Primary Students Learn Theatre Etiquette Through Read-aloud, Role-play, and Guided Practice Activities. Extension: Invite Local Theatre Group or Create Mini-productions.

Title: Theatre Etiquette - Being a Respectful Audience Member

Grade Level: Primary Grades (1st - 3rd)

Objective:

• Students will understand the importance of good theatre etiquette.
• Students will learn and practice appropriate behavior as an audience member during a theatre performance.
• Students will demonstrate respect for performers and fellow audience members.

Materials:

• Picture books about theatre etiquette (e.g., "Theater Etiquette" by Carrie Finn)
• Large chart paper and markers
• Index cards or small slips of paper
• A small stage or designated performance area
• Props (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):

• Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever been to a theatre performance or watched a play.
• Discuss what they enjoyed about the experience and what they think it means to be a good audience member.
• Explain that today, they will learn about theatre etiquette, which is how we behave when we watch a play or performance.

1. Read Aloud (15 minutes):

• Read a picture book about theatre etiquette, such as "Theater Etiquette" by Carrie Finn.
• Pause throughout the reading to discuss the behaviors mentioned in the book and why they are important.

1. Classroom Discussion (10 minutes):

• Use the large chart paper to create a list of good theatre etiquette behaviors based on the book and student input.
• Discuss each behavior and why it is important, emphasizing respect for performers and fellow audience members.
• Encourage students to share their own experiences or observations of good and bad theatre etiquette.

1. Role-Play Activity (15 minutes):

• Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with an index card or slip of paper containing a specific theatre etiquette behavior.
• Instruct each group to create a short skit or role-play demonstrating the assigned behavior.
• Allow time for groups to practice and then have them perform their skits for the class.
• After each performance, discuss the behavior portrayed and its importance.

1. Guided Practice (15 minutes):

• Set up a small stage or designated performance area in the classroom.
• Choose a few students to act as performers and the rest as the audience.
• Explain that the performers will act out a short scene while the audience practices good theatre etiquette.
• Remind the audience to sit quietly, face the stage, and avoid talking or distracting others during the performance.
• After the performance, discuss how the audience demonstrated good theatre etiquette and how it made the performers feel.

1. Independent Activity (10 minutes):

• Distribute a worksheet or handout with scenarios related to theatre etiquette.
• Instruct students to read each scenario and circle the appropriate behavior response (e.g., clapping at the end of a performance, staying seated during the show).
• Review the answers as a class, discussing the reasoning behind each choice.

1. Conclusion (5 minutes):

• Recap the importance of good theatre etiquette and how it contributes to a positive experience for everyone involved.
• Encourage students to practice good theatre etiquette whenever they attend a performance in the future.

Extension Activity:

• Invite a local theatre group or drama club to perform a short play or scene for the students, allowing them to observe and practice their theatre etiquette skills in a real-life setting.
• Have students create their own mini-theatre productions, taking turns as performers and audience members, while practicing good theatre etiquette.