Dominion High School - Theatre Arts II
Teacher Contact Information: Mrs. Amy Young,
(571)434-4400
21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
Hours: 12-4 M-F and by appointment
Website information on dominionhigh.com, link to faculty, to Mrs. Young
Course Description:
Theatre Arts II is an in-depth study of areas covered briefly in the first year and an introduction to new areas. The basic course is built on a cluster of required units, which focus on technical theatre skills and design. Specific areas of design study will include development of skills identifying and gaining hands on experience with sound and lighting instruments, running the boards, scenery, costume design, stage, age, and character makeup, neutral mask work, publicity, PR and and house and stage management.
Students must log a minimum of 10 hours in support of DHS productions and Coffee Houses each quarter. Students are encouraged to record hours of observation, technical and performance work for production to earn points to become a member of the International Thespian Society.
Classroom Expectations:
All students are to be in the classroom before the final bell rings ready to participate in class activities and instruction. It looks like this:
As you walk in, dispose of any gum, food, or drinks, take your folder and notebook out of the filing cabinet, and begin in your seat quietly working on the bell ringer.
Students will abide by the Dominion High School code of rules and responsibilities and dress code. You should dress appropriately to be able to move comfortably in class (no short skirts, thin strapped tops, or revealing clothing, avoid flip flops).
Work on outside homework is not permitted while our class is in progress.
Field Trips: Nov. 16-20 DISNEYWORLD!!!! We’ll be going with the entire Fine Arts Department and seeing shows! Estimated cost is approximately $600.00 per person.
Supplies: folder provided, bring a dark ink pen, loose-leaf paper, and a good attitude!
Bathroom Breaks:
Students must be in class for the first and last 10 minutes of class – no exceptions. Please bring any materials needed to the class preceding this one so as not to have to stop at your locker and avoid tardiness. Bathroom passes will only be granted 4 per quarter, so use them wisely. If this privilege is abused, it will be limited. Nurse’s passes must be approved by Mrs. Young in writing, with the time signed by the nurse upon arriving and leaving her office.
If you come to school ill or unable to participate in the class activities, please notify
me BEFORE class begins. You are still responsible for the material covered that day and expected to participate to the best of your ability by following along with the group.
Please be courteous of your classmates. Do not talk or cause disruptions during presentations or performances, as it will detract from the learning process.
Constructive criticism is learning tool for all parties involved. Look for opportunities
to share constructively and assist your peers. This is a safe environment where you should never feel scared of sharing. At the end of class the room and materials need to be returned to their proper location. All students are to remain in the classroom until the bell rings and I dismiss you from class.
Classroom Rules:
1. arrive to class on time by the bell
2. bring any necessary materials (script, sneakers, pencil)
3. complete homework (memorization, projects)
4. respect one another and one another’s creativity, process, and property
5. listen to and respond appropriately to me and each other
6. follow directions and accept responsibility for actions
7. use class and rehearsal time wisely – points are deducted daily for misuse of time (remain on task and encourage others to remain on task)
8. demonstrate positive character traits: honesty, kindness, patience, hard-working, thorough, trustworthy, caring for others
9. clean up around the classroom before the end of class whether the mess is yours or not (pick up trash, return seats and supplies to their locations)
10. Mrs. Young is a neat freak, you must live within the neat freak guidelines! J
No gum, no abusive or inappropriate language or conduct, no disrespectful behavior.
Work: participation 40%, projects 40%, tests & quizzes 20%
Curriculum
1st quarter: extensive tour of technical parts of the theatre, properties inventory, identifying sound and lighting equipment, hands on experience with instruments, boards, and design, cue sheets, tools, safety, neutral mask with music performance, intermediate pantomime, read plays to prepare for period design projects
2nd quarter: stage, age, and character make up, period hair design, design and build costumes, set design and construction, begin prompt book, monologue analysis, critique, and performance (period or modern), design publicity poster, program, press release, and radio spot, exposure to house and stage management
Mid Term Exam: sound & lighting, technical elements, publicity & PR, front of house
3rd quarter: play analysis, playwright presentation, floor plans (1D), scale drawings (2D), model construction (3D), support and assist set construction for productions
4th quarter: set construction for DHS production, director presentation, intermediate acting in contemporary scenes, research and analyze one-acts plays for “pitch your play” project
Final Exam: intermediate acting scenes and “pitch your play” presentation