Instructor: Shelby O Clair
IB Theatre
Fall 2013
Period 5
Instructor: Shelby O’Clair
Phone: 720-423-8841
Email:
Other classrooms: theatre
Planning Period: 3rd& 7th
Mission Statement
The Performing Arts Department at George Washington High School offers its students the opportunity to empower and enlighten their lives through the study, performance and appreciation of Music, Theatre, and Dance. The aims of all the Performing Arts subjects are to enable students to:
- enjoy lifelong engagement with the arts
- become informed, reflective and critical practitioners in the arts
- understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts
- explore and value the diversity of the arts across time, place and cultures
- express ideas with confidence and competence
- develop perceptual and analytical skills
- develop their knowledge and potential as performing artists, both personally and collaboratively.
Nature of the Subject
Core syllabus
The core syllabus consists of three interrelated areas that will be explored from the perspectives of dramaturg, director, performer, group ensemble, production team, and spectator.
Theatre in the making
- A focus on the process rather than presentation of theatre and is primarily exploratory
Theatre in performance
- Application of skills in presenting theatre
Theatre in the world
- Practical and theoretical exploration of a range of theatre traditions and cultural practices around the world including historical context
Independent Project
Students pursue an independent interest in theatre.
IB Theatre Arts
Theatre nourishes, sustains and extends the human spirit. It is a means of exploring society and relationships within it. Through it, there may emerge possibilities for individual and communal understanding. Theatre is about transformation. It is the application, through play, of energy and imagination to frame, reflect, expose, critique and speculate.
At one extreme, theatre is national, institutionalized and commercial, while at the other it is provincial, subversive and experimental. The theatre course is designed to encourage students to examine theatre in its diversity of forms around the world. This may be achieved through a critical study of the theory, history and culture of theatre, and will find expression through workshopping devised work or scripted performance.
The course emphasizes the importance of working individually and as a member of an ensemble. Students are encouraged to develop the organizational and technical skills needed to express themselves creatively in theatre. A further challenge for students following this course is for them to become aware of their own perspectives and biases and to learn to respect those of others. The theatre course can become a way for students to celebrate the international and intercultural dynamic that inspires and sustains some forms of contemporary theatre.
At the core of the theatre course lies a concern with clarity of understanding, critical thinking, reflective analysis, effective involvement and imaginative synthesis.
Aims
The aims of the theatre course are to enable students to:
- experience and participate in a wide and varied range of theatre activities and develop proficiency in more than one area of theatre technique
- become familiar with forms of theatre from their own and different cultures
- explore different theatre traditions in their historical contexts
- develop academic skills appropriate for the study and understanding of theatre
- become reflective and critical practitioners in theatre
- develop the confidence to explore, to experiment, and to work individually and collaboratively on innovative projects, which should involve challenging established notions and conventions of theatre
- understand the dynamic, holistic and evolving nature of theatre and the interdependencies of all aspects of this art form
State Standards
- Create - The creation of drama and theatre is a demonstration of learned skills in forming new theatrical works, interpreting theatrical works for performance and design, developing characters, and analyzing roles.
- Perform - The theatrical process is a product of the knowledge and essential skills gained in the study of drama and theatre arts toward the expression of the human experience in story, movement, speech, and staging for an intended audience.
- Critically Respond - An informed literacy, thoughtful critique, and cultural research are key aspects of drama and theatre arts study. Responding focuses on the artistic and scientific knowledge of conventions, cultures, styles, genres, theories, and technologies needed to know better choices and best practices.
Class and Assignment Deadlines
Deadlines for assignments, except otherwise noted, is the beginning of class.
8/28 –ME Project
8/30 –Reading Plan (beginning), Info Card (during), Syllabus Quiz (end)
9/4 –Grotowski Reading 1, Syllabus Signature
9/6 - Stimuli
9/9 –Concept 1
9/10 –Devising Notes
9/11 – 5 Fun Facts
9/13 –Devising Plan
9/16 –Play List
9/17 –Topic Bibliography
9/18 –Concept 2
9/20–10 Units, Devising Research
9/23 – RI Question
9/25 –Devising Performances, RI Action Plan
9/27 –Mini Oral 1: Devising
9/30 – September Reading
10/1 – Grotowski Reading 2
10/2 – Journal Sharing 1 (throughout)
10/4 – Concept 3 ** End of 6 Weeks **
10/7 – Parent Conference Correspondence
10/8 – Directing Notes
10/9 –IPP Commitment
10/11 – Director’s Plan, IPP Plan of Action
10/17 – IPP Research Plan
10/18 – Concept 4
10/21 –Theatre Personality
10/23–Directing Journal
10/25 –Mini Oral 2: Directing
10/28 – Library Appointment
10/29 – Grotowski Reading 3
10/30 –October Reading, Concept 5
11/1 – Directing Survey, Journal Sharing 2 (throughout)
11/4 – 100 Units
11/6 –IPP Conference, IPP Research Check 1
11/8 –IPP Plan of Action 2
11/9 - Antony and Cleopatra Attendance
11/13 – Concept 6
11/15 – Reflection: Antony and Cleopatra, RI Rough Rough Draft ** End of 6 Weeks **
11/18 – Commedia Presentation
11/20 - Mini Oral 3: Commedia
11/22 – November Reading
12/3–Concept 7
12/4 –RI Conference
12/6 – Critique of Sources
12/9 – IPP Research Check 2
12/10–Musical Theatre Plan
12/16 – Musical Theatre Presentation
12/20? (Finals day) –December Reading, Musical Theatre Reflection (during),Journal Sharing 3 (throughout),
Extra Credit (throughout semester) ** End of 6 Weeks and Semester **
1/7 – Grotowski Reading 4
1/8 – Concept 8
1/10 – RI Rough Draft: Peer Edit Day
1/15 – Cult Theatre/Film Project Plan
1/22 – Cult Theatre/Film Presentation
1/27 – Cult Theatre/Film Reflection (during)
1/28 – IPP Outline **IPP Performances done by here**
1/29 – RI Final Draft
1/31 – January Reading
2/4 – Grotowski Reading 5
2/11 – PPP Conference
2/12 – Ibsen Project Plan
2/14 – Journal Sharing 4 (throughout)
2/20 – Ibsen Presentation
2/21 – PPP Rough: Peer Edit Day **End of 6 Weeks**
2/24 – Ibsen Project Reflection (during)
2/25 – IPP Rough
2/27 – February Reading
3/3 – PPP Final
3/5 – Mamet Project Plan
3/14 – Journal Sharing 5 (throughout)
3/17 – TPPP Outline, Mamet Project Presentation
3/19 – Mini Oral 4: Mamet Reflection
3/24 – TPPP Final
3/26 – IPP Final
3/28 – March Reading
4/11 - **End of 6 Weeks**
4/14 – Sharing Reading
4/30 – April Reading, Journal Sharing 6 (throughout)
5/23 – May Reading (Non-IB only), Extra Credit (throughout semester)
6/6 - **End of 6 Weeks and Semester**
Grading
All assignments will be graded on the following scale:
A – 100% - 90% B – 89% - 80% C – 79% - 70% D – 69% - 60% F – 59%
Gradebook Categories
Assessments and TestsPaperworkPerformancesProcess
Grading Scale
Full Performances 100
Test 100
Large Paper Project 100
Mini Performances 20
Paperwork (homework/class) 10 – 50
Process Work 10 – 50
Pretest 10
Minor Performances (multiple day work) and Presentations 50
IB Score
External assessment50% of final IB Test Score
Research investigation25%
Students are required to produce a research investigation of 1,500-17,50 words (SL) or 2,000-2,500 (HL) with supporting visual materials
Practical performance proposal25%
Students are required to produce a proposal of 250 words with supporting visual materials and a report of 1,000–1,250 words (report HL only)
Internal assessment50% of final IB Test Score
Theatre performance and production presentation25%
Students are required to do an oral presentation lasting 20 minutes with 5-7 images (SL) or 30 minutes with 7-10 images (HL)
Independent project portfolio25%
Students are required to produce a portfolio of 2,000 words (SL) or 3,000 (HL) on their independent project and its connection to their experiences in the core syllabus.
Your grade is your choice! You can do well if you choose to do so. Students can elect to do as many projects or as few as they choose, but your grade will reflect the effort put forth. Students should be aware that just because you complete a project, you may or may not receive all the points for that project. Points are assigned based on the quality of work.
Extra Credit
Extra Credit will be offered for extra work, such as reading plays, working on productions at George Washington, attending theatrical productions, and being part of panda(MONIUM)!, George Washington’s Improv Troupe.
Turning in Assignments
To turn in work you may bring a printed copy to class or email me a Word document, Excel document, or PDF (no Pages) at before class begins. There will be no opportunity to have your assignment printed for you during class.
Late Work
Work turned in after the deadline will be accepted for 75% of credit earned. Late work is not accepted for large paper projects or full performances.
Absences
If you miss class it is your responsibility to find out the material missed. You will be assigned a “troupe” of 3 other students whom you can communicate with to get notes, information, etc. Everything will also always be posted on our website: If neither of these routes is available or successful you can always come meet with me after or before class.
Excused Absences will have three school days to turn in work that was assigned while they were absent.
Tech Supports
If you are interested in a safe way (we never see each other’s numbers) to receive and send text messages about class please sign up for Remind101.com
Instructions:
Enter this number into your phone: 720-399-1306
Text this message: @fc73e
You are now part of the IB Theatre group!
Edmodo.com – like Facebook, but for educational purposes
Instructions:
Students can sign up for Edmodo using this code or join if they have an existing account at
Group Code: zbmijp
You are now part of the IB Theatre group!
Materials
Notebook and folder/3-ring binder
Journal
"Towards a Poor Theatre" by Jerzy Grotowski
"Race" by David Mamet
"Commedia Dell'Arte: A Handbook for Troupes" by Olly Cricky and John Rudin
Pen, pencil, highlighter
Individual props and supplies for projects/performances as necessary
Rehearsal clothes and shoes – providing ease of movement
Summer reading: Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun
Academic Behaviors
A successful student at George and at the post secondary level exercises Academic Behaviors. Students should complete all readings and all work completely and thoroughly, even if that means re-reading, re-writing, and re- envisioning projects several times. Students should come to class ready to think and should actively participate in all class activities by asking questions and offering insights and examples. Students should take intellectual risks, keep an open mind, respect others’ views and offer their own perspectives.
Students are expected to follow fundamentals of respect. Respect includes, but is not limited to: being on time, being prepared, being focused, and listening to others with an open mind. Students must strive to understand that everyone has a relevant point of view. In creating art there are not right or wrong answers! Students should be their own strongest advocates; to be active in their own education and to seek assistance when confused.
I expect everyone to focus and participate at all times. I also expect everyone to refrain from anything that would detract from the focus or participation of others.
Tolerance towards each other is expected and practiced. As actors we will all be experimenting with characters that are different than the “truth” of ourselves. We will also be challenging ourselves to go beyond our comfort zones and find a new way of expression. Behavior and language need to support the ideas of tolerance. If you chose to behave or use words that represent hate, pain, and/or racism you will be given an extra assignment in order to engage in a positive and constructive dialogue.
Play Attendance
Every student is required to attend our fall play, for free, for one of the performances. Performances are an important assessment and the culminating reflections are a significant part of the class grade. Excused absences are rare, but extenuating circumstances do happen and will be considered on an individual basis. Family vacations, birthdays, visiting relatives, too much homework and "I don't have a ride" are NOT valid excuses for missing performances, especially as there are multiple opportunities to see ONE performance. Please plan ahead. Attendance is only complete if you see the entire performance, not merely a portion.
Attendance at other performances is encouraged and extra credit is offered.
Lettering
Students may letter once a year and then pins/bars for accomplishments.
See the George Washington Theatre Handbook for more details.
Clubs and Shows
The whole theatre department encompasses; the Classes, the Patriot Players Mainstage Productions, our Drama Club, our Thespian Troupe, and our Improv Troupe [panda]MONIUM!. Involvement in any part of the department does not require involvement in any other part. However, we encourage all students to get involved wherever they can.
Theatre Department Dates
Performing Arts Department Showcase
Tues, September 24, 7:00pm
Thespian Society’s Showcase
Thursday, October 3rd, 7:00pm
Antony and Cleopatra: Fall play
Nov. 1-2, 7-9, 7:00pm with a 2:00pm matinee on 11/9
**Grade for attendance**
Drama Club’s Dessert Theatre
Friday, November 15th, 7:00pm
Auditions for Hairspray: Winter Musical
Monday, November 18th – Fri, November 22nd, 3:45pm – 6:30pm
IB Theatre
Fall 2013
The AgreementPlease return on Wednesday, September 4th
I understand the syllabus and have read and discussed it with Mrs. O’Clair. I will consider this a contract to do my best in this class and to follow the guidelines of the syllabus.
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Student Name (Please Print)
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SignatureDate
I understand the syllabus and have read and discussed it with my student.
I will support my student and Mrs. O’Clair to have a successful semester.
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Name (Please Print)
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SignatureDate
Phone number and/or email I can be reached at for both positive reports and concerns:
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I look forward to a wonderful semester with your student!