Introduction to Theatre

Semester:Fall 2017 Kent Island High School

Teachers:Mr. Reagan Prerequisites: None

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces you to the basic knowledge of the theater through developing an understanding of the elements of theater through acting, directing, stage setting, lighting, costuming and makeup. The course is designed for a full semester of 90-minute lessons, five days a week.

COURSE OUTCOMES:

  1. Aesthetics: Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and describe the development of a variety of dramatic forms through time and aesthetic qualities they reflect.
  2. History: Student will demonstrate an understanding of the history, tradition, and conventions of theater, dramatic texts, and other literature of the theater.
  3. Creative Expression: Students will demonstrate the ability to explore the creative process through theatrical activities and to apply theatrical knowledge, principles, and practices to collaborative theater presentation.
  4. Criticism: Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, and apply criteria for individual and group contributions to the collaborative process, dramatic texts and other literature of the theater and theatrical performances.

TEXT BOOKS AND MATERIALS:

  1. Pen or pencil and paper for note taking
  2. Large (2”) three ring binder with dividers
  3. Schanker, Ommanney: The Stage and the School C. 1998, 2005
  4. Cameron, Gillespie: The Enjoyment of Theatre. C. 1992
  5. Work/Performance Clothes

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. All students are to report to class on time with required materials.
  2. All students must have appropriate rehearsal and production clothes.
  3. All students are expected to participate in ALL class activities.
  4. Students are expected to obey the school rules at all times.
  5. There will be several quizzes during each unit; some announced and some unannounced.
  6. All assignments must be turned in on time.
  7. Any excused absence will be allowed three days to make up the work, tests, and quizzes.
  8. Any work missed due to an unexcused absence will be given a grade of zero.
  9. No gum, food, or drinks in the classroom/auditorium. Water is permitted.

ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS:

  1. There will be several small-group performance and research based projects.
  2. You will perform in a musical selected by the teacher. This musical will be rehearsed and performed during class hours. Your part will be memorized and performed for a public audience.
  3. Possibility of taking a field trip to see a Broadway musical.

GRADING POLICY:

Regular class attendance is necessary for consistent performance improvement. Each student is responsible for obtaining information concerning materials covered during class in his/her absence. Missing assignments as a result of excused absences or suspensions must be made up within three school days of the student’s return to class. It is the student’sresponsibility to obtain any missing assignments. The final grade will be composed of the following components:

Formative Assessments – 40%Summative Assessments – 45%

Class participation“In-class” performances

Written quizzesProjects and/or reports

Daily drills and Exit PassesUnit Tests

Homework

Final Examination15%

Note about grades and help outside the classroom: I am available from 2:30 – 3:10 every weekday and an appointment can be made if there are conflicts with those times. The best way to contact me is through e-mail. If you have any questions throughout the semester, please contact me at:

COURSE OUTLINE:

Topics/ Unit of Study / Time Frame
(No. of Days/Weeks) / Assessment(s)
Introduction
Background
Foundation / 1 Week / Objective Test

History

History / 2 Weeks / Objective Test
Performance Project
Research Project:
PowerPoint Presentation
Research Paper

Tools of an Actor

Improvisation
Tools
Technique / 3 Weeks / Class Participation
Performance Project
Objective Test
Mime/Pantomime / Class Participation
Performance Test
Vocalization / Objective Test
Reader’s Theater
Scoring a Script

World of the Play

Acting / 4 Weeks / Terminology Quiz
Objective Test
Monologue Performance
Scene Performance
Dramatic Structure
Reading and Analyzing Plays / Objective Test
Group Project:
Scene Writing
Plot Structure Graph
Types of Drama / Objective Test
Performance Project

Producing the Play

Theater As A Collaborative Art / 1 Weeks / Theater Cube
Technology Project:
Program
Technical Theater
Set Design
Scenic Painting
Lighting Design
Costumes
Make-up
Publicity / 3 Weeks / Floor Plan/Flat
Objective Test
Performance Project
Production Project
Directing and Stage Managing / 1 Weeks / Objective Test
Performance Project
Prompt Book
*Musical Theater* / 1 Week / Objective Test
Performance or Project

Introduction to Theatre

It is expected that students keep a record of their grades so that they may determine their standing at any time during the semester.

* NOTE to Parent/Guardian *

Parent Portal is the QACPS website that allows you to see your student’s current grades by going to the internet. If you are not already signed up, please call the guidance office (410-643-7172) for information.

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Workplace______Work # ______

Mom/Guardian Name______Date ______

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