers see their abilities.
• Name two appropriate audience behaviors during a live performance.
  Answer: Being quiet during the show and turning off electronic devices.
• What are some technical elements of theatre?
  Answer: Lighting, sound, set design, costumes, and props.
• How can self-evaluation help a technical theatre student?
  Answer: By reflecting on skills and experiences, students can identify strengths and areas for growth to improve their work.

Real-Life Application

Students can ask family members or friends about their experiences attending live performances and discuss how audience behavior affected their enjoyment.

Homework or Home Connection

• Students can ask family members or friends about their experiences attending live performances and discuss how audience behavior affected their enjoyment.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learned the purpose and components of resumes and portfolios in technical theatre, recognized appropriate audience behavior at live performances, and identified key design and technical elements of theatre. They also reflected on their own creative skills and how to present them professionally. These skills prepare students for future opportunities in theatre production and help them appreciate theatre as a collaborative art form.

Teacher Notes

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

Related Lessons