Table of Contents
Introduction
This “one-act play lesson plan” is designed for English earners. The lesson starts with a reading activity. After reading examples of one-act plays or scenes from longer plays, students are tasked to write their one-act play involving two characters.
This exercise helps students to engage creatively and in a structured way with the elements of drama.
Let’s start with the lesson overview!
Lesson Overview
After reading examples of one-act plays or scenes from longer plays, students are asked to write their own one-act play involving two characters.
This activity will allow students to engage with the elements of drama in a creative and structured way.
Writing a One-Act Play Lesson Plan
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Materials: No specific materials required (optional: scripts of one-act plays for reading)
Objective
This activity teaches students key writing skills by guiding them through the process of writing a one-act play. It encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The task can be done individually or in pairs and may take several weeks to complete. No specific materials are required.
Learning Goals:
- Develop skills in brainstorming, drafting, editing, and revising through process writing.
- Gain a deeper understanding of character development, dialogue, and narrative structure.
- Practice teamwork, communication, and performance skills.
Duration: 4-6 weeks (depending on class time and performance schedule)
What is a One-Act Play?
A one-act play is a short dramatic performance that typically consists of a single scene or a continuous sequence of scenes. It focuses on a limited number of characters, often two or three, and explores a specific conflict or situation.
Unlike full-length plays, a one-act play is concise, usually lasting 10 to 30 minutes, and aims to deliver a focused narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Its brevity allows for an intense and engaging exploration of themes or relationships.
Writing a One-Act Play Lesson Plan
Teaching students how to write a one act play involves involves various steps:
Step 1: Introduction to One-Act Plays (Classroom Activity)
Start your one-act play lesson plan by introducing students to one-act plays. You can read short plays or scenes together, highlighting key features such as character development, dialogue, conflict, and resolution. Discuss how these elements are vital in creating a compelling story.
Key Concepts to Highlight:
- Characters: Their personalities, backgrounds, and relationships.
- Conflict: The problem or tension that drives the plot.
- Setting: Time and place, contributing to the atmosphere.
- Dialogue: How characters communicate and convey emotions.
Step 2: Brainstorming the Play
In this phase, students begin to brainstorm their own one-act play. Provide a structured brainstorming session to help them generate ideas:
- Choose a situation: Have students imagine a scenario that interests them. It could involve any kind of relationship: friends, family members, partners, etc.
- Define the characters: Encourage students to think about the personalities, goals, and motivations of their characters. They should also explore the relationship between the characters (e.g., two friends, parent and child, husband and wife).
- Identify the conflict: What problem or tension will arise in the conversation? The conflict should be relatable and serve as the driving force of the play.
- Determine the setting: Students should establish the time and place of the conversation. Where are the characters? What time of day or year is it? The setting should complement the story.
- Plan the structure: How will the play start, develop, and end? Discuss with students the importance of a clear beginning, middle, and end. Each section should contribute to the overall plot.
- Costume considerations: Encourage students to think about how their characters might dress based on the setting and personalities.
Step 3: Writing the First Draft (At Home or In-Class)
Students write the first draft of their one-act play. This should focus on the dialogue between the characters, the pacing of the conversation, and the unfolding of the conflict.
Writing Tips:
- Use realistic, natural dialogue that reflects the characters’ personalities.
- Ensure the conflict is clear and drives the plot.
- Keep the play focused, with a clear resolution or open-ended conclusion.
Step 4: Peer Editing and Revisions (Classroom Activity)
Back in class, students will edit and revise their plays with the help of their peers or the teacher. This is a crucial stage in process writing, where students refine their ideas and polish their dialogue.
Editing Focus:
- Clarity and effectiveness of the dialogue.
- Development of the characters and their interactions.
- Consistency in the conflict and resolution.
- Suggestions for improving the flow and structure of the play.
Step 5: Perform the Plays (Classroom Activity)
Once the plays have been revised, students will perform their one-act plays in front of the class. This can be done as a casual performance or a more formal presentation, depending on the teacher’s preference.
Performance Tips:
- Encourage students to focus on expression, intonation, and emotion in their dialogue.
- Use minimal props or costumes to enhance the experience.
- Provide constructive feedback after each performance, focusing on what worked well and what could be improved.
Step 6: Class and School Contest
Each class selects the best one-act play based on creativity, performance, and writing quality. The selected plays may be entered into a school-wide contest, where the best play from each class is performed.
Follow-Up Activity: Professional Performance
For an exciting extension to this lesson plan, the winning play could be sent to local professional actors who visit the school to perform it. The students who wrote the play can act as directors, guiding the professionals through their vision.
This hands-on experience allows students to see their work come to life in a professional setting and gain valuable insights into the world of theatre production.
Conclusion
Writing and performing a one-act play is a powerful way to engage students in creative writing, teamwork, and critical thinking. This activity fosters a range of skills—from brainstorming and drafting to editing and performance—and can leave a lasting impression on students as they see their stories come to life.
The option to collaborate with professional actors offers an extra layer of excitement and learning, giving students a memorable and inspiring educational experience.