Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 7
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cultural And Creative Arts
Curriculum Theme: Cultural And Creative Arts
Previous Lesson: Uses and Impact of Music in the Society
Topic: Drama And Theatre
Subject Matter: Definition of drama, Origin of drama, Definition of theatre, People involved in drama/theatre—playwright, director, actor, designers, script writer, light man, etc.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Explain the meaning and origin of drama and theatre.
(b) Identify people involved in drama and their roles.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the value of teamwork and creativity in drama and theatre production.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate simple role-play to show understanding of drama and acting.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in small groups to identify different theatre roles and their importance.

Reference Materials

The following resources was used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
National Theatre UK – “Theatre Careers” (https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/backstage/theatre-careers)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures or posters of stage performances
Chart showing the structure of a theatre and its workers
A short video clip of a drama presentation
Sample scripts or play texts
Costumes or props for role-play

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps students understand how drama and theatre function as tools for entertainment, education, and expression through the collaboration of different theatre professionals.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have watched plays or performances in school or on television and can describe what happens in a drama or theatre scene.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Drama and Theatre

Definition of Drama

Drama is a form of art that tells a story through dialogue and action performed by actors before an audience. It is usually written in a script and acted out to entertain, educate, or communicate a message.

Origin of Drama

Drama began in ancient times when people used songs, dances, and stories to honor their gods and celebrate important events.
The following are the origins of drama:

It started from religious festivals in ancient Greece.
The first recorded plays were written to praise gods like Dionysus, the god of wine and joy.
In traditional African societies, drama appeared in folk tales, masquerades, and storytelling during festivals and ceremonies.

Definition of Theatre

Theatre is the place or building where drama is performed before an audience. It also refers to the art and practice of producing, directing, and acting in plays.
The following are key features of theatre:

It provides a stage for drama performances.
It involves technical and artistic workers.
It serves as a medium for communication and cultural expression.

People Involved in Drama and Theatre

A successful drama or theatre performance requires the work of many people who perform different roles.
The following are the people involved in drama and their duties:

Playwright – Writes the script or play.
Director – Guides the actors and controls all aspects of the play.
Actors/Actresses – Perform the roles in the drama.
Stage Manager – Organizes the stage and coordinates the performance.
Set Designers – Design and arrange the background scenery.
Costume Designers – Provide appropriate clothing for characters.
Light Man – Controls stage lighting for mood and visibility.
Sound Technicians – Manage background music and sound effects.
Make-up Artists – Apply makeup to enhance characters’ appearance.
Prop Masters – Provide and manage stage properties like chairs, tables, and objects used in performance.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Demonstration, Storytelling, Role-play, Group Work, Question and Answer

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher begins by asking pupils to recall any stage play or drama they have seen and describe what they observed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by sharing their experiences and describing what they remember from the play.
Learning Point: Pupils become interested and prepared for the topic on drama and theatre.

Step 2: Explanation of Drama and Its Origin

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines drama, explains its meaning, and narrates its origin from ancient and African traditions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what drama is and where it originated from.

Step 3: Definition and Features of Theatre

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of theatre and shows a chart or picture of a theatre building.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, participate in the discussion, and describe the theatre features.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of theatre and its key functions.

Step 4: People Involved in Drama and Theatre

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains the people involved in drama and their duties, showing pictures or props.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and demonstrate roles of actors, directors, and others through short role-play.
Learning Point: Pupils identify different theatre workers and their roles in drama production.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes into their books.
Learning Point: Pupils have complete and accurate notes on the topic.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is drama?
Mention two origins of drama.
What is theatre?
List four people involved in drama and state one duty of each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally or in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson objectives.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson, reinforces key points, and encourages pupils to appreciate drama as a means of communication and culture.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions where necessary.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the importance of drama and theatre in society.

Lesson Keywords

Drama – a story acted on stage through dialogue and actions
Theatre – a place where drama is performed
Playwright – the person who writes a play
Director – the person who supervises the performance of a play
Actor – a person who performs a role in a drama

Differentiation

Teacher provides visual and verbal explanations for all learners, encourages slower pupils with guided practice, and allows advanced learners to lead role-play demonstrations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage participation by assigning simple drama roles. Ensure pupils respect each other’s performances. Use available school resources to make the lesson lively and interactive.