Download SHHSIntrotoTheatre - St. Helens School District

Introduction to Theatre
Instructor Information
Instructor:
Ron Barnett
Academic Degrees:
B.S. Secondary Education / English minor,
University of Portland
B.A. Drama / Performance minor, University of
Portland
M.A. Theatre Production, Central Washington
University
Location
A–1, A–2, Olmscheid Auditorium
Work Email:
[email protected]
Teacher Website:
http://www.sthelens.k12.or.us//Domain/211
Work Hours:
8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. (In theatre after 3:30
p.m. during rehearsal seasons.)
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the many facets
of the art of theatre, including theatre history, technical
theatre, and performance. Students study one dramatic work
(Greek, Restoration, or Shakespeare) and learn the technical
basics of sets, costumes, lights, props, and business, as well
as the performance basics of physical expression, control,
directed creativity, and interpersonal relationships. Theatre
games, warm-ups, pantomime, and performance are included.
This course may only be taken once. Should students desire to
pursue further theatre student, they should consider taking
Technical Theatre or Actors Workshop. Auditioning for all-school
plays or working as crew members in the fall, winter, and spring
will also further a student’s learning. SHHS Drama Club is a
very active student organization on campus as is the prestigious
International Honor Society Troupe 2002.
Notice: Should this course be scheduled to be taught at the same
time as another drama course, the above description is no longer
applicable. The course will then be titled Dramarama and the
direction of the course will be determined based on the student
makeup of the class and the course being taught in tandem.
Course Objectives
Standards
Student Objectives
Practice &
CCSS 9-12.SL.6
Adapt speech to a
variety of
contexts and
communicative
tasks,
demonstrating
command of formal
English when
indicated or
appropriate.

AR.HS.AC.02 Explain
personal preferences
for works of art
based on an analysis
of how the essential
elements and
organizational
principles
contribute to the
work's artistic
merit.

NSAE Standard 3
Designing and
producing by
conceptualizing and
realizing artistic
interpretations for
informal or formal
productions



Course Outline
• Origins of
Western theatre
Students present a
variety of monologues
and scenes
representing a
variety of styles,
genres and periods.
Students analyze the
physical, emotional,
and social dimensions
of characters found
in dramatic texts
from various genres
and media
Students view and
read various theatre
selections and
critique them
formally and
informally both
orally and in
writing.
Students apply
technical knowledge
and skills to
collaboratively and
safely use grips,
flat running, (and
possibly) lightboard
use
Students explain the
basic physical and
chemical properties
of the technical
aspects of theatre
(such as theatre
space, light, color,
electricity, paint,
and makeup)
• Oral tradition
Assessments
Origin
improv, Brush
Teeth and
Wash Face,
pantomime,
group
pantomime,
Love of Three
Oranges
Pantomime,
theatre games
and exercises
Textbook
readings and
questions,
video
selections,
scene
presentations
Use of grips,
flat running,
lightboard.
Chapter notes
on technical
elements and
vocabulary.
• Elizabethan
theatre
• Theatre games
• Voice
development
• The auditorium
• Script analysis
• Modern theatre
• Monologues
• Stanislavski
method
• Greek theatre
history
• Restoration
theatre
Unit 1: The Theatre Space
Unit 2: Storytelling and the
Origin of Theatre
Unit 3: Ancient Greek Theatre
Unit 4: Roman Theatre through
Medieval Theatre
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit
• The audition
process
• Improvisational
acting
• Basic technical
theatre
5:
6:
7:
8:
Renaissance Theatre
Elizabethan Theatre
Restoration Theatre
Modern Theatre
Course Grading and Assessment Plan
Grading Scale
A four point rubric will be used to score all summative
assessments that are related to course standards with the
following percentage assignment: 4=100%, 3=85%, 2=65%, 1=45%. A
ten-point scale will be used to score all formative assessments
with suggestions for improvement. Formative assessments account
for 30% of semester grade and summative assessments account for
70% of the semester grade. Final transcript grades will follow
standard district grading policy: A=100–90%, B=89–80%, C=79–70%,
D=69–60%, F=59–0%.
Make-Up Work
Assignments turned in on time will be graded in a timely manner.
Assignments turned in late will not receive reduced credit but
will be graded as time allows. Consult page 8 of the Student
Handbook for further information.
Grade Updates
Parents can expect updated grades to be available on-line by the
end of the first and third week of each month.
Semester Final Exam
A final exam will include a performance and a written component.
All students must be present for both components.
Course Materials
• Theatre: Art in Action (1999)
• Drama for Reading & Performance: Collection One (2000)
• Drama for Reading & Performance: Collection Two (2000)
• Selections from a variety of plays and scene books
• Video scene selections from SHHS Drama productions
Strategies for Successful Students
Follow the sentiments expressed in the International Thespian
Society pledge: “I am a student of theater and excellence is my
ideal. I promise to perform my part as well as I can; to accept
praise and criticism with grace; to cooperate with my fellow
thespians and work for the good of the troupe; and to share my
love of theater.” Also remember the statement from Alexander
Pope’s Essay on Man: “Act well your part; there all the honor
lies.”
Interested students and parents are encouraged to join our
Facebook group: SHHS Drama/Troupe 2002.
Classroom Conduct and Expectations
• Give respect; get respect
• Limit distractions
• Do your own work and turn it in
Behavior Expectations and Consequences
Students will be held to the behavioral expectations and
consequences outlined in the Student Handbook.