Download BegTheatre_syllabus

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Beginning Theatre Syllabus
Herron High School 2016-2017
Teacher: Ms. Hannah Boswell
Email: [email protected]
Course Description and Outline:
Beginning Theatre is a beginning survey of the theatre arts, a starting point toward a
general appreciation of the dramatic form and theatrical process. The course explores the
historical significance of this oldest of art forms and its contemporary relevance in all of its
modern day forms. Students will actively participate in several theatrical activities in the
roles of production teams, actors, and designers. This is a two semester course with a total
of four (4) units: Intro to Theatre and Theatre History, Intro to Acting, Intro to Technical
Theatre, and Intro to Production.
Course Goals:
- To demonstrate the unique synthesis nature of the theatrical process exploring how all
disciplines and elements of all the arts combine to create great theatre
- To develop an understanding of and appreciation for the diverse roles required in the
production process
- To develop the student’s creative and expressive voice and skills in the areas of
production, acting, and theatrical design
- To answer the question “Why is theatre still important in today’s changing world?”
- To examine the cultural and historical significance of theatre throughout history, including
a look at the master playwrights and major innovations in style & design
- To further enhance an awareness of the cultural and ethnic diversity reflected in the New
Theatre
- To develop student play analysis skills, both verbal and written, with discipline informed
appropriate vocabulary
Required Supplies:
-1 Single Subject Notebook to be used only for this class (will be collected on occasion)
- A three ring binder for handouts. It is up to the student to organize as they see fit.
- Writing utensils – may be pens or pencils. Pens must be blue or black ink.
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Grade Breakdown:
-Participation Grades– 10 pts/day for participating in class and taking notes. Students will
automatically lose the day’s participation points for sleeping in class. (P)
-Notebook checks– Students will be required to take notes during class time and notebooks
will be periodically checked as part of their participation grade. If a student is absent, the
student MUST obtain notes from another student. (P)
-Attendance- Attendance is an important component of learning the essential material in
this course. Learning the essential material is an important component of strong evaluation
performance, which goes a long way toward achieving a desirable final course grade. If a
student is absent they will lose their participation points for that day. (P)
- Volunteer Hours – Each student will be required to serve 10 volunteer hours outside of the
classroom PER SEMESTER. This helps students gain a practical understanding of all things
required of a production. There are many ways to serve these hours including but not
limited to: office hours, participating in a Herron production, or participating in an outside
theatrical production. (P)
- In Class Acting Project – Each student will select a monologue to perform in front of the
class. Monologues must be memorized, and lasting between 2 and 5 minutes in length.
Students must complete a thorough character analyses over their selected characters. This
assignment will have multiple due dates, as it is something that will develop throughout
Semester I. (M)
- Theatrical Critique – Students will be required to watch a theatrical performance and write
a well-composed critique over the theatrical elements in essay format. While it is preferred
and encouraged to see a live performance, I will provide a filmed performance for students
that need one. This assignment will be due at the end of Semester I. (M)
- In Class Design Project – Students will choose to design (drawings, montage, disc, or
model) one area of theatrical design (scenic, lights, costumes/makeup, or sound) for a
story or play plot from the list of play topics/stories that will be provided. Each student will
present a 5-10 minute overview of their design. This assignment will have multiple due
dates, as it is something that will develop throughout Semester II. (M)
- In Class Directing/Production Project – Students will be required to direct a scene or a 510 min play. They must find a cast of characters, costume them, find or make necessary
props or scenery all on their own. Participating in another student’s project WILL COUNT for
Volunteer Hours. Students will have the opportunity to audition their scenes in Herron’s
student-driven Scene Night. This assignment will be due near the end of Semester II. (M)
- Mastery Assessments – There will be various other mastery assessments throughout the
year including but not limited to: quizzes, unit tests, benchmarks, and finals.
Academic Dishonesty:
Any form of academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, or violation of another’s
work will not be tolerated and will result in severe disciplinary action dependent on the
nature of the offense leading up to removal from the course.
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Grading:
According to the Herron High School student handbook, the grading scale is as follows:
A+
99-100
B+
88-89
C+
78-79
A
94-98
B
84-87
C
74-77
A-
90-93
B-
80-83
C-
70-73
NG
69-Below
Grades are accessible via PowerSchool at https://herron.powerschool.com/public/. Your
child will be given log-in information. 70% of the total grade will be based on Mastery
assessments (M). 30% of the total grade will be based on Practice assessments (P).
Universal Behavior Policies
According to the student handbook, at all times, Herron High School students will:

Show respect for people, property, and the learning process.

Be in correct uniform.

Use school appropriate and responsible language.

Remain awake, alert, and engaged in class.

Come to class on time (9 am) and prepared to learn.

Come to class without food, candy, gum, or beverages.

Come to class without cell phones or other electronic devices.
Students who choose not to comply with the Universal Behavior Policies (UBPs) will be
logged in their student record. Students who earn four (4) logs in one week will be issued a
detention to be served after school. Parents will be notified after EVERY log a student
receives. Choose to follow school policies!
Academic Expectations
It is my expectation that every student will be successful in this course! In order to
be a successful student and to prepare for college, you must be engaged in class and do
your work. If at any time you feel like you are not being successful in this course, please let
me know so that we can work together to solve any problems that might arise. In addition,
Herron High School has four Academic Habits:

Culture of Quiet

Timeliness

Learning Readiness

Continuous Learning
Choosing to make these habits a part of your time at Herron will ensure your personal
success!