Course Description and Evaluation:
Drama I has a two-fold design to allow students to gain a foundation for the history of theater and confidence in performing and speaking in front of an audience by speaking, improving his/her vocal qualities, techniques and control. This class’ main intention is to introduce the students to theater’s roots and styles as well as basic and intermediate acting techniques making them familiar and comfortable with the stage as a performer and audience member. The student will learn the roles in theater of both the audience and the performer, the importance of cooperation and coordinating with others, and the tools to create a harmonic stage environment.
Course Objectives:
The successful student in this class will be able to competently
Grading:
In any theater course, participation is a key element. The student needs to be in class regularly, prepared/willing to work, and able to assume an audience responsibility when he/she is not onstage.
15% - Daily participation & classroom assignments
15% - Tests, quizzes etc.
60% - Formal/informal Performances
10% - Semester Final
Classroom Expectations:
Our class is to have a positive environment that is conducive to growth and exploration of ideas. In order to build and maintain such an environment, here are a few guidelines.
1. Show respect to all students and teachers at all times.
2. Get permission before leaving the room.
3. Bring all necessary materials to class (see Classroom Supplies).
4. Follow all school rules as outlined in the student handbook. (Examples: Tardy Policy, No Soft Drinks – Water Only, etc.)
5. Most importantly – Be respectful audience members at ALL times!
Possible Consequences:
Conference with teacher and student, phone calls or emails home to parents, administrative referral, meeting with parents, and/or principal or possible learning/teaching experiences. Tardy and unprepared policy consequences will follow those outlined in the student handbook.
Requirements – This is not a suggestion – You will be required to have this!
Lined paper
Notebook or folder with pockets or three ring holes – This class does not have a textbook and will rely solely on handouts and notes. It is the student’s responsibility to keep these materials for test review.
Blue or black ink pen
Syllabus:
Structure of Drama
Varieties of Drama
History of Drama
Theater as a career
TESTS
Any test not taken within one week of the date given will be subject to a 100% loss of points or student will be given an alternative test for 40% loss of points.
PERFORMANCES
Any Performance turned in one day late will be subject to a 20% loss of points and a 40% loss of points thereafter. Students must make arrangements during Advisory or before or after school to make up a performance. They will not be given time during class to make up any given performance – unless time becomes available. If a student has an absence on the day of their given performance they MUST present the day they return to earn full credit. Any student having an UNEXCUSED absence on the day of their given performance will automatically be subject to 20% loss of points.
NATURE OF THE BEAST:
A large portion of this class will rely on a student’s ability to work in a group or with a partner. Even though MOST assignments/performances/activities can be done independently, most students choose to work with others. Therefore, it is solely the responsibility of the student to arrange time outside of the given rehearsal time to work with their partner, and it is each student’s responsibility to choose their partners/group members wisely. If a group member or partner is absent on the day of a performance – THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!! Keep this in mind throughout the semester!!!
NOTE:
Drama I has a two-fold design to allow students to gain a foundation for the history of theater and confidence in performing and speaking in front of an audience by speaking, improving his/her vocal qualities, techniques and control. This class’ main intention is to introduce the students to theater’s roots and styles as well as basic and intermediate acting techniques making them familiar and comfortable with the stage as a performer and audience member. The student will learn the roles in theater of both the audience and the performer, the importance of cooperation and coordinating with others, and the tools to create a harmonic stage environment.
Course Objectives:
The successful student in this class will be able to competently
- Explain theater’s beginnings
- Identify a variety of styles and genres in theater
- Create pantomimes and scenes based on knowledge of plays as a whole
- Memorize and perform lines accurately
- Identify and incorporate theatrical vocabulary into performances
- Demonstrate knowledge of the stage and its basic technical aspects
- Become appropriate and interactive audience members
Grading:
In any theater course, participation is a key element. The student needs to be in class regularly, prepared/willing to work, and able to assume an audience responsibility when he/she is not onstage.
15% - Daily participation & classroom assignments
15% - Tests, quizzes etc.
60% - Formal/informal Performances
10% - Semester Final
Classroom Expectations:
Our class is to have a positive environment that is conducive to growth and exploration of ideas. In order to build and maintain such an environment, here are a few guidelines.
1. Show respect to all students and teachers at all times.
2. Get permission before leaving the room.
3. Bring all necessary materials to class (see Classroom Supplies).
4. Follow all school rules as outlined in the student handbook. (Examples: Tardy Policy, No Soft Drinks – Water Only, etc.)
5. Most importantly – Be respectful audience members at ALL times!
Possible Consequences:
Conference with teacher and student, phone calls or emails home to parents, administrative referral, meeting with parents, and/or principal or possible learning/teaching experiences. Tardy and unprepared policy consequences will follow those outlined in the student handbook.
Requirements – This is not a suggestion – You will be required to have this!
Lined paper
Notebook or folder with pockets or three ring holes – This class does not have a textbook and will rely solely on handouts and notes. It is the student’s responsibility to keep these materials for test review.
Blue or black ink pen
Syllabus:
Structure of Drama
Varieties of Drama
History of Drama
- Read Oedipus and Antigone
- View a passion play and a morality play
- Watch Importance of Being Earnest
- Kabuki masks and performances
- Read an American play
Theater as a career
TESTS
Any test not taken within one week of the date given will be subject to a 100% loss of points or student will be given an alternative test for 40% loss of points.
PERFORMANCES
Any Performance turned in one day late will be subject to a 20% loss of points and a 40% loss of points thereafter. Students must make arrangements during Advisory or before or after school to make up a performance. They will not be given time during class to make up any given performance – unless time becomes available. If a student has an absence on the day of their given performance they MUST present the day they return to earn full credit. Any student having an UNEXCUSED absence on the day of their given performance will automatically be subject to 20% loss of points.
NATURE OF THE BEAST:
A large portion of this class will rely on a student’s ability to work in a group or with a partner. Even though MOST assignments/performances/activities can be done independently, most students choose to work with others. Therefore, it is solely the responsibility of the student to arrange time outside of the given rehearsal time to work with their partner, and it is each student’s responsibility to choose their partners/group members wisely. If a group member or partner is absent on the day of a performance – THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!! Keep this in mind throughout the semester!!!
NOTE:
- Students using peer evaluations in an inappropriate manner will receive an automatic 0% for that assignment.
- Students using inappropriate material(s) during performances will be given an automatic 0% for that performance.
- Any students not adhering to proper etiquette while others are presenting will be sent out the room and will lose 20% of their grade for their performance.