Students will conduct research on the history of Broadway musicals, read about Mel Brooks' life and work, and explore the background of the musical "The Producers." They will research varied elements of technical theater such as costume, lighting, and scene design. The final lesson activity involves planning an imaginary trip to New York to see "The Producers." LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Students will conduct Internet research on the history of Broadway musicals. 2. Students will engage in reading and writing activities. 3. Students will create a research-based presentation. 4. Students will conduct research on Mel Brooks' life and works. 5. Students will write a brief skit. 6. Students will examine varied aspects of technical theater. 7. Students will suggest lighting design, screen design, and costume design for a scene they have written. 8. Students will participate in small-group work and engage in discussion. 9. Students will examine the context of dramatic performances. Bookmark the following sites: http://www.producersonbroadway.com. http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1985/2/85.02.04.x.html http://www.adamczyk.com/newtuners/History.htm http://www.broadwayonline.com/pages/summary.asp http://www.siue.edu/ITDA/y.html http://www.playbill.com http://www.playbill.com/cgi-bin/plb/who?cmd=list&tcode=B37 http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hc&cf=bios&id=1800037923 http://www.eonline.com/Facts/People/0,12,2222,00.html http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?Brooks,%20Mel http://www.aarp.org/mmaturity/mar_apr99/interview.html http://www.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/19/the.producers/index.html http://www.grovemusic.com STANDARDS: The Arts Theater standards http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Standard.asp?SubjectID=12 Understands how informal and formal theater, film, television, and electronic media productions create and communicate meaning. Understands how the context in which a dramatic performance is set can enhance or hinder its effectiveness. Music http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Standard.asp?SubjectID=11 Understands the relationship between music and history and culture. Knows sources of American music genres (e.g., swing, Broadway musicals, blues), the evolution of these genres, and musicians associated with them. Language Arts http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Standard.asp?SubjectID=7 Gathers and uses information for research purposes. Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media. http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=22&StandardID=1 Contributes to the overall effort of a group. http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=7&StandardID=7 Uses reading skills and strategies to understand a variety of informational texts (e.g., textbooks, biographical sketches, letters, diaries, directions, procedures, magazines, essays, primary source historical documents, editorials, news stories, periodicals, catalogs, job-related materials, schedules, speeches, memoranda, public documents, maps).   Top banner photo: Cast from the Met Opera's production of "The Barber of Seville." Visit PBS Teachers