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Ms. Smiths

tiffany.smith@jefferson.kyschools.us www.EHSTheatreClass.weebly.com

Theatre II Syllabus

I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.-Oscar Wilde Materials Needed Pen or Pencil Notebook Paper Folder Course Description Theatre II is an advanced study of theatre, specifically in the area of acting. Students will be participating in acting and interpretation, as it relates to different types of productions and settings. Objectives and Instructional Goals The student will have an opportunity to develop strategies and knowledge and will: 1. Use critical thinking to enhance performance and/or production choices. 2. Practice focus and concentration as it pertains to an actors work. 3. Invent, develop, and portray characters and relationships. 4. Identify how an ensemble impacts the production process. 5. Develop stage presence and voice projection through participation in performance activities. 6. Understand the technical aspects of theatrical production in relation to a performance. 8. Analyze plays by playwrights such as Moliere and Shakespeare. 9. Discuss the values of theatre arts and explain their place in contemporary American society. 10. Connect developments in theatre history with movements today. 11. Further understanding and appreciation of the performing arts through practical experience. 12. Understand the play production process from the first reading to the final curtain. 13. Gain a greater knowledge of the actors work and role in production. 14. Develop a professional sense of what type of productions are appropriate for different audiences. 15. Understand the role of direction in play production.
Grading Policy Daily Assignments/Rehearsal/Discussions 30% Projects/Presentations/Performances 35% Written and Performance based assessments 25% Final Exams 10% Important Requirements 1. IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE: Specific in-class performances will be necessary for a portion of the students grade. You will be given three five days notice before the performance will take place. 2. Students are expected to perform on the date assigned to them. If a student is absent the day of performance, then he or she will be expected to make-up that performance upon his or her return. There will be no exceptions. 3. **If a student, for various reasons, chooses not to perform a specific unit, then an alternate written assignment MUST be completed for credit. You will only be allowed one alternative assignment to be approved IN ADVANCE. 4. During each performance unit, you will be given several sessions of rehearsal time and you must be on task for each session. Your rehearsal grade will be used to determine your final performance unit grade. 5. Students may be quizzed at any time and are responsible for all material covered.

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Your notebook is an extremely important aspect of your grade and learning. It will be collected when asked for and will be graded for neatness, completeness, and organization. Entries that are improperly headed will not receive credit. Students who fail to bring their materials on the days notebooks are collected will receive a 0%. 7. Extra credit is available. Students may see additional performances of productions in the area. To receive this credit, you must complete an additional critique with proof of attendance to the performance. The critique must be turned in within two weeks of the performance date on the ticket stub or program. The critique must be 3-5 pages typed in Times New Roman 12 point font. Also, a minimum of 10 hours participation in any production here or in the community, (church drama, community theatre, etc.) can be used for extra credit. If participation occurs outside of school, proof must be provided of participation in the production. Extra credit cannot replace a missed performance. 8. Strong attendance and participation are demanded in this class and is of the highest priority. 9. Hall passes: You will have 3 hall passes total per semester to use in this class and you may use the pass only in emergencies. No passes will be given during the first or last ten minutes of class. 10. Bring all materials to class each day! 11. Work must be written in pencil, or blue or black ink. No exceptions. 12. Work that is messy or is improperly head will not be accepted. 13. Late work is not accepted under any circumstances. 14. When you are in this classroom, it is your time to learn about drama. You are not allowed to work on assignments for other classes while we are having class. 15. Make-up work for written assignments is permitted and will be graded for full credit, provided that the guidelines established in the Student Handbook are followed. 16. No food or beverages of any kind are allowed in the auditorium. 17. You must have permission from Ms. Smith to enter the prop room or backstage area. If you are not in a designated area at a given time, you will be given a disciplinary referral and your parents will be contacted. 18. ABSOLUTELY NO NEGATIVE COMMENTS about other students performances will be allowed. This is a cardinal sin. 19. Always know your part. A large majority of your performance projects will be group projects and the other members of your group are counting on you to complete the project to the best of your ability. 20. All projects/performances must be approved by Ms. Smith prior to performance. No exceptions will be made to this rule. If they are not approved, you will not receive a grade for that unit. 21. Talking while others are performing is inconsiderate and will not occur. 22. Points will be deducted from a performance when a speaker has gum or candy in his/her mouth. 23. Adhere to all rules set aside in the school handbook Field Trips We will be taking two field trips to Actors Theatre during the course of the 2012-2013 school year. Students must be in good class standing to attend and are expected to dress appropriately for the theatre. 6.

Name_____________________ Students I have read and understand the guidelines in the Theatre II syllabus. Student Signature_____________________________________ Date_______ Note to Parents It is my hope that Theatre II will be an educational, interesting, and enjoyable class. I believe that the rules and concepts contained in this syllabus will promote a classroom environment conducive to learning. These rules and concepts are designed to ensure fairness and success for all of the students in this classroom. If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to call me at school, or e-mail me. Please look over this syllabus, so that you can become familiar with the policies, rules, concepts and responsibilities. I look forward to working with your child and meeting you during the school year. Parent Signature______________________________________ Date_________ An Additional Note There may be the occasion when students will be asked to help build sets. This would include possible work with power drills, paints, wood, hammers, and nails. If your child has permission to work with these materials, please sign below. Parent Signature______________________________________ Date____________