Power APAC Theatre Arts Department Mission

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students:

Welcome to the Power APAC Theatre Arts Department 2017-2018 School Year. Being selected as a member of the Theatre Department is an incredible commitment of time and energy on both the part of the student and the parents/family. Grades are an essential part of being accepted into the APAC theatre program. Both academic as well as performing arts must maintain a high level of discipline, classroom etiquette, participation, dedication, and respect to be properly prepared for learning. If a student’s term grade were to fall below a “B,” they would be placed on academic probation. Subsequently, if a student were to receive two consecutive “C’s” on a report card on any of the nine - week terms or a yearly average of a “C” they would not be allowed to stay in the program. We are honored that you have chosen to make such a commitment to our Theatre Department.

Please take the time to review the following packet with your child. This packet contains information about the classes offered this year, performance opportunities, supply lists, theatre fees, general course requirements, and expectations. After reading this information, sign the colored sheets inserted in the back and return them to the Theatre Department with your Theatre Fee by Friday, September 1st. Students are required to have their theatre supplies by Monday, August 14th (returning students will need their portfolios the second day of school).

As a Theatre Department parent you should expect several forms of communication from the Theatre Department Faculty and your child. 1- A call home within the first month of school 2- Back to School Arts Night- August 17th 3- Mid-term Progress Reports 4- Teacher/parent/student updates sent home in homework folder. 5- Tri-folds/ Syllabus at the beginning of each term explaining the objectives, rubrics, and expectations used for the next 9 weeks (in homework folder). 6- Emails: Parents are encouraged to email teachers with their questions or concerns. Quarterman- [email protected] Johnson- [email protected] Holl- [email protected] 7- Of course, please feel free to call the school at anytime 601-960-5387

Thank you for taking the time and effort to review this material and prepare your child for a successful and exciting year!

Sincerely, Holl Johnson Quarterman Your Power APAC Theatre Department

2 JPS Mission Jackson Public Schools, an innovative, urban district committed to excellence, will provide every student a quality education in partnership with parents and the community.

JPS Goals  Increase Academic Performance and Achievement.  Provide Safe School Climate.  Maintain Fiscal Integrity and Accountability.

JPS Vision Our vision is to become a top-ranked learning community that graduates productive, caring citizens who are prepared to succeed in a global society.

Power APAC Theatre Arts Department Mission Statement The mission of the Department of Theatre Arts is to lay a foundation for our students in the theatrical principles, techniques, and practices, which will help them to realize their potential not only as artists but also as caring citizens who are prepared to succeed in a global society.

Power APAC Motto

Climbing mountain tops and striving for Excellence

***The following information is subject to change due to APAC Arts Departmental requirements and will adhere to all JPS policies and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook & Code of Conduct.***

3 Supply List Due by August 14th

Theatre Supply List:  Classroom Binder - 1inch binder/any color w/ student name on front & side.  3 Dividers in Classroom Binder- Each labeled with “Johnson,” “Holl,” and “Quarterman.”  1 folder: Labeled “Theatre Homework & Communication.” This stays in the student’s backpack.  Sharpened Pencil  Pens  Pencil Sharpener  Pack of colored pencils  Highlighter  Updated Portfolio: All returning students should come to school with an updated Theatre Portfolio that will stay at school until auditions are complete. New students and Elementary students will participate in a workshop that will assist them in creating their personalized Theatre Portfolio.

Theatre Fee Each theatre student is required to pay a yearly fee in the amount of $50.00 payable to “Power APAC A-Cubed” (please see below for the description of A-Cubed). All fees must be paid by September 1st, 2017. This deadline is necessary because of how early the theatre department is scheduled to perform and attend field trips this year. This money will be strictly allocated for purchasing the necessary materials we need to have an effective Theatre Arts Department. Students that do not pay the required fee will not be eligible for Department field trips, main stage shows, or production DVD’s. This year, each student who has paid their theatre fee, will receive a DVD of each performance they are in to keep in their portfolio. If any family is experiencing hardship or other extenuating circumstances, please contact the Department Chair before the deadline to discuss possible arrangements. [email protected]

Arts Parent Support Group A3 (Arts, Artist, and Accolades) is an organization of parents who raise money to support the program and the students, as well as provide moral and morale support for Power APAC. A3 money has provided direct financial aid to students who need help with expenses of field trips and other activities. It has also purchased theater equipment, including lights, costume racks, video camera, and stage necessities. Parents are encouraged to join A3 or to serve informally as volunteers wherever their talents allow: assisting with set and costume construction, photography, publicity, graphic design, etc.

4 Parents- Staying Connected

 Please attend the Arts Open House on August 17th for Performance Dates  Join our Facebook group “Power APAC A cubed” for updates, photos, calendar reminders, and local performance opportunities.  Read and respond to bi-monthly Theatre Department Emails.  Attend department shows. Your student can receive extra credit every time they attend a live performance and write a paragraph about it.  Every arts parent is automatically a member of “A Cubed”- find ways that you can volunteer and support this incredible 9 year program!

2017-2018 Class Offerings and Performance Opportunities *Classes are subject to change based on the needs of the department

Elementary: One Act Broadway Revue- Show TBA Monologue Show

Classes Include: Voice and Body for the Actor, Acting Vocabulary and Theatre Basics, Reading and Writing for Meaning, Egyptian Costume History, Beginning drawing and design, Monologue Writing, Portfolio, Intro to Technical Theatre, Stagecraft Lab, Choreography, Music Theory, and Improvisation.

5 Middle School:

One Acts- Mystery and Ghost Theme Broadway Revue – Show TBA Monologue Show

Classes Include: Tech sewing/props, Medival Theatre and Costume History, Music Theory, Choreography, Intro to Technical Theatre and Building Practicum, Stagecraft and Costume Labs, Intro to Classics, Portfolio, Acting Techniques: “Stanislavski,” Monologue Writing for a show, Design for Function, and Improvisation.

High School:

Tennessee Williams Competition Drama Festival MTA Competition Broadway Revue “Rent” Main Stage

Classes Include: Devised Theatre Challenge, Shakespeare, Technical Theatre and Labs, Tennessee Williams, MTA Design, Writing for Performance, Music Theory, Victorian Costume and Theatre History, Stagecraft and Costume Labs, Acting Techniques: “Stanislavski,” Writing a Monologue Show, and Portfolio.

6 General Class Information

General Course Requirements I. Maintain a class folder of your work that remains in each theatre classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to periodically check the folder for organization and objectives.

You are responsible for compiling and maintaining your classroom folders. The following are required to be in the classroom folders.

1. Theatre Handbook 2. 3 dividers labeled: Quarterman, Johnson, and Holl 3. The syllabus or class information for the 9 weeks 4. Prologues (completed journal entries dated) 5. All exams with corrections and evaluation critiques 6. General notes/vocabulary/ class assignments 7. Completed homework

II. Read, sign, and follow the trifold/ syllabus supplied by each teacher at the beginning of every term.

III. Attend or participate in your grade’s Main Stage Production and Broadway Revue.

Theatre Shop Procedures: 1. Get permission from the instructor before using any power tool. 2. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating power tools. 3. Make sure the work area is clear of any hazards – including people. 4. Unplug any power tool when it is not in use. 5. Do not use a tool for any purpose other than for which it is designed. 6. When in doubt, ask for assistance.

Attendance Absences are DISCOURAGED since a large portion of your grade each 9 weeks is taken from assessments of “hands on” work or work with partners and groups. Participation work missed for excused absences may be made up utilizing an alternative assignment. Excessive unexcused absences (more than 3 in a term) or unexcused tardies (more than 5 in a term) can greatly affect the role the student receives in productions. It must be understood by both the parent and student that it is necessary to be consistently present and reliable for the success of a theatrical production. Theatre is a group effort where all participating parties must be present. Making up rehearsal or prep time on your own is usually not an option.

7 Late Assignments/Make-up Assignments: Assignments are due on the date indicated on the course schedule. Late written assignments will automatically be worth 10% fewer points per day late. All assignments will continue to be due until made up. Make-up times for late in-class performances will be available only as class time permits. There is no guarantee that make-up time for late performances before an audience will be available during the semester, and in- class exercises will not be able to be made up. Once grades have been turned in for the Term or Semester no make-up work will be allowed! NO EXCEPTIONS!

Academic Honesty Policy If a student is caught cheating on a test or an assignment they will automatically receive a “0”. Likewise, if a student’s work is found to contain plagiarism (material that is copied without giving its source credit) the assignment will automatically receive a “0”. In both cases the student will be written up, parents will be informed, and no makeup assignment will be given. If you are unsure what plagiarism is, please ask a teacher or visit: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/

CONDUCT Power APAC Theatre Students have a high profile on campus and in the community. It is imperative that the conduct and appearance of all theatre students be above reproach.

Theatre students will have the opportunity to participate in many exciting events on stage and behind the scenes. As representatives of JPS and Power APAC Theatre Arts Department, our students must reflect a positive image, leadership, character, responsibility, integrity, good sportsmanship, and online citizenship.

Any student assigned to in-school suspension the day before or on the day of a contest, field trip, or performance will not be allowed to participate in that activity.

Any student who receives three or more office referrals will not be allowed to participate in any APAC Theatre activities that Nine-week term.

In accordance with JPS policy, any student suspended from school for any reason will not be permitted to participate in any theatre activities during the period of suspension.

8 Any student who walks out of a rehearsal or quits during a rehearsal process for a performance without just cause will not be allowed to participate in another theatre performance for the year.

Any student who is not directly connected to the production through the audition, casting and technical assignment process shall not be allowed in the rehearsal process or backstage.

Any student who does not use theatre safety and etiquette guidelines established by the APAC Theatre Department will not be allowed to participate in the current performance and the following performance opportunity.

Please refer to the JPS Student Handbook (on pages 12-13) regarding TARDIES. Students are considered tardy if they are not in the door when the bell rings. Extenuating circumstances are taken into consideration.

Auditions and Casting: Auditioning is a very stressful process, for both the actors and the directors, particularly when the director is also a teacher. Please be respectful of the director’s decisions, and remember that it is not always the “best” actor, who is cast, but often the most reliable or one who fits the role best, in the director’s vision. Actors who decide to second-guess the directing decision may approach the director at the appropriate time and seek acting and auditioning guidance. However, gossip and foul tempers are not welcome, and place that actor in a very poor light.

Professionalism: Theatre is a very serious pursuit, where you can have a lot of fun if you remember to have integrity!

Morning Auditorium Conduct: Middle School students are expected to abide by the Power APAC PBIS guidelines. You should have something to read or homework to do while you are there. The following are not allowed: 1. Talking! 2. Passing Notes 3. Pictures 4. Games 5. Food or Drink Failure to abide by the rules will result in disciplinary actions such as removal from the auditorium, disciplinary write-up, and extra morning work.

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY FOR STUDENTS

The Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District intends to provide all students with an equitable opportunity to learn. The Board of Trustees has a significant interest in providing a safe, orderly, and respectful school environment that is conducive to student learning. It shall be against District policy for any student to engage in bullying or harassing behavior that includes, but is not limited to, bullying or harassing behavior that is based on race, religion, sex, creed or color, national origin, physical appearance, gender identity, ancestry, academic status, behavior, sexual orientation, mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability, or by association with a person who has or is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics, or other actual or perceived differentiating characteristics. Such behavior will not be condoned by the District. Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, that takes place on District property, at any District-sponsored function, or on a school bus or school vehicle that:

(1) Places a student or District employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property; or

(2) Creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits or an employee’s work performance, opportunities, or benefits. A hostile environment means that the victim subjectively views the conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is bullying or harassing behavior.

Bullying or harassing behavior that takes place off District property will not be condoned or tolerated by the District when such conduct, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders the offending person’s presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school, or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole. Some examples of bullying include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Physical – hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, pulling, taking and/or damaging personal belongings or extorting money, blocking or impeding student and employee movement, or unwelcome physical contact.

B. Verbal – taunting, malicious teasing, insulting, name calling, making threats, or telephone calls.

C. Psychological – spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, coercion, or engaging in social exclusion/shunning, extortion, or intimidation.

D. Cyberbullying – the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phone text messages, instant messaging, defamatory personal websites, computers, other electronic devices, and defamatory online personal polling websites, to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm, humiliate, tease, intimidate, or harass others.

The District will make every reasonable effort to ensure that no student or District employee is subjected to bullying or harassment by other persons.

Retaliation: It shall be against District policy for any student or District employee to engage in any act of intimidation, reprisal or retaliation against a victim, witness or a person with reliable information about an act of bullying or harassing behavior. As such, the District shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that no student or District employee engages in any act of intimidation, reprisal or retaliation against a victim, witness or a person with reliable information about an act of bullying or harassing behavior. No retaliation

10 against the victim, witness, or any person with reliable information about an act of bullying or harassing behavior is permitted.

Reporting: The District requires all its employees, and strongly encourages anyone else who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student or District employee has been subject to any act of bullying or harassing behavior, to report the incident to the appropriate school official. The District has enacted procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing bullying and harassing behaviors.

Education and Training: In support of this policy, the Board of Trustees promotes preventative and intervention educational measures to create greater awareness of bullying and harassing behavior. This policy and its accompanying procedures shall be printed in the District Code of Conduct Handbook, each school’s employee handbook, and in the policy manual. The superintendent or designee shall provide appropriate training to all students and District employees related to the implementation of this policy and procedures. All training regarding this policy and its procedures will be age and content appropriate.

Disciplinary Actions: Students who engage in bullying or harassing behaviors or retaliation are subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the District Code of Conduct Handbook. The discipline policies and procedures must recognize the fundamental right of every student to take “reasonable actions” as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced menacing or threatening behavior through bullying or harassing. Furthermore, the Jackson Public School District defines “reasonable action” as promptly reporting the behavior to a teacher, principal, counselor, or other school employee when subjected to bullying or harassing behavior. District employees who engage in bullying or harassing behaviors or retaliation are subject to disciplinary actions up to and including termination.

This policy and procedures shall be reviewed annually. SOURCE: National School Boards Association Mississippi School Boards Association LEGAL REF.: Senate Bill 2015 Miss. Code Ann. §37-7-301(e); §37-11-20; and §§37-11-67 and 37-11-69 DATE: AUGUST 17, 2010 DECEMBER 14, 2010 AUGUST 4, 2016

11 Areas of Participation in Production Opportunities

Actors Each student must prepare a 1-2 minute monologue and be prepared to do a cold reading. Rehearsals for Mainstage Productions will be during class time in the production term. Rehearsals for the other shows will be held mostly in the afternoons, and possibly on Saturdays, depending on scheduling by the director.

Technical Crew/Productions Students with technical skills, abilities, or interests may wish to work with sound, lighting, and set crews for any of these productions. The sound crew is responsible for setting up and running the sound system, creating sound effects, and for executing sound cues—both live and recorded. Lighting crews will work with a lighting designer, hang and focus lighting instruments, and run the lighting board during performances.

Theatre Management Crew Students with management or sales skills are needed to coordinate ad sales for the program, to serve as the house manager or an usher, or assist with stage management.

Costume/Prop Crew Costume/wardrobe crews make or acquire costumes, and care for them during the run of the show. The props crew builds or finds props, and is responsible for them during the run of the show. Time commitments and responsibilities involved with both of these crews is significant.

12 Power APAC Theatre Arts Department Contract

Please note that once a student has been cast in a show, all rehearsals and performances are required. There are no excused absences. Exceptions for family emergencies and severe illness are granted on a case-by-case basis with approval of the theatre directors. Approval must be obtained in advance of the rehearsal or performance. Missing rehearsals or performances could result in replacement and lower test grades. Please read each Tri-fold carefully; it contains specifics on rehearsal and performance grade rubrics. Please note that auditioning for a production as a performer or technician/crew personnel is a process. A student will be given at least one opportunity to audition and/or interview. Not all who audition may be selected to participate and auditioning and/or completing the audition process does not, in any manner, ensure or guarantee a place in the production. There are a number of aspects of the student that must be considered. Some of these are, but not limited to the following: personal and professional attitude, ability to focus, ability to work as part of an ensemble, chemistry with others, artistic ability, movement, voice, look, emotional levels, ability to listen, ability to take and follow direction and do so with a professional attitude, ability to work as a team, schedule conflicts, ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, ability to follow rules, regulations and procedures, commitment to the program, past performances, promptness, and needs and requirements of each individual production. Still with all of these aspects and more to consider a certain amount of subjectivity is involved. It is important to understand the ultimate decision will be that of the director.

Following the announcement of all cast and crew assignments, students may make an appointment with the director to discuss their audition the week after final cast and crew are posted. Only the student’s work in the audition/interview will be discussed. No other student’s work or any comparison to others will be discussed. This is for educational purposes only so the students will have some point of reference to continue working towards their next audition. It is important that all students and parents understand fully that only a limited number of students may be chosen. Again, not all who audition may be chosen. We do provide many opportunities for our students to perform and be involved. Parents must support their children by staying positively focused and maintaining a positive attitude about the educational value of trying out for a position and learning how the student can work towards making the next audition better. Staying positive, showing good sportsmanship and focusing on the educational aspect of the audition is paramount to the overall success of the student in high school and in life.

Students may be removed from a production or excluded from performing in the next production for reasons or actions including, but not limited to the following: • Ineligible grades on the progress report or six-week grading period (C’s or Below) • Excessive disciplinary referrals (3 for the year) • Continued tardiness to rehearsal or class (5 unexcused tardies in a term) • Excessive unexcused absences from school or rehearsal (3 unexcused absences in a term) • Any behavior in rehearsal, production, school function or in public that reflects poorly on the Theatre Arts Department and Power APAC • Non-communication or inappropriate communication with the director: this includes unexpected absences during production time due to other commitments/ extra-curricular activities/ other school functions. The director must be informed of conflicts PRIOR to casting: church programs and rehearsals, sports functions and practices, speech and debate tournaments, school fieldtrips, and other performances/ obligations. • Inability to follow direction from the director, student leader or any personnel involved in the production • Failure to behave in a safe and focused manner while onstage, in the shop, in rehearsal or any other theatre activity or function • Inability or failure (as determined by the director) of the student to fulfill a task in an appropriate manner or time Removal from a production for any reason may affect ability to be assigned future productions.

*A duplicate copy of the form on the next page must be signed and returned in order for the student to be considered for a show assignment. This form is part of the loose leaf inserts at the back of this book.

13 Audition Agreement I have read and accept the terms of the contract stated herein and further understand that acceptance of these terms in no manner is regarded as assurance or guarantee of participation in this or any other Power APAC Theatre Arts Productions. In addition, I will maintain a focused and positive attitude regarding the audition process and fully support the final decision of the director.

Course Expectation Agreement Please review the Theatre Handbook with your parents/guardians and return this form by August 14th 2017.

We have reviewed and understand the expectations and materials needed for participation in Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex Theatre Classes and are prepared to support our son’s/daughter’s obligations for this class/department. I also understand that a Theatre Fee in the amount of $50.00 made payable to “Power APAC A-Cubed” must be paid at the beginning of the school year (on or before September 1st).

Date______

______Parent/guardian printed name Student printed name ______Parent/guardian Signature Student Signature Best Time to Call ______Parent’s Telephone Information: Home ______

Work ______Cell______

Alternate Numbers: ______

Parent’s Email: ______

Student’s Email ______

I am interested in volunteering to assist with the Theatre Department in the following ways:

__ Field Trips __ Sewing Costumes __ Painting Sets

__ Backstage __ Cast Parties __ Grant Writing

__ Set Construction __ Props and Costume Shopping

14 Power APAC Theatre Department Behavior Rubric

Unsatisfactory Needs Improvement Satisfactory Excellent Objectives 1 point column 2 point column 3 point column 4 point column *Corrections are a daily *Corrections needed *Corrections are a *No Corrections occurrence weekly rare occurrence Needed

Behavior Student does not follow Student follows few Student follows most Student follows adult directions and directions and frequently directions and directions and ignores the rules of the breaks the rules of the classroom rules. rules. Does not classroom. Frequently classroom. Sometimes Seldom needs need corrective needs corrective action to needs corrective action to corrective measures to measures to follow reduce the incidence of limit poor behavior. improve behavior. directions poor behavior. behavior.

Attention Student does not pay Student occasionally Student pays attention Student pays attention in class and is wanders either physically in class but needs attention in class often distracted by others. or mentally. complicated and comprehends Ideas and instruction(s) Instruction(s) and ideas concepts/tasks either instruction as it is frequently need to be sometimes need to be repeated or clarified. delivered in class. repeated. Student does repeated. Student has Student is usually on Student stays on not stay on task. trouble staying on task. task. task.

Conflict Student does not get along Sometimes student does The student gets along The student gets and with peers and is both not get along well with with others. The along well with Opposition argumentative and peers. Can become student is flexible and peers. The student defensive. When given defensive and does not seek out is both flexible and directions, the student argumentative. conflict. The student congenial. The often refuses to follow Sometimes the student follows direction and student follows procedures. The student refuses to follow makes a conscious directions and does is loud, disruptive and full directions. The student effort to avoid being not disrupt class. of anger. Seems to enjoy can be loud and disruptive. conflict. disruptive.

Grades Student often does not Student’s work is Student’s grades are Student’s grades and work in class. Student inconsistent. Student good. Student hands are excellent. Performance does not put forth a does just enough to get in assignments on Their work ethic is quality effort. Student by. Student could work time. The student’s exemplary in and makes many excuses and harder and attain better achievement level is out of the class. does not meet deadlines. grades. Student often reflective of grade Student performs Student’s grades are far finds ways to get around level mastery and well above below ability levels. doing assigned work. individual abilities. average. Student overachieves to master subject areas.

GENERAL PARENTAL PERMISSION FORM FOR SHOWING OF MOVIES

During the 2017-2018 school year, the Power APAC School may show movies that are not rated

G, or General, by the Motion Picture Movie Association to your child’s class at various times during the year. Please indicate in the spaces below whether or not your child is permitted to view movies that are not rated G or General.

Specifically: Elementary students G- PG

Middle & High School G-PG13

______My Child, ______, has permission to view these movies

______My Child, ______, does not have permission to view these movies.

I understand that my child will be placed in another room temporarily and given an alternate assignment while the movies are shown during the school year.

Signed: ______

Printed name: ______

Date: ______

Special Thanks To

Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex Adopters

And APAC Theatre Business Partners