Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Curriculum Theme: Cultural and Creative Arts
Previous Lesson: Pitch Identification: Definition of Pitch.
Topic: DESIGN IN THE THEATRE
Subject Matter: Definition of theatre design, Areas of theatre design: Set, Costumes, Light, Makeups, Sounds

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define theatre design.
Identify the various areas of theatre design.
Explain the purpose of each area of theatre design.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of design in theatre productions.
Show interest in exploring different design elements.
Value the collaborative nature of theatre design.

Psychomotor Domain:

Sketch a simple design concept for a theatrical element (e.g., a costume or a set piece).
Point out different design elements in a given theatrical scenario or picture.
Demonstrate how a specific design element enhances a performance.

Collaborate with peers to discuss theatre design ideas.
Communicate their understanding of theatre design concepts effectively.
Participate actively in group discussions about design choices in theatre.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts JSS 2.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Cultural and Creative Arts JSS 2.
Cultural and Creative Arts for Junior Secondary Schools 2.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/theatre-design-pdf/118749419&ved=2ahUKEwj7iKjV87SGAxUeif0HHTsFCRkQFnoECB4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2g1w82Yv8G01G6zY67f2B4
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/theatre-design-pdf/118749419&ved=2ahUKEwj7iKjV87SGAxUeif0HHTsFCRkQFnoECB4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2g1w82Yv8G01G6zY67f2B4

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures of different theatre designs (set, costumes, makeup).
Charts illustrating various lighting and sound equipment.
Video clips of short plays showing different design elements.
Drawing materials (pencils, paper).

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how design elements contribute to the overall impact and storytelling in a theatrical performance. It enables pupils to appreciate the technical and artistic aspects involved in bringing a play to life on stage, linking theoretical knowledge to practical application.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of drama and theatrical performances from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

DESIGN IN THE THEATRE

Definition of Theatre Design

Theatre design is the art and practice of creating the visual and auditory environment for a theatrical production. It involves planning and executing elements like scenery, costumes, lighting, makeup, and sound to enhance the story, mood, and characters of a play.

Areas of Theatre Design

The following are the main areas of theatre design:

Set Design: This involves creating the stage environment, including scenery, props, and furniture. The set helps to establish the location, time period, and atmosphere of the play.
Costume Design: This focuses on creating the clothes and accessories worn by the actors. Costumes help to define characters, indicate their social status, and reflect the historical period or style of the play.
Light Design: This involves planning and controlling the illumination of the stage. Lighting is used to create mood, focus attention, indicate time of day, and highlight specific actions or characters.
Makeup Design: This is the application of cosmetics and prosthetics to actors’ faces and bodies. Makeup helps to transform actors into their characters, indicate age, enhance facial expressions, or create special effects.
Sound Design: This involves creating and controlling all the auditory elements of a production, including music, sound effects, and amplification of voices. Sound helps to create atmosphere, establish setting, and underscore dramatic moments.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall any plays or movies they have watched, focusing on what made the setting or characters believable.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their experiences and observations about plays or movies.
Learning Point: Pupils connect prior knowledge to the concept of theatrical presentation.

Step 2: Definition of Theatre Design

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what theatre design is, using simple terms and examples, and writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and copy the definition into their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the fundamental meaning of theatre design.

Step 3: Areas of Theatre Design (Set)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces “Set Design” as an area of theatre design, explaining its purpose with pictures of different stage sets.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures, contribute to the discussion on how sets influence a play, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils identify set design and its role in creating atmosphere.

Step 4: Areas of Theatre Design (Costumes and Makeups)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visualisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses “Costume Design” and “Makeup Design,” showing examples of how they transform actors and convey character information.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils analyze the examples, describe how costumes and makeup affect characters, and write down key points.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how costumes and makeup define characters and era.

Step 5: Areas of Theatre Design (Light and Sound)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains “Light Design” and “Sound Design,” describing their importance in creating mood, focus, and enhancing the narrative. The teacher may demonstrate with simple lighting changes or sound clips.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe demonstrations, and discuss how light and sound impact a performance, then record the information.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the function of light and sound in enhancing theatrical productions.

Step 6: Class Activity/Discussion

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group Work/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and gives them a short scenario, asking them to briefly suggest one design element (set, costume, light, sound, or makeup) that would be most important for that scenario.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in groups and share their suggestions with the class.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding of design elements to practical scenarios.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is theatre design?
Mention three areas of theatre design.
Explain the importance of costume design in a play.
How does light design contribute to the mood of a performance?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and encourages pupils to observe theatre design in everyday media. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label a simple costume design for a character from a folk tale.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given an opportunity for further practice.

Lesson Keywords

Theatre Design – The art of creating the visual and auditory environment for a play.
Set Design – The creation of the physical stage environment.
Costume Design – The creation of clothing and accessories for characters.
Light Design – The planning and control of stage illumination.
Makeup Design – The application of cosmetics to transform actors.
Sound Design – The creation of audio elements for a production.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to suggest how different design elements might combine to create a specific effect. For pupils who need more support, the teacher can provide simplified examples and focused questions, allowing them to identify design elements from pre-selected images.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to think creatively about how each design element can tell a story. Use visual aids extensively to make the concepts tangible. Emphasize that theatre design is a collaborative art form. If possible, show a very short video clip of a simple play or performance to help pupils visualize the design elements in action.