Middle school and junior high school language arts students can receive a basic background in the elements of theatrical production and an appreciation of the theatre arts by producing and performing one act plays. A six- or seven-week unit can progress from the basics of pantomime, reading and vocabulary, and characterization with make-up, through blocking and rehearsing, set and costume construction, and lighting, to performances, striking the set, and an "Academy Awards" ceremony. Various activities related to production will enhance spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and analytical thinking and writing skills. The unit can be evaluated by students with a weekly assessment of each other's performance of responsibilities. Students who generally have difficulty with the language arts can meet with success in a drama unit, and all students may develop a lifelong interest in and an appreciation for the theatre. This kind of activity can also generate media coverage, resulting in increased interest and support from the community. (Appendixes include a try out sheet, language arts and writing exercises, an evaluation form, and suggested royalty-free one act plays.) (HTH)