Theatre Handbook
7TH AND 8TH GRADE THEATRE – SEMESTER CLASS
2017-2018
Jessica Ferrarone
Extension Numbers: 3396 – Classroom W-104
3391 – Black Box T-101
Conference: 7thPeriod1:10am-1:45 pm
CourseDescription
This class is an Introduction to Theatre. Students will begin to develop their vocal and physical instruments, learn about stage and blocking, employ mime and improvisation in skits, participate in small group performances and perform a monologue.
Course Objectives
1.To develop an awareness of their physicality and voice as they relate to performance.
2.To explore mime and improvisational techniques.
3. To understand the different technical elements involved in putting on a show.
4.To implement and encourage the use of ensemble and collaboration within the performance company.
5.To practice different approaches to memorization and characterization according to their learning style.
6. To explore tableaus, freezes and levels to create stage pictures.
7. To work with their peers and develop a sense of ensemble.
8. To apply vocabulary and concepts that relate to their performances.
9. To work in small groups and singularly in performance.
10. To explore theatre history through Greek Chorus performances.
11. To safely and effectively apply stage combat techniques.
Course Topics
1.Developing Your Instrument Using Warm-Ups and Activities
2.Improvisation and Characterization
3. Mime
4.Intro to Technical Theatre and the Production Process
5. Picturization (Stage Pictures)
6. Ensemble
7. Greek Theatre
8. Stage Combat
9. Monologues
Classroom Code of Conduct
- Arrive to classand be seated BEFORE the bell rings.
- “Kiss the Door” – Leave all issues unrelated to class on the other side of the door. (No unnecessary drama!)
- Be prepared for class with all necessary materials everyday.
- Be respectful of peers, teachers/faculty, and yourself.
- Follow all rules and expectations stated in your student handbook.
Required Supplies
- CLASSROOM MATERIALS:
- Composition Notebook (The marbled kind, no spirals.)
- A pack of colored pencils.
- A yellow highlighter
- 4 Glue Sticks
- Pen or pencil to write with.
- A box of tissues
- OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:
A.Clothing and comfortable shoes appropriate for daily class work – Movement is an integral part of each class, so please be mindful of this.
B.Hair clips, ponytail holders – hair must be out of your eyes during this class.
Daily Grades 50%
1.Class Participation
2.Worksheets
3.Quizzes
4.Daily Group Projects
Test Grades 50%
1.Written Assessments
2.Lengthy Group Projects
3.Performances
4. Written Tests
Classroom Code of Conduct
- Arrive to classand be seated BEFORE the bell rings.
- “Kiss the Door” – Leave all issues unrelated to class on the other side of the door. (No unnecessary drama!)
- Be prepared for class with all necessary materials everyday.
- Be respectful of peers, teachers/faculty, and yourself.
- Follow all rules and expectations stated in your student handbook.
DEMERIT SYSTEM:
In order to grade each student’s progress and participation we will be following the demerit system.
Failure to pick up after yourself = 2 demerits each rehearsal.
Unprepared=1 demerit each class.
Horsing around, inappropriate language/behavior = 1 demerit each offense.
Refusal to Participate = 2 demerits each class
NOTES:
1 demerit = 2 points from your weekly participation grade. At the end of the 9 weeks your grade will be the average of your weekly participation grades.
End of year auditions
In April I will hold auditions for placement into my Advanced Theatre classes. In order to secure a spot the student must audition/ interview. They will be chosen based on their audition, class grades and their behavior throughout the school year. . Auditioning does not guarantee a spot in the class. However it does enhance your chances.
Your Ideas, Evaluations, Etc.
In general, a student’s ideas, comments, suggestions, questions, grade challenges, etc. are welcome.However, these matters should be conducted privately.No part of a grade will be based on anythingother than your coursework. But keep in mind that greatattendanceis essential to academic success in this class.
Booster Club
If you are interested in assisting our amazing Booster Club in any capacity, please let me know via email at . This organization has provided so much assistance to our department and we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our parents and community.
PLEASE REVIEW THIS WITH YOUR STUDENT AND RETURN THE SIGNATURE PAGE I SENT HOME WITH THEM BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 25TH, 2017
*We also went over it in class, so you’re student should be familiar with the contents of our handbook.