Theatre I DeSoto High School Fall 2014- Spring 2015 Mrs. Latresa Clark/Miss Rachel Helms Room 1109B/1109A

Phone: (972) 230-0726 Email: Mrs. Clark (ext. 2231) [email protected] Miss Helms (ext. 2402) [email protected]

I. CLASS OBJECTIVES Students will be introduced to the basic concepts and principles of theatre, including theatre history, acting, design, and theatre technology. This class will enrich students’ skills in creative problem-solving, cooperative learning, and independent thinking. Students will develop skills in public speaking and gain an introductory understanding of the necessity of theatre and art in the modern world as well as basic knowledge to help answer the question “What is theatre?” and “Why is it important in our culture?” II. COURSE WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING Semester One: Week 1: About the class and how it Semester Two: works Week 17-19: Duet Acting Week 2-4: Basic Information (team Week 20: Improvisation building, auditions, audience etiquette, Week 21-24: Renaissance/RT stage information, critiques, and the Week 25-26: 19th and 20th Century senses) American Playwrights Week 5-6: Pantomime/Improv Week 27-28: Musical Theater Week 7-8: Voice and Diction Week 29-32: Technical Theater Week 9-11: Primitive Theatre Unit Week 33-34: Film and TV Week 12-14: Monologues Week 35-36: Asian Theatre Week 15-16: The Greeks/Romans Week 37: Final Exams Week 16: Midterm Exams

III. THEATRE DEPARTMENT RULES

1. Be on time. 3. Be respectful 2. Be prepared 4. Be involved IV. GOALS OF THE CLASS:

1. Students will be able to understand the basic elements of theater (as stated above). 2. Students will become more aware of vocal elements, movement, creativity, imagination, and the depth of their own experiences. 3. Students will demonstrate the creative uses of theatrical transformation with respect to props and situations. 4. Students will prepare assigned roles, demonstrate character, and understand audition techniques and etiquette. 5. Students will learn about theater history as it relates to past and current culture. 6. Students will learn the artistic and technical aspects of a stage production, such as audio technician, light technician, stage manager, set construction, stage design, costumes and makeup. V. REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLASS

1. You must complete all assignments, reading, oral and written. 2. You must participate in class activities and exercises, as well as in the form of asking questions, commenting, taking notes, paying attention, supporting other students. VI. CLASS ACTIVITIES

1. During class, there will be many exercises and activities, as well as discussion and lecture. If information is highlighted as important, it should be recorded in your notes. 2. We will do many class activities. The purpose of these activities is for you to apply and practice concepts we discuss. You will not be graded on how well you do the activities (so, it's OK to make mistakes). However, if you refuse to participate, your grade in the class will go down. 3. It’s most important to do what you think you are being asked to do, if further direction is needed for what you are doing, it will be given to you. 4. You are required to attend at least one show for EACH play performance. 5. You are required to sale advertisement for the show for the play performance. VII. GRADING POLICIES District Grading Policy *Daily Grades/Homework/Participation—40% *Major Assessments (Project/Performances/Tests)--60% VIII. LATE WORK/MAKE UP WORK 1 Day Late: MAXIMUM grade of 70 2 Day Late: MAXIMUM grade of 60 Students will have an opportunity to make up a total of two “0’s” by completing alternate assignments. Alternate Assignments will be worth a total of 50 points. Students have one day for each day of absence to make up work unless the work missed is previously announced in which case it will be due upon the student’s return to school.