A 5-lesson scheme (6, if you require an additional rehearsal lesson) on Greek theatre, focusing specifically on the role of the Chorus. Working in groups, students are assigned different myths which they read in full and explore through the creating of tableaux. Then, they are given 6-panel storyboards (included in the resources) which condense their myth into 6 key moments. Students are taught how to speak and move in unison, and they then use their storyboards to create and perform 6 scenes in the same manner. Opportunities for oral and written feedback are written into the scheme, as well as a teacher’s assessment marksheet which you can adapt for your own use. Myths are of varying difficulty levels for learners across a wide spectrum. This could be adapted for use in a range of different year levels and capabilities.

At my current school, every year the English department host a week of themed activities for students to enjoy. This year it was passed to me in the Drama department, so our theme was MUSICALS! This file contains a range of activities (with rules/instructions) and displays to host your own Musicals-themed week of fun! Extra ideas: We hosted an inter-house Spelling Bee for junior form students which went down very well! We also changed our school bells to songs from a different musical each day, and on the final day, I rounded up some teachers to surprise students with a lunchtime flashmob performance to the song “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman.

A short, snappy, 2-lesson unit (or 4, if your lessons are only 1 hour) on performing a duologue. The lessons focus on vocal and facial expressions, and also incorporate prior learning on body language, gesture and attitude. The unit outcome is a Zoom/online performance which students are required to record for homework, so this is great for distance learning, online learning, or blended learning - but works just as well in the physical classroom, too!