THEATRE ARTS IV             Expectation, Requirements, and Syllabus

 

Students in Theatre Arts IV will experience many of the lessons offered in Theatre Arts III but on a more independent level.  This level is an honors level class and will require more independent work because it is honors level.  In Theatre Arts I, II, and III, you participated in a variety of areas, but in Theatre Arts IV, those areas will be examined more closely.  Comparative studies of various periods and plays will be covered.  The work load will be greater than in previous classes; however, much of the work will be more research oriented.  There will be homework in the forms of projects, reading, memorization, study for tests, and research.  Many of these homework assignments will be carried out over a period of time, so the immediate or daily work load may not be time consuming.  Individual projects will be a focus in this class.

The following areas will be covered in the course of the class:

1. script writing
2. character development in acting
3. design and production (through research and development of ideas)
4. directing
5. research
6. comparison and integration of art forms
7. analysis and critique of formal and informal productions
8. analysis of role of various media in historical context

 

Grading

Students are graded on a variety of areas.  Generally, two types of grades are given: daily and test/project grades.  Daily grades count singly and test/project grades count double.  Similarly, homework assignments generally count as a daily grade.  Some projects may be weighted differently based on the amount of time and effort required to complete the project. . Generally, participation each week earns 100 pts. Generally, dressing out each week earns 100 pts. Grading practices include but are not limited to the following:

A variety of theatre rubrics

Tests and written papers

Journal

Teacher observation of demonstrated skills

Projects

Portfolio

Performance grades (based on a variety of skills including but not limited to the following:)

Quality of work, focused behavior, playing objectives

            Memorization, Vocal work

Physical work

            Listening/responding skills

            Demonstration of basic stage skills/techniques

           

 

Students are graded on a variety of areas.  One area to be graded will be participation in assignments.  Students are expected to participate in all assignments, especially in-class assignments.  Non-participation based on lack of interest is not acceptable.  For example, participation in an in-class assignment may earn a student a grade of 100, but talking inappropriately, not attempting the assignment, or not following the guidelines of a particular assignment may cause points to be deducted from that original 100 points.

After many of the activities, there will be a circle time for discussion/reflection.

A similar time will be spent before the activity as well in preparation for an assignment.  This format will be the basis for many lessons in the class.  During class activities, students are expected to move through activities in an orderly fashion.  Rules regarding communication during circle time will be explained in the circle.

Class Expectations

After many of the activities, there will be a circle time for discussion/reflection.

A similar time will be spent before the activity as well in preparation for an assignment.  This format will be the basis for many lessons in the class.

During class activities, students are expected to move through activities in an orderly fashion.  Rules regarding communication during circle time will be explained in the circle.

Due to the nature of assignments in the class, students are expected to exhibit the following behaviors:

1. No talking or moving when other students are performing an assignment.
2. Students are expected to show positive support of each other in class and offer constructive criticism at appropriate times.
3. Students will keep personal problems out of class period.
4. Students are expected to refrain from taking outside the class, any negative     comments about a student’s performance or subsequent discussion.
5. Although many of the activities are play-oriented, each activity has a goal or objective behind it that students are expected to master.
6. No gum, food, or drink will be allowed in the classroom or auditorium—only bottled water.
7. Learn to respect what is not yours. If it is not yours, don’t touch it.
8. Students will be expected to begin class daily with a listed journal entry. If class begins in the theatre or when the class moves into the theatre, students will be expected to begin warm-ups immediately and without conversation.  Unless different instructions are given, the class should automatically perform five repetitions of Sun Salutation.

 

Students in Theatre Arts IV will be expected to participate in performances in this class.  This will mean a degree of memorization as well.  Since many of the performances will be outside of the classroom, being present at those performances is a requirement.  Additional rehearsals outside of the normal school day will have to be scheduled; advance notice will be given so schedules can be adjusted, but those practices will also be required.  Failure to show for a scheduled after school rehearsal without prior approval will result in a zero for that grade.  Failure to show for a scheduled performance will result in a zero (performance may count approximately 20% of that six weeks grade) and a referral slip.

 

Theatre Arts IV students will participate in the annual play festival.  Participation will occur either in performance onstage or as backstage crew.  The festival will be held on Oct. 27/28.  The festival will be held on a Friday and a Saturday.  Students should keep those weekends open until we know our assignment.  You are expected to attend the entire festival.  In the event we are selected to advance to the state finals of the festival, we will travel to Greensboro Nov. 16/17 to perform.  If we are selected as winner to represent North Carolina in the Southeastern festival, we will perform again in March.  More of this will be explained thoroughly in class. Scholarship auditions will also take place on Nov. 18 after the state festival is over.

 

Students are expected to maintain a notebook in class.  Daily assignments will be posted on the board when you enter class. There are various assignments that will be kept in this notebook as well as handouts, class notes, and journals.  The notebook will be graded on a periodic basis, and information will be given out before grading time so that students know what should be in the notebook.  Journal assignments will focus on reactions to assignments and on evaluations of a variety of topics.

A variety of projects will be assigned during the semester.  Many of the projects will involve independent work on your part.  You will receive specific guidelines for those projects then necessary.  They will include acting, directing, and design work.

Students are expected to turn in all assigned work the day it is due.  Students who miss an assignment due to absence (regardless of the reason) are responsible for collecting missed work and for making up the work.  Any work not turned in after due date will be assigned a zero.  Students assigned a zero did not turn in assignment.  If a student misses an assignment due to absence and has not made it up, a “one” will be inserted into Powerschool until it is either made up or given a value of zero.

 

Dress Code

Classes

All Students are required to dress appropriately for each class they are enrolled in.

Students of acting classes should be prepared to physically move on a daily basis.

*Students will change in the locker room.  A locker may be used in the locker room but clothing needs to be removed daily.  Otherwise, clothes should be brought back into the room before reporting to the theatre.  Students will report to the theatre no later than five minutes after the tardy bell.

*All theatre students need BLACK movement clothes:

            Loose fitting and easy to move in

            Adhering to CATA dress code; however, no tank tops—only t-shirts

            Leggings may be worn but t-shirts must cover the hips

            Solid black—no graphics or designs

            You may work in bare feet or some type of gripper socks

            Long hair must be pulled away from the face

*Technical theatre students must wear closed toe shoes

*Any alterations in this policy on a daily basis will be given at least the day before.  If conditions do not allow such notice, an announcement will be posted on the classroom door.

*Failure to adhere to dress code or to dress out will result in a lower participation score each week.

 

Tentative Syllabus

 

Theatre IV

 

Week 1 Basic theatre/movement/development of honors portfolio/

portfolio/monologues

Week 2  Acting techniques

Week 3  Production design and analysis

Week 4  Production design and analysis

Week 5 Play production

Week 6  Play production

 

October 10 End of 1^st 6 weeks

 

Week 7 Play production

Week 8 Play production

Week 9 Play production

Week 10  Play production

Week 11 Playwriting

Week 12 Playwriting

 

Nov. 27  End of 2^nd 6 weeks

 

Week 13 Scenework/ Performance

Week 14 Scenework/ Performance

Week 15 Directing

Week 16   Directing

Week 17 Tentative Projects

Week 18 Tentative Projects/Review

 

Jan. 25  End of 3^rd 6 weeks

 

 Resources

 This is a link to “EmpowerED Family Portal” https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/domain/2917 ) – this provides parents with links to online resources and apps that students can access. 

 

Class textbook--Drama Projects

Various online websites

     NCTC.org

 

Required Class Materials

Notebooks—2”-3” three ring binder and a three-pronged folder into which paper can be inserted—no spiral bound notebook

Loose leaf paper

Pencils/pens—black or blue and a Highlighter; no unusual colors for pens—pink, green, etc.

 

We want to make sure we come off as a professional looking and acting troupe in every way—it takes everyone doing their part in order to make that happen!  We want to be a cut above what is normally expected from high school theatre.

 

 

AN ACTOR’S CODE OF CONDUCT

 

• A professional actor recognizes that theatre demands compromise: everyone and everything about the production will not always be to his own personal taste or satisfaction.

 

• A professional actor knows when to keep his mouth shut.

 

• A professional actor never demeans or downgrades another cast or crew member; he recognizes how each person is important to the whole.

 

• A professional actor is never seen in his costume before he is supposed to be seen. Once in costume an actor should not be seen by the audience until the appropriate moment.  He does not wear his costume out of the theatre.

 

• A professional actor takes care of his costume and sees that it is hung up neatly with all its pieces after each rehearsal or performance.

 

• A professional actor recognizes that costume and make-up are elements of character and are the responsibility of the director; these elements are not a personal choices or subjects for the whim of the individual actor.

 

• A professional actor makes sure to check all properties before and replace all properties after each performance.

 

• A professional actor does not whine or complain about the show, the cast, the crew, or any element of the overall production.

 

• A professional actor does nothing that would detract from the show: does not talk or make noise backstage; does not brake character regardless of what happens; does not ever clue the audience that a mistake has been made.

 

• A professional actor behaves himself in a professional manner at all times: his mouth, conduct, and actions will always be above reproach.

 

• A professional actor abides by all sightlines—always being careful not to be seen until the appropriate time.

 

• A professional actor always remembers his responsibilities—both on and off stage. He will remember all props, costume pieces, and set change responsibilities.

 

• A professional actor recognizes that he is “onstage” throughout the entire evening—that people are watching him before, during, and after a performance.

 

• A professional actor recognizes that his actions cast a reflection on the entire troupe and will not risk diminishing the reputation of the ensemble.

 

• A professional actor will always be gracious to other casts and crews and will reserve any critique for the privacy of his own ensemble.