PERFORMANCE ENGLISH I

Mrs. Hackett’s e-mail:

Level: Beginner

Performance English is an elective course for students in 9th-12th grade. What was once considered a Drama I course has been expanded to include other general communication skills and studies along with theatrical history, reading plays, and learning techniques of acting. (This course is the pre-requisite for the advanced Performance II class)

GRADING POLICY: Each project, performance, quiz, test, or required written work will be assigned a score based on an existing rubric or the numerical scale. All oral presentations or performances MUST be presented on the assigned day in order to receive full credit. Only extenuating circumstances will be excused and only with validation. **See note

STUDIES:

  • Students will learn basic public speaking skills and etiquette
  • Students will learn the importance of a demographic analysis of an audience
  • Students will learn to cut a script or produce a manuscript, analyze characters, write introductions, and present interpretations of such
  • Students will do various oral performances: children’s story, poetry, short scenes, monologues, dramatic duos or group scenes
  • Students will learn interpersonal communication skills and acting skills
  • Students will learn basic theatre history, various playwrights, and read a variety of plays as the curriculum and time-frame allows
  • Students will learn warm-up techniques, breathing skills, memorization skills
  • Students will enjoy various dramatic and/or communication games, such as improvisation, cooperation games, and other interactive activities with classmates

MATERIALS NEEDED: Students will not need anything for the class. The teacher will provide folders and other materials. Students will only need what they would use for a personal presentation, speech, or dramatic scenes.

**Note: Realizing that not everyone in this elective has chosen to be here, I want everyone to feel comfortable and develop new confidence. Grades are subjective on presentations and acting, and a student will achieve good grades for true effort, not necessarily the measure of their talent for public speaking or dramatic arts.