Course Syllabus

Theatre Syllabus

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Teacher Information

    Brandi Ford

Education:

Columbus State University

BA in English and Secondary Education

Contact Information:

Email: brandi.ford@ucps.k12.nc.us

Office Hours: Fridays, 8 AM - 3 PM

A bit about me: 

This is my 6th year at Cuthbertson High School. I have taught English for the previous 5 years. While I love English and the study of literature, theatre is my first love. I have been performing since the 4th grade. I have performed in musicals and plays, written, directed, and worked in tech. For most of my life, I have been involved in theatre in some form or another. My favorite role of all time was Lady Larken in Once Upon a Mattress. I have a passion for theatre and believe that it benefits all students by improving their communication skills and self esteem.

In my personal life, I have four sons, ages 14, 16, 18, and 20. We moved to the Charlotte area 6 years ago for my husband’s job; we are originally from Alabama. We also have 2 cats (pictures available upon request). All of my boys have also performed, and the oldest is a tech theatre major at Appalachian State. The younger 3 attend Weddington schools. 

 

Course Overview and Requirements

Course Description: 

We will be exploring theatre and gaining an appreciation for actors, technicians, technological advances in theatre, literature, film and the production concept. The main OBJECTIVE is to learn how to communicate effectively, work as a team, appreciate the story in each time period, and the story in each of us by learning theatrical techniques. Many of our activities will be group activities that require planning/rehearsals with the group. We will use Microsoft Teams in class to facilitate this. 

Due Dates and Late Work Policy: 

  • It is the student’s responsibility to find out what they have missed and make up the work in a timely manner. The BEST way to find out about work is through Canvas. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed when absent.
  • The class website on Canvas will be updated regularly with assignments. All assignments will be posted along with rubrics and due dates the day they are assigned.
  • Most assignments will be due at 11:59 the day it is assigned. 
  • Assignments turned in on time will receive 100% of credit earned.
  • Assignments turned in late, but before the end of the current unit will receive 75% of earned credit. Example: A student turns in an assignment that would have received 80 points if on time, will earn 80x75% = 60 points. 
  • Assignments turned in late after the end of the unit, but before the end of the grading period will receive 50% of earned credit. Example: A student turns in an assignment that would have received 80 points if on time, will earn 80x50% = 40 points.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning: 

As we enter this new arena of in-person and online learning, please understand that procedures and policies may change based upon decisions made at the county and state levels. 

  • Whether you are a virtual academy student or in person 2 days a week, attending the live sessions will greatly increase your understanding of the material and assignments. 
  • Assignments will have asynchronous options for those who cannot attend the live session. 
  • Videos will be posted of class most days. 
  • Activities will be easier (and more fun) if you attend live. 
  • We will be using Microsoft Teams for class. Please make sure that you can log into Teams.

Grading: I will use a points based system. There will be daily minor assignments worth 5 - 49 points and major assignments with 50 - 100 points. All points are added together to determine your grade. 

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

F = 0-59

Items of Special Note:

  • Classroom expectations and procedures: It’s all about RESPECT! This basically covers everything. Everyone that enters my classroom (including ME) should behave with respect to each other and their surroundings. 
    • This means that we always clean up after ourselves.
    • We never touch others’ things without permission.
    • We maintain the 6 foot required distance AND wear our mask over our mouth and nose. 
    •  We speak respectfully to each other. 
  • Cell Phone Policy: No cell phones should be out during class, EXCEPT for very specific activities. 
    • Acceptable uses - using music for a piece, research for a project that cannot be found on the computer, or taking a picture of set pieces
    • Things your cell phone should NOT be used for - updating or checking social media, shopping, playing games, or recording other peers’ performances
  • Auditorium Use: The auditorium is a learning space for all theatre courses and is used by many other classes and outside groups.  It is not anyone's daily classroom. It will be treated as if it is a borrowed space. Trash will be taken out daily and cleaned weekly. Performing with gum is automatic points deducted from your grade.
  • Food and Beverages: WATER, WATER, WATER - Water is permitted and highly encouraged. Other beverages with lids are permitted in the classroom; however, if you spill it, you will be expected to clean it up. No food will be allowed. ONLY water is permitted in the auditorium. 

The class times are changing this semester. Below, you will find the current schedule for Monday - Thursday. ALL meetings will take place at the beginning of each block. Cav Period is reserved for virtual tutoring as requested by students. 

8:10 - 9:30 First Block

9:35 - 10:55     Second Block

11:00 - 11:30   Cav Period

11:35 - 1:35    Third Block

1:40 - 3:00       Fourth Block


Friday Schedule

8:10 - 9:30 First Block

9:35 - 10:55    Second Block

11:00 - 11:30  Cav Period

11:30 - 12:15 Lunch Break

12:15 - 1:35 Third Block

1:40 - 3:00 Fourth Block

 

Parents:  Click Here for directions on how to become an Observer in the Canvas Course for this class.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due