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Theatre 1A - Period 2
Room 522/Theatre
Fall 2015
Instructor: Mr. Stephen Whelan
661-294-1188, ext 522
[email protected]
WEB PAGE: valenciavikings.com (staff directory – Whelan)
COURSE GOAL:
Theatre 1A will introduce the beginning actor to the techniques and practices of the
theatre arts. This beginning approach will incorporate:
 Theatre Games
 Improvisation and Pantomime
 Physical and Vocal Warm-ups
 Observation and Sensory Exercises
 Monologue and Scene Study
 Cold Readings
 Group Participation
The course will also provide students with a general understanding of well-known plays
and films, prominent playwrights/screenwriters, directing, stagecraft, design and theatre
history.
REQUIRED READING AND VIEWING:
 The textbook Theatre: Art in Action will be provided to each student and will be
used for classroom reading and assignments only. Textbooks may be checked out
with the permission of the teacher but only for OVERNIGHT USE.
 The play OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder (in-class reading, but also in library)
 Various scenes from plays and films will be assigned to students in addition to
monologues that they will be expected to memorize and perform class.
 Students need to make arrangements ahead of time to ensure that they attend at
least one performance of the fall play production TBA on 11/18 - 20 at 7:00 PM.
Student tickets are $6 and $10 for adults. A written critique of the production is
part of the class grade. If you or your parents have any concerns about attending
this play, please contact the instructor as soon as possible. Complimentary tickets
will be provided for any student in need.
Please turn over to continue reading and for parent permission slip.
Mr. Whelan
Room 522
GRADES WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:




Scenes and Monologue
Quizzes, Tests, and Play Critique
Participation in Warm-ups, & Group Exercises*
Theatre Journal**
35% (Percentages
25% are approximate)
25%
15%
*Active student participation is required on a daily basis. The instructor will keep a daily
record of your participation and will refer to it when grading.
**Each student is expected to bring a binder or notebook to every class that has 8 ½ x
11” size pages in it that can be easily taken out or torn out. Students are required to
write a minimum of one page per week in the notebook. The written entries are
primarily used as a tool for student SELF-EVALUATION, but may also range in subject
matter and may include the following: personal observations or recollections; critiques of
plays, movies or television shows; observations of fellow-students’ performances in
class; notes from lectures, class discussions, and textbook or other readings. The binder
or notebook also needs at least one pocket to hold handouts given out by the teacher.
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES:
 All students are encouraged to be part of our extra-curricular VHS Theatre Arts
Club. Participation in the club is not mandatory, but students can earn extra credit
by participating in or attending additional play productions, scene and musical
theatre showcases, or our bi-annual Improvathon Fundraiser held at the VHS
Theatre on Friday, 8/29. Tickets are $5 for audience and $10 for participants.
Additionally, there is a senior project production of RABBIT HOLE 9/15 – 9/18 at
7 PM. Tickets are $6 for students and$10 for adults. All audience members
(including parents) are encouraged to come and support our improvisation team
and our shows. Checks can be made out to VHS Drama. Several other extra
credit opportunities are available. Contact Mr. Whelan for more information
LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP TEST:
 Late assignments will be marked down an entire grade and must be completed
within one day of its original due date. Students with an excused absence are
responsible to make up assignments by no later than one day after the student
returns to class.
PLEASE HAVE PARENTS SIGN AND DETACH THE BELOW:
………………………………………………………………………………………………
I have read the syllabus for Theatre Arts 1A and I understand its contents and
requirements.
Signed____________________________________ Date _________________________
Parent of ________________________________________________________________
Parent Email _____________________________________________________________
Parent Phone Number _____________________________________________________
Mr. Whelan
Room 522