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Drama Course Description
Miss Candace Cain
Candace.cain@burwellpublicschools.com
Cell 402-340-2618
The goal of introduction to acting is to expose students to a wide variety of theater activities in order to stimulate multiple intelligences and learning styles. Hopefully by the end of the semester students will have developed an appreciation and/or love for the performing arts and will incorporate vital communication and performance skills into their daily lives. Students will perform in acting activities and play and learn about the basic technical aspects of theater production.
There are three main focuses; approach to work, skill development, and reflection and critique. These three focuses are assessed separately and make up the semester final grade. Each unit of study will be assessed in either a performance and / or visual/written project. Due to this fact students are given fine arts credit there are required performances during the semester that make up a major element of the grade.
The first nine weeks 40% performance grade will be based off of:
School Wide Poetry Out Loud____________ _____________________2 poems memorized
*Speech Meet 1_______________________________________________________________________________
*Speech Meet 2_______________________________________________________________________________
*Students may pick the dates of the speech meets they attend.
Students will perform in an acting event.
Upon attending they will write a 1 page summary
Each performance is 10% and each paper is 5%
The course will culminate in a final performance of a play at the end of the semester. Every student is required to participate in the performance or the highest grade they can have in the class is a D. This performance and its elements make up 40% of the second nine weeks of this class.
Burwell Play Night or 2 speech meets pending on class siz
Practice performance time will be done in class to ensure that students are successful for performances. All entry fees and transportation is provided by the school. Students will need to be responsible for making bus leave times. Parents and family members are welcome to attend any performances.
Student Responsibilities
- Students will be prepared for each class (homework, pencil and binder). Pens are not allowed for script notation. Failure to bring binder to each class will result in grade reduction.
- Homework and journal assignments must be turned in on time for credit. There are tests over the content of the class. Occasionally actors will be asked to meet with classmates outside of class to work to rehearse scenes. Assigned material must be memorized on time. Any student that jeopardizes another students’ chance for success (eg. failure to memorize two-person scene), will be given a separate assignment and a 40% drop in grade.
- Students are expected to create and maintain a respectful, supportive and nurturing climate in the classroom.
- Students will have opportunities to attend a theater and write a written review as part of the critique unit. Students may also attend a play. The presentation should be prose or drama based. More information will be shared as these dates are announced.
Class Rules:
1. Bring all materials with you: notebook, portfolio, writing utensil, etc.
2. Exercise RESPECT: for the material, facility, others, and the instructor. Do not exclude, make fun of people, or use put down.
3. Be considerate. During class be a considerate speaker as well as a member of the audience. This includes your topic selection, language, and content. A presentation that puts dugs, alcohol, sex, racism and other related topics in a humorous light will be given a zero. Show support to all class members.
4. Be prepared. Have your work done on time and be prepared to speak on your presentation date.
Please clean up after yourselves. Many students will use the classroom during the day put things neatly away when you are done with them. If an item is running low please inform the teacher.
Tardies: The first unexcused tardy is a verbal warning; the second tardy will result in time after school; and the third or more will be points off your participation grade.
Passes: Hall passes are privileges and are only to be used in emergency situations. Please take care of restroom and drink breaks during passing time. Passes will not be signed the first and last 10 minutes of class, during student presentations, in lecture situations or while I am involved in individual instruction. Before you ask me to sign a pass, please write the destination, my room number, and the time.
Portfolio: Students are expected to keep a portfolio for this course. This should consist of a three-ring binder that accompanies the student at all times. This will contain class notes, handouts, speeches and critiques; the safest bet is to keep EVERYTHING. It will help you on the semester test and other assignments.
Materials Requested: Notebook for journal, Three ring notebook, Blank Video tape.
Makeup/Late Work: You are responsible for gathering any missed lecture notes or handouts, as well as scheduling a time to make up quizzes, tests or performances. All work must be made up within two school days for each day missed or the student will receive zero (0) points for that assignment. Late homework will only be accepted the following day with a 50% deduction for tardiness off the grade. In-class work or activities are due during that period without exception. Students gone on school related activities should try to hand in work ahead of time or make an arrangement with the teacher.
Grading: Theater is not easy, and requires a positive attitude and a willingness to go beyond your comfort level. Therefore, you are expected to participate fully in all activities and projects, whether individual or group. You are also expected to present your performance on the day assigned. Failing to do so will result in an automatic 50% deduction from your grade. Self- and peer-evaluations will also be a component of this course. Plagiarism will not be tolerated! Doing so will result in a zero for the assignment and no option to redo. If a students is caught cheating on an assignment they will get a zero and then redo the assignment for a maximum of 50%.
Extra Credit: There will be opportunities for extra credit. All assignments must be completed to do extra credit.
Students will be assessed on
1) classroom behavior,
2) knowledge of basic theater skills and terms,
3) reflection & critique, and
4) performance.
Students will be given a wide variety of opportunities for academic success. Extra credit will also be available.
KEYS TO DOING WELL IN THIS CLASS:
1. TRY! I don’t give grades, you earn them!
2. Never be afraid to make a mistake!
3. Complete your play project!
4. Participate daily in class!
5. Complete all assignments and performances on time!!
6. Laugh and have fun!!