COURSE SYLLABUS -- THEATRE ARTS I

Name of Course: THEATRE ARTS I
Name of Teacher: Stacy aronovici
E-Mail Address: SARONOVI@APTOSHS.NET
Voice Mail # 604		Room # E-100	Preparation Period: 1
I	Course Description/Outline (reflects needed skills) In this course, students will be introduced to the major elements of theatre arts, including basic acting techniques and theatre games, the history and structure of drama, and an overview of the technical aspects of theatre. Whether a student come into the class with a background in theatre/performance or is a novice, this course is designed to help all students improve their abilities in speech and communications, teamwork, self-expression, and creativity, all in a non-threatening environment. Assignments range from skits, scene work and performance to puppet making, observations of theatre professionals, writing original dramatic pieces based on students’ own experiences and much more! Class participation mandatory. Students are also required to attend a minimum of one live theatre/performance event per semester. Included in these are plays we see as a class on field trips, or those put on by the production class here at AHS.
II	Materials Provided (name of textbook, other resources, video used, etc.) Textbook: The stage and the school videos: May include: inside the actors studio (interviews with actors); abc news turning point: “The search for the new annie”; abc television series, “whose line is it anyway”; fx television series, “The groundlings: instant comedy”; ny public television artist profiles: julie taymor; movies: “the princess bride”, “return to me”, “David And Lisa” ; A & E Biography: Shakespeare; “much ado about nothing”, “noises off.” Scene readings: from various texts designed for teen actors.
III	Materials Required 1. Pen/pencil and Notebook to keep in class (SMALL) 2. Assigned text
IV	Goals (knowledge, skills to be acquired, ESLRs addressed) STUDENTS WILL: 1. Gain understanding of an appreciation for the major elements of theatre arts, acting techniques, and the history and structure of drama and its connections to our world and cultures, and the technical aspects of theatre (ESLRs A, B, C, D); 2. Respond critically, analytically, and instinctively when viewing theatre in the present and future, and will attend a minimum of one live theatre event each semester (ESLRs A, B); 3. Improve skills in oral presentation (vocal technique, body language, self-expression and confidence) (ESLRs A, B, C); 4. Write, direct, produce and perform original scenes and plays, including an original piece dealing with a social and/or health issue which relates to teens today (ESLRs A, B, C, D, E)
V	Units of Study (activities) 1. Introduction to acting techniques including improvisation, mime, pantomime, physical & vocal; (Standards: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) 2. Introduction to principles of stage craft and the workings of the theatre space; (S. 1.2, 5.1) 3. Development of Theatre Vocabulary; (S. 1.1) 4. Overviews: History of Drama, Varieties of Drama, and Structure of Drama; (S. 2.2, 2.3, 3.3, 4.2) 5. Study of puppet theatre, including identifying and understanding the target audience, script writing, puppet construction, and performance; (S.1.1, 2.1, 2.3) 6. Original Drama production(s) (individual/ group written, produced, and performed). (S. 2.1, 2.2, ,2.3, 5.3) 7. Million Man Word Challenge – Students will be involved in an in-depth study of a writer, director or actor from stage or film and will be required to do extensive research, including reading biographies, autobiographies, interviews, periodicals, and conducting research on the internet.

VI	Methods of Assessment (may include tests, portfolios, projects, essays, etc.) The wonderful thing about drama is that each student brings with them unique talents and gifts. This class is designed to give equal weight to standard-assessment activities (such as projects, quizzes & papers) and activities that encourage growth, as measured by each student’s individual abilities and effort. Students shall be assessed in the following areas: 1. Daily attendance and positive participation in class activities; 2. Growth and improvement; 3. Work ethic and cooperation (Team player? Supports others? Comes to class prepared?) 4. Satisfactory completion of all assignments, including play writing.
VII	Grading Policy Points are awarded based on the above assessment methods. Missed classes, tardiness, coming ill-prepared, incomplete assignments, negative or disruptive behavior, will adversely affect a student’s grade. Grades are determined by dividing the number of points a student earns by the number of points possible (for example 94 points out of 100 = 94%, or an “A”). I do not grade on a “curve”. Assignments are based on the following points system: - Weekly Participation & In-class activities – 5 points each - Worksheets/Homework Assignments – 10 points each - Quizzes – 10 – 20 points each - Projects (playwriting, scene studies & performances, stagecraft, etc.) – 15 to 25 each
VIII	Class Procedures (missed assignments, make up work assignment format) 1. Missed Assignments: It is the responsibility of the student to find out what work was missed, first by asking another student, then, if unclear, by checking with me. An appropriate time to do so would be at the end of class, at break, lunch, or after school (not during class). Students will generally have 1 day to complete missed work for each day of an excused absence. 2. Late Work: IS NOT ACCEPTED. 3. Extra Credit: Students are encouraged to do extra credit work each quarter, but it is only accepted when all or most of the assigned work is turned in. Extra credit work may raise a student’s grade no more than one letter grade. Possibilities for assignments will be announced periodically.
IX IIX  IIIX	Behavioral Expectations (and consequences)  All rules of THE MARINER CODE apply to my classroom and the stage environment. In addition, the following is expected of all students: 1. Attend class regularly and on time and to participate daily in class activities; 2. Be prepared with required materials (pencil, paper, text, scripts); 3. NO GUM: food and beverages OK with teacher permission; Gum, Food, Beverages NOT permitted on stage or back stage (water OK); 4. Raise hands when wishing to make a comment or ask a question; 5. Treat yourself, others, property, and the learning process, with respect. Failure to adhere to these expectations will result in the following: 1) Verbal warning/discussion with me; 2) Lunch time detention with me; 3) Call home and referral to office; 4) 1-2 day suspension from class. METHODS TO ACCOMMODATE LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND OTHER TARGET POPULATIONS: Students will be given appropriate materials to help with difficult assignments; activities will be modified as needed for students with special considerations (for example, students with physical limitations will be given alternative to some of the more physical components in drama). UNITS OR ACTIVITIES THAT ADDRESS LANGUAGE AND MATH STANDARDS NEEDED FOR HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM: Students do extensive writing in Drama I, incl. analytical, creative (monologues) and scripts, as well as research reports and oral presentations, formal and informal. Students write resumes and want ads for theatrical jobs & auditions. Students who learn about sound and lights utilize math skills in setting levels & cues; students who learn about theatre management utilize math skills in putting together production budgets.
cut this portion & return I have read & understand the “Course Syllabus” for theatre arts I for the 2007- 2008 school year Parent/Guardian Signature................................................................................................................. PARENT E-MAIL ADDRESS ........................................................................................................ Student Signature................................................................................................................. PRINT STUDENT NAME…………………………………………………………………….. Please return this form with BOTH signatures by Friday, August 24, 2007 cc: Teacher Student 8/14/07