Test Information Guide
Overview and Test Objectives
Field 45: Theater
Test Overview
| Format | Computer-based test (CBT) and online proctored test; 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-response items |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions |
|
| Time | 4 hours (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial) |
| Passing Score | 240 |
The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject matter contained in the test objectives for each field. The MTEL are aligned with the Massachusetts educator licensure regulations and, as applicable, with the standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.
The test objectives specify the content to be covered on the test and are organized by major content subareas. The chart below shows the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each of the subareas.
The test assesses a candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at the level required for a baccalaureate major according to Massachusetts standards. Candidates are typically nearing completion of or have completed their undergraduate work when they take the test.
Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.
Test Objectives
| Subareas | Range of Objectives | Approximate Test Weighting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple-Choice | |||
| I | Playwriting, Performance, and Direction of Dramatic Works | 01–03 | 30% |
| II | Design, Production, and Management of Dramatic Works | 04–05 | 15% |
| III | Theater History and Dramatic Literature | 06–09 | 25% |
| IV | Theater Education | 10–11 | 10% |
| 80% | |||
| Open-Response* | |||
| V | Integration of Knowledge and Understanding | 12 | 20% |
*The open-response items may relate to topics covered in any of the subareas.
Subarea I–Playwriting, Performance, and Direction of Dramatic Works
Objective 0001: Understand principles and fundamental skills related to playwriting and principles of dramatic structure.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of principles and skills involved in writing and adapting a play for the stage.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the use of various techniques (e.g., methods of research/information gathering, playmaking, self-scripting, improvisation) for generating ideas for stories, actions, characters, and dramatic environments.
- Understand ways of structuring a script to communicate ideas and feelings (e.g., plot, characters, setting, theme, mood).
- Recognize the use of various dramatic styles, forms, and genres in playwriting.
Objective 0002: Understand principles and fundamental skills related to acting.
For example:
- Identify methods and characteristics associated with classical and contemporary forms of actor training.
- Understand techniques for developing actors' tools (i.e., voice, body, and mind).
- Understand characterization techniques in acting.
- Demonstrate knowledge of uses and techniques of improvisation.
Objective 0003: Understand principles and fundamental skills related to directing.
For example:
- Understand effective collaboration with cast, production staff, and community.
- Demonstrate knowledge of preparing a production (e.g., selecting a play, background research, script analysis, concept/design decisions).
- Understand the casting and rehearsal processes (e.g., auditions, casting, schedule planning, blocking).
- Demonstrate knowledge of integrating elements for performance (e.g., technical and design elements, continuous critique and revision from multiple sources involved in the production).
Subarea II–Design, Production, and Management of Dramatic Works
Objective 0004: Understand principles and fundamental skills related to producing and managing theatrical performances.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in theatrical production (e.g., stage manager, company manager, production manager, producer, technical director).
- Identify factors and considerations involved in selecting a play for theatrical production and legal issues (e.g., royalties, copyrights, liability, contracts) related to theatrical producing.
- Demonstrate knowledge of procedures for scheduling, budgeting, planning, promoting, and managing theatrical productions and for managing personnel (e.g., designers, choreographers, music director).
Objective 0005: Understand principles and fundamental skills related to set, costume, makeup, lighting, and sound design.
For example:
- Demonstrate essential design principles and elements as they relate to theater (e.g., space, color, line, shape, texture, repetition, balance, emphasis, contrast, unity).
- Understand fundamentals of stagecraft (e.g., set, costume, property, and mask construction; hang/focus of lighting instruments; sound production; makeup).
- Demonstrate knowledge of health and safety guidelines related to technical theater and design.
- Analyze the use of principles of design and production in the context of the script and historical/cultural considerations of the play's setting.
Subarea III–Theater History and Dramatic Literature
Objective 0006: Understand the development, analysis, and history of drama and theater.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the various purposes of theater throughout history.
- Understand the development of basic elements of theatrical performance and production throughout history.
- Identify types and characteristics of various dramatic forms.
- Understand the relationship of cultural, economic, political, and other social factors to theater.
- Understand the fundamentals of the analysis and critique of works of theater and dramatic literature.
Objective 0007: Understand significant British and other European dramatic literature from ancient times to the present.
For example:
- Understand major themes, characteristics, and developments in British and European theater and dramatic literature from ancient times to the present.
- Identify major British and European playwrights and their works.
- Demonstrate knowledge of prominent developments in British and European theatrical performance and production.
Objective 0008: Understand significant dramatic literature of the United States.
For example:
- Understand major themes, characteristics, and developments in American theater and dramatic literature throughout history.
- Identify major American playwrights and their works.
- Identify prominent individuals and understand developments in American theatrical performance and production.
Objective 0009: Understand significant dramatic literature from other global cultural traditions.
For example:
- Understand major themes, characteristics, and developments in the theater and dramatic literature of other global cultural traditions.
- Identify major playwrights and prominent individuals in the theater of other global cultural traditions.
Subarea IV–Theater Education
Objective 0010: Understand principles and fundamental skills related to theater education for children and adolescents.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of teaching methods and practices in theater arts education.
- Understand the creative development of children and adolescents in the theater arts.
- Recognize criteria for evaluating various aspects of theatrical performance at different age levels.
- Demonstrate knowledge of theater for young audiences and dramatic literature for children's theater.
Objective 0011: Understand the interdisciplinary nature of theater.
For example:
- Understand theater in connection to related arts (e.g., opera, puppetry, mime, music, dance, visual arts, radio, television, video, film, digital media).
- Demonstrate knowledge of theater in connection to other academic disciplines and the humanities.
Subarea V–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding
Objective 0012: Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to one or more of the following: playwriting, performance, and direction of dramatic works; design, production, and management of dramatic works; theater history and dramatic literature; theater education.
(Refer to objectives 0001 through 0011 and associated descriptive statements.)