Study Guide

Section 3: Test Summary and Framework
WEST–E Theatre Arts (055)

The Washington Educator Skills Tests–Endorsements (WEST–E) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject-area content contained in the test framework for each field. All WEST–E tests are fully aligned with the state's teacher endorsement competencies and, as applicable, the Essential Academic Learning Requirements.

Test Summary

This test summary describes general testing information as well as the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each content domain. The test framework, organized by content domain, contains the objectives that define the content for the test.

Test Framework

Foundations of Theatre

Objective 0001: Demonstrate knowledge of the basic elements of dramatic literature.

For example:

• identifying characteristics of the elements of character, setting, dialogue, conflict, plot, and theme
• applying knowledge of how the elements of dramatic literature are used for expressive purposes

Objective 0002: Understand and apply knowledge of dramatic literature from historical and contemporary eras within a variety of cultures from ancient times to the present.

For example:

• distinguishing among characteristics of various periods, cultures, and genres of dramatic literature
• recognizing examples and characteristics of different genres of dramatic literature
• analyzing the use of literary techniques in dramatic literature
• applying knowledge of different literary genres in the selection of theatrical works for particular purposes and audiences

Objective 0003: Understand and apply knowledge of methods and principles of playwriting.

For example:

• recognizing sources of ideas (e.g., personal stories; multicultural examples of picture books, folklore, literature, history, imagination, and information) and processes (e.g., storytelling, improvisation) for generating new dramatic material
• demonstrating knowledge of the playwriting process and various techniques within playwriting
• demonstrating knowledge of formal elements of dramatic structure (e.g., exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, denouement)
• recognizing ways to communicate ideas and feelings (e.g., tension, suspense) through literary techniques in a script (e.g., language, rhythm, dialogue, mood)
• applying methods of reflecting on and refining scripts so that story and meaning are conveyed to the audience
• identifying methods of formatting a script (e.g., identifying stage settings, characters, acts, and scenes; providing stage directions)

Objective 0004: Understand and apply knowledge of principles of acting.

For example:

• applying techniques for analyzing a script to determine the physical, emotional, psychological, cultural, and social dimensions of characters, their relationships, and their environments to support creative choices
• demonstrating an understanding of methods for discovering, articulating, and justifying a character's motivation
• recognizing skills for interacting with others in role-playing, improvisation, ensemble work, rehearsal, and performance
• demonstrating knowledge of various styles of acting

Objective 0005: Demonstrate knowledge of vocal techniques used in theatre arts.

For example:

• demonstrating knowledge of exercises and ways to structure a warm-up to prepare the voice for rehearsal and performance
• demonstrating knowledge of the physiology of vocal production and how it contributes to the communication of meaning and characterization
• identifying ways to use and improve vocal technique for performance

Objective 0006: Apply knowledge of movement techniques used in theatre arts.

For example:

• demonstrating knowledge of exercises and ways to structure a warm-up to prepare the body for rehearsal and performance
• demonstrating knowledge of the physiology of movement and how it contributes to the communication of meaning and characterization
• identifying ways to use and improve movement technique for performance
• demonstrating knowledge of how to combine vocal techniques with movement techniques to create believable characters
• demonstrating knowledge of the use of movement to create a sense of time and location

Theatrical Production

Objective 0007: Understand and apply knowledge of principles of directing theatrical productions.

For example:

• applying methods of analyzing a script
• demonstrating knowledge of techniques for creating and communicating a production concept
• identifying the elements involved in staging theatrical performances (e.g., blocking, focus, levels)
• evaluating methods of holding auditions and casting
• demonstrating an understanding of methods for guiding actors in creating roles and developing character relationships
• understanding and applying knowledge of communication skills and techniques for creating a safe and positive working atmosphere that promotes inclusion, collaboration, trust, and creativity

Objective 0008: Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to theatrical lighting and sound design and production.

For example:

• recognizing basic lighting and sound technology and equipment and their characteristics and functions
• demonstrating knowledge of the basic physical properties of light, color, and sound
• demonstrating an understanding of design principles and elements as they relate to lighting and sound design
• identifying techniques, methods, and materials for designing lighting and sound to create a particular environment, time, mood, and effect and communicate the production concept
• demonstrating knowledge of design and technical production skills related to lighting and sound
• identifying issues related to the safe use, care, and storage of tools and materials employed in lighting and sound

Objective 0009: Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to set and prop design and production.

For example:

• demonstrating an understanding of design principles and elements as they relate to set and prop design
• identifying techniques, methods, and materials for designing sets and props to create a particular environment, time, mood, and effect and communicate the production concept
• demonstrating knowledge of technical production, construction, and painting skills related to sets and props
• identifying issues related to the safe use, care, and storage of tools and materials employed in the production of sets and props

Objective 0010: Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to costume and makeup design and production.

For example:

• recognizing styles of costumes and makeup and their characteristics and functions
• demonstrating an understanding of design principles and elements as they relate to costumes and makeup
• identifying techniques, methods, and materials for designing costumes and makeup to suggest character and communicate the production concept
• demonstrating knowledge of technical production skills related to costumes and makeup (e.g., cost, movement, quick-change requirements, constructing and acquiring costumes)
• identifying issues related to the safe use, care, and storage of tools and materials employed in the production of theatrical costumes and makeup

Objective 0011: Apply knowledge of skills and techniques related to theatre facilities and management.

For example:

• identifying the parts of a stage and their functions and types of stage structures and their uses
• recognizing types and characteristics of performance spaces and theatre facilities and the technical implications of various types of performance spaces and theatre facilities for staging a production
• demonstrating knowledge of procedures for scheduling, ticketing, budgeting, planning, and promoting theatrical performances
• recognizing basic theatre management skills and concerns
• applying knowledge of safety issues involved with theatrical activities and settings
• demonstrating knowledge of equitable access to theatre facilities

Objective 0012: Demonstrate knowledge of principles and procedures for producing theatrical performances.

For example:

• recognizing factors in selecting appropriate works that reflect an understanding of performers, audience, performance space, production elements, and performance season
• demonstrating knowledge of methods for researching the background of a dramatic text and of how to use such research to inform acting, design, and directing choices
• applying knowledge of approaches to analyzing dramatic literature to determine requirements for design, performance, and production
• identifying the roles and responsibilities of theatre production staff (e.g., director, producer, stage manager, actors, production crew, house manager) and various ways to structure the relationships among them (e.g., hierarchical, collaborative, interactive)
• analyzing the interrelated nature of lighting, costumes, makeup, sound, props, sets, acting, and direction in creating a theatrical production

Objective 0013: Understand and apply knowledge of legal and ethical issues in theatre arts.

For example:

• demonstrating knowledge of the relationship of the first amendment to theatre arts in a variety of settings
• demonstrating an understanding of legal and ethical issues surrounding the use and misuse of preexisting theatrical works
• demonstrating knowledge of laws relating to royalties, copyrights, plagiarism, and contracts as they apply to theatre arts
• demonstrating knowledge of legal requirements and considerations (e.g., liability, equal access, OSHA regulations) related to theatre facilities and environments

Analyzing and Connecting Theatre to Everyday Life

Objective 0014: Understand the history of theatre in cultures throughout the world.

For example:

• demonstrating knowledge of the history of theatrical performance and production
• recognizing specific attributes of theatrical works that reflect various historical periods

Objective 0015: Demonstrate knowledge of functions and purposes of theatre in cultures throughout the world from ancient times to the present.

For example:

• recognizing the aesthetic and artistic purposes of theatre within and across cultures throughout history
• recognizing the social and emotional functions and effects of dramatic performances and how theatrical experiences connect to personal, community, and global issues
• recognizing ways in which theatre arts shape and reflect culture and history
• recognizing specific attributes of theatrical works that reflect various cultures
• analyzing the relationships among cultural values, freedom of artistic expression, ethics, and artistic choices in various cultures from ancient times to the present

Objective 0016: Understand theatre as a way to create and communicate meaning.

For example:

• analyzing the use of theatre as a communication tool
• analyzing the ways in which ideas and feelings are expressed in theatre
• demonstrating knowledge of the relationship and interactive responsibilities of the artist/performer and audience

Objective 0017: Understand principles of theatre appreciation and criticism.

For example:

• demonstrating knowledge of the processes of description, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation based on evidence observed in a theatrical work
• demonstrating knowledge of aesthetic concepts and technical vocabulary used to describe and analyze theatrical works in their historical, cultural, and emotional context
• analyzing the effectiveness of artistic choices made in theatrical works
• identifying how personal aesthetic criteria are reflected in theatrical works and how aesthetic choices are influenced by environment, experience, culture, and historical context
• recognizing the effects an individual's background and experiences may have on his or her response to theatrical works

Objective 0018: Analyze how theatre arts relate to other arts disciplines and academic subject areas.

For example:

• demonstrating knowledge of skills and processes in theatre arts (e.g., creating, performing, responding) common among arts disciplines
• recognizing vocabulary and concepts in theatre arts common among arts disciplines
• identifying ways in which theatre and other arts disciplines can be used together to express ideas
• understanding ways in which theatre arts supports understanding of concepts and topics across multiple academic subject areas by focusing on concepts shared by multiple subjects, as well as by using the arts to illustrate and explore content in other academic subject areas
• recognizing how theatre arts knowledge and skills support students with differing learning styles, abilities, and/or varying language skills, and reinforce or enhance understanding in other academic subject areas (e.g., mathematics, science, language arts)
• demonstrating knowledge of how learning in theatre arts supports the development of critical- and creative-thinking skills, concepts, and processes (e.g., observation, problem solving, experimentation, revision, cultural understanding, narrative, 21st Century Skills, Habits of Mind, Social and Emotional Learning) and overall success in and out of school

Objective 0019: Analyze how theatre arts relate to vocational and avocational opportunities.

For example:

• identifying various vocational and avocational opportunities available in theatre arts
• recognizing how skills developed in theatre arts are applicable to a variety of vocational and avocational pursuits
• demonstrating knowledge of the preparation required for theatre-related vocations and avocations
• recognizing work habits and skills needed for careers in theatre arts