Musical Theatre

Ms. Vallejo

Musical Theatre Course Syllabus

Akins High School

2017-2018

INSTRUCTOR: Erica Vallejo

(512) 841-9756

Office Hours: 4:30- 5:30pm MWF by appointment only

Remind101: @ajtmusical

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Course Description:This performing arts course explores the history of the American Musical Theater as well as further developing the skills necessary for performing in Musical Theater. Students will develop their acting, movement, and vocal performance techniques through active participation and reflection. Since this is a performance based class, most class periods will be spent in rehearsal mode.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Course Objectives

  • to strengthen vocal ability, music reading skills, dance techniques, and acting
  • to enlarge the performer’s musical theatre repertory
  • to reinforce the connection between text/musical analysis and performance
  • to develop techniques for auditioning and performing
  • to provide the performer with techniques to aid in their own learning
  • to assess strengths and weaknesses in performance and propose solutions for improvement
  • to further the performer’s understanding of musical theatre history and tradition
  • to provide a foundation for further study and development

COURSE EVALUATION:

Major Assignments / Assessments:

  • Production Related Assignments account for 50% of your grade. Part of this grade is composed of showing up to afterschool rehearsals and performances, learning your lines for appropriate classes, keeping rehearsal journals, etc. A large chunk of this 50% is showing up to the performance and performing to the best of your ability. If you do not show up to a performance, it will negatively impact your grade.
  • In this course, you must attend class and participate daily. Attendance and participation account for 20% of your grade.
  • Vocal Assessment will account for 20% of your grade. You will be taught music for the show and you will be tested on accuracy of pitch, rhythm, and memorization. Your solo and/or duet will be a component of this grading factor.
  • Additionally, each semester, students will need to watch an outside theatrical production and write a review of it, this consist of 10% of your grade.

Grading Scale:

90-100% A

80-89% B

70-79% C

60-69% D

0-59% F

All grades are rounded up.

Missing Assignments: Missing assignments can be made up at the instructor’s discretion.

If an assignment is missed it will be marked with an M in the grade book which results in zero points until the assignment is made up. Points will be deducted for late work; 5 points will be deducted for each day late until the assignment is turned or the grade reaches 0. Grades will be posted in a timely fashion. Please allow at least one week after the due date for major assignments to be posted.

Academic Dishonesty:

Students are expected to complete all tests and assignments honestly and will not collaborate in dishonest actions. Students will not give or accept answers or assignments unless directed to by the teacher. Students caught cheating or plagiarizing will be subject to discipline as stated in the Student Handbook.

Attendance:You MUST be in class on time. PERIOD.There are many in-class graded assignments – if you aren’t here – you will not be able to complete them. If you are unexcused that day – you will lose those points.

A.I.S.D. Attendance Policy:

State Law requires that students must be in attendance for a minimum of 90% of the days that the class is offered in order to receive credit for that course. Students who miss more than 10% of the class meeting time could lose credit and be retained.

Credit-recovery hours are required to make up for excessive absences and tardies. This program provides students with the opportunity to regain credit that would otherwise be lost due to not meeting the 90% rule. Occasionally, students experience extenuating circumstances that prevent the student from meeting the minimum attendance requirement, resulting in a large number of credit-recovery hours. In such cases, an Akins High School attendance committee will meet to determine if reinstatement hour adjustments or other acceptable recovery methods are warranted.

Students wishing to have the attendance committee review their case should complete the information below and provide a “Statement of Appeal” detailing why the attendance committee should reinstate credit. Students are encouraged to provide sufficient evidence to support their case.

Participation:Because the majority of work for this course will be completed in class, students will be expected to always put forth their best effort during class time.

Performance Attendance:Students are expected to attend 1Akins Theatre production each semester and write a one-page typed critique of each. It should be typed in 12-point font and double spaced. Please attach ticket stub or program to typed paper.

Fair Share:

There is a $50 Fair Share Fee for the Akins Fine Arts Department which covers both the fall and spring semester. This fee covers an array of materials and tools you will use in this class. DUE SEPTEMBER 30

SUPPLIES:

You must always have on hand:

  1. A PENCIL.
  2. Binder
  3. Notebook paper
  4. Dance clothing: This can be anything from yoga pants and a t shirt to basketball shorts. Something that you can move in. Dance shoes not required but encouraged!

**Extra Credit will be given to those who bring in Hand Sanitizer, a ream of paper, and Kleenex**

  • Classroom Rules and Expectations:
  1. In this class, we will work the entire semester on creating an ensemble. This is an important goal of the semester.
  2. ENSEMBLE: A group of individuals, using their individual strengths and working together cooperatively and responsibly, for the betterment of a group, wherein the group becomes just as important as the individual. Our ensemble’s goal is to respect one another and use our strengths to create the best theatrical work we can make.
  3. Please respect yourself, others, the teacher, the space, and the work that we are creating. Theatre/Drama is a creative art form, and we will not succeed in the creation of it, unless we can all collaborate, cooperate, and be committed to what we are creating. Even if you do not like something that we are doing, I expect you to have a positive attitude and do your best.
  4. Please try your hardest and encourage others. I don’t expect you to be perfect in everything we do; however, I expect you to try your hardest and at attempt the activity or exercise at hand.
  5. No food or drink is allowed in the classroom or the theatre. You may have a bottle filled with water.
  6. You should be dressed comfortably and able to move.

Class Outline

This is a general idea of what we will be doing this year. Disclaimer: Ms. Vallejo reserves the right to change things if I feel inspired to do something different!

Fall Semester:

“Getting to Know You”

Students will receive basic vocal, dance, and acting techniques that will help them find their “character” while enhancing their voice, dance, and acting.

“As Time Goes By” and “Magic to Do”

Students will gain an understanding of the chronology of American Musical Theatre, as well as dabble in technical aspects of the theatre (Sound, Lighting, Costumes, Makeup)

Spring Semester:

“I Hope I Get It”

Students will again receive intensive vocal and dance coaching, and prepare an audition binder. We will also have guest lecturers, performers, and master classes.

“Applause”

We will combine what we have learned throughout the year and present a showcase for anyone to come see! Performers will be chosen from workshops done throughout the year, both solo and company numbers. Everyone will have a place!

Musical Theatre

2016– 2017 Class Contract

Return this contract by: Friday, August 26, 2017

I, (print your name)______understand the class requirements for Musical Theatre .

I further understand that participation is very important in this class and I will be expected to be involved in all productions.

Student Signature______Class Period______

Student Email (print clearly)______@______

Parent Signature______Date______

Print Parent Name______

Parent Email (print clearly)______@______

Parent Phone (h)______(w)______Cell______

•Musical Theatre Parents are invited to become a member of the Akins Journey Theatre Booster Club! Please join us and be a part of the award-winning tradition that is Akins Theatre Department!

•We depend on the parents to support fundraising, chaperoning events, selling refreshments at performances and being our Biggest Fans!!

Check all that apply:

_____Yes, I am interested in becoming a member of the Akins Journey Theatre Booster! Please contact me with information on the first Boosters Meeting.

_____No, I am not able to be a part of the Akins Journey Theatre Boosters this year.

_____Attached is a check for the $50.00 FAIR SHARE FEE for Musical Theatre. Please make checks payable to Akins Journey Theatre.