Download theatre classes - Harrison High School

Theatre Class Syllabus for SPRING 2015
Dr. Marie Castro Bruner
[email protected]
www.harrisontheater.com
678-594-8104, ext. 1504
THEATRE CLASSES
FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE – Open to all students, regardless of experience level. This course
focuses on introducing the student to the basics of actor preparation, dramatic criticism, script
analysis, and social impact of theatre through history. This course will help students to develop and
apply introductory performance skills. Theatre etiquette, stage movement, vocal strategies, and
character development will become the focus. The semester cumulates with a monologue
performance with a character analysis as a final project. Meets 2nd period.
Georgia Performance Standards for the Fundamentals of Theatre Class may be found at:
https://www.georgiastandards.org/standards/gps%20support%20docs/fine_arts_theatre_gps_final
_2-11-2010.pdf (pages 34-39)
ADVANCED DRAMA (Production) – Open to students who have completed the Fundamentals course,
have sufficient experience, or have successfully completed an audition with the instructor. This course
allows students to learn theatre by doing it. Students will build a portfolio related to an area of strong
interest/expertise related to the productions that are scheduled for the semester. During the Fall of
2014, productions scheduled include Back in Black, One-Act Play, and Children’s Shows. Meets 3rd
period.
Georgia Performance Standards for the Advanced Drama Class may be found at:
https://www.georgiastandards.org/standards/gps%20support%20docs/fine_arts_theatre_gps_final
_2-11-2010.pdf (pages 49-58)
MUSICAL THEATRE – Open to students who successfully completed an audition with the instructional
team or applied for a technical team position. This course allows students to learn musical theatre by
preparing and performing High School Musical. After completion of performances in Late April,
students will receive an overview of Musical Theatre History (the contents will make up the final exam
material) Meets 5th period.
**The Music Director is Jack Walker (jack.walker@cobbk12org) and the Choreographer is Dawn Parker
([email protected]); the class roster is divided between the two Harrison instructors;
however, all three directors collaborate on assessing student participation and performance.
Georgia Performance Standards for the Musical Theatre Class may be found at:
https://www.georgiastandards.org/standards/gps%20support%20docs/fine_arts_theatre_gps_final
_2-11-2010.pdf (pages 64-71)
Theatre Class Syllabus for SPRING 2015
Dr. Marie Castro Bruner
[email protected]
www.harrisontheater.com
678-594-8104, ext. 1504
GRADES:
Class Participation/Daily Grade – 40% (Students will receive a participation grade every 6 weeks; they
can earn up to 3 points daily. Students automatically receive 10 points as a base.)
Rehearsal/Performance Grades--40% (Students will receive a rehearsal/performance grade based
upon participation and commitment to rehearsals and performances associate with their respective
class(s), ranging from monologues to the musical – Dress/Tech week is included in this grade.)
Notebook/Portfolio--10% (Students will maintain a reflective journal in Fundamentals of Theatre; a
reflective journal & performance portfolio in Production Class; and a reflective journal with blocking,
and choral notes in Musical Theatre.)
Final Exam --10% (Foundations Final – Based on basic theatre and theatre history notes; Production
Final – Reflective Essay; Musical Theater – Based on Musical Theater History notes)
MATERIALS:
(a) A 3-ring binder which will contain your copy of your notebook, portfolio, scripts, score, etc.
(b) Loose-leaf paper & Notebook Dividers
(c) Pencil and a Blue or Black ink pen
MISSED WORK/MAKE-UP WORK:
Makeup work is YOUR responsibility. Work missed due to an EXCUSED absence may be made up by
following the school policy in the student handbook. Make any arrangements to do makeup work
before/ after school. Students that are absent on days projects or presentations are due will be
expected to present the assignment on the day the student returns.
CONDUCT GRADES:
Conduct grades are assigned on each 6-week report card and can be an "S" for Satisfactory, "N" for
Needs Improvement, or "U" for Unsatisfactory. Theatre students will earn an "N" if rehearsal grades
average below 80%, and a "U" if rehearsal grades average less than 70%. By school policy, any student
who is caught cheating will receive a "U".
Theatre students are expected to adhere to all Cobb County and Harrison School policies at all times.
Each student must represent our department with the pride and decorum required of a Harrison
Theatre member, a Harrison Hoya, and a Cobb County student. A student caught unwilling to adhere to
these standards may be removed from extracurricular theatre activities.
Theatre Class Syllabus for SPRING 2015
Dr. Marie Castro Bruner
[email protected]
www.harrisontheater.com
678-594-8104, ext. 1504
ABSENCES
Students are expected to communicate with the teacher when they are absent due during the rehearsal
process. Students may call or email. The student needs to do this as soon as he or she realizes they are
going to be absent.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
(a) Regular attendance is VERY IMPORTANT to this
class. The majority of the objectives for this course
are designed for student interaction. Students may
be removed from a scene altogether if absences
become a problem.
(b) Students need to be in their assigned seat ready
for class when the tardy bell begins to ring.
Students will be dismissed to dress out after class
has begun if needed.
(c) Each student should come to class prepared. This
includes appropriate clothes/shoes, script, props,
paper, pencil, etc.
(d) Participation is encouraged and expected.
Students will treat each other respectfully in order
to create a supportive environment for success.
(e) Listening is critical (not only to the teacher, but
also to other students speaking).
(f) Students will respect the space including the
theatre classroom, performance spaces, tools,
equipment, and materials.
(g) Cell phones are not to be out during class time
without permission and should be kept on silent
during school hours.
(h) Students will actively engage in learning at all
times to the best of their ability.
(i) Inappropriate performances/material choices will
be given a grade of “zero”. Please consider and
respect your audience.
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
(a) School policies for tardies and attendance are
respected and strictly followed.
(b) NO GUM, FOOD, OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN
THE THEATRE. Water only in closed containers is
allowed.
(c) No grooming, i.e. brushing hair or applying
make-up, unless preparing for a scene is allowed.
(d) No passes for the first or last 10 minutes of class.
(e) I do not want to see, hear, or even be aware of
your cell phone, I-pod, or other electronics ever
unless I give specific instructions that they are to be
used for a classroom activity.
(f) Keep the theatre classroom and theatre free of
trash. Be respectful of the spaces that have been
provided for us.
Theatre Class Syllabus for SPRING 2015
Dr. Marie Castro Bruner
[email protected]
www.harrisontheater.com
678-594-8104, ext. 1504
ADVANCED CLASS DUES:
Due to the production nature of the advanced classes, students will be asked and expected to pay class
dues. Dues are used to pay for scripts, royalties, costumes, sets, etc.
Production Class Dues: $50
Musical Theatre Dues: $175
Students can use program ad sales to cover dues; ½ of ad value (Ex: $100 full page ad = $50 of dues).
Dues must be paid by Friday, January 16th unless arrangements are made with Dr. Bruner via an email
from the parent. Please make me aware of financial hardship and/or payment plan requests. Any dues
not paid can be placed as a hold on graduation for seniors and books for underclassmen.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
Theatre is an activity that requires active participation. You cannot learn these skills by just being an
audience member. Acting can be uncomfortable because we bring something of ourselves to the parts
we play, and we may not always like what comes to the surface.
If at any point a student is uncomfortable with a scene or a situation, s/he should alert the instructor.
This isn't meant to provide an excuse not to participate (everyone is expected to try the activities and
be a good sport), but acting & presenting can be intimidating. Every student should feel comfortable
when sharing their unique talents and experiences.
OFFICE HOURS & COMMUNICATION
I will be available to talk with students after class and after school on most days. Other times can be
arranged by making an appointment. My office is located in room 601; however, due to my yearbook
responsibilities, you may also find me in room 504.
Should you need to reach me, it is ALWAYS BEST to email me at: [email protected]
Theatre Class Syllabus for SPRING 2015
Dr. Marie Castro Bruner
[email protected]
www.harrisontheater.com
678-594-8104, ext. 1504
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled through the school counseling office. If any concerns arise
with the teacher or the parent, conferences are encouraged. Since success at school requires a
partnership between the parents and the teachers, I encourage parents to call or email me at any time
a question or concern arises. The easiest way to contact me is via my e-mail. It is my goal that each
student succeeds in the classroom, as well as in extracurricular activities.
Student Name:________________________________________ Period:_______________
We have received, read and understand the policies and procedures listed above. We are fully aware of
the financial responsibility of being involved in an Advance Theatre Class. Students and parents must
sign below to indicate that they have read the course syllabus, understand the policies, and agree to the
requirements of this theatre course.
Return this signed page to your teacher.
________________________ ___________________________
Student’s Signature
__________________
Date
________________________ ___________________________
Parent’s Signature
__________________
Date
**Parents, please take a moment to email me at [email protected] using your preferred
email account with your child’s name and class on the subject line.