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Course Description
Aligned with the California State Standards, this course is designed to provide a broader foundation of stage acting, theatre history, and theatrical technique. The course will further develop the art of character development while engaging in physical, mental, and vocal acting techniques including improvisation, movement, monologue preparation & performance, and scene study. The students will also use their skills in analyzing, visualization, playwriting, scene study, and performance preparation, while increasing their working knowledge of theatre and academic specific vocabulary. This course will also provide a basic foundation of acting for the camera and professional audition techniques.
Required Materials
* A Journal or Composition Book
Student Learning Objectives
· Students will effectively demonstrate the ability to use common theatre terminology and acting principles.
· Students will participate in improvisational exercises and demonstrate effective skills and techniques.
· Students will learn basic professional audition and on camera acting techniques.
· Students will choose, memorize, prepare, and perform monologues and group scenes.
· Students will perform in a Fall an Spring Final Showcase.
Attendance
THIS IS A PERFORMANCE CLASS. PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE IS VITAL! If you are not
present in class, I cannot observe and assess your work. EXCUSED absences include major religious holidays,
medical emergencies requiring hospitalization or appointments (student must provide official documentation),
deaths in the family, or if you yourself are dead. (I will need proof…just kidding). It is YOUR responsibility to
know when all assignments are due. Excessive unexcused absences can result in the lowering of a student’s grade. Emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis and, as stated, I will need verification.
Tardy Policy
It is not permissible to be late for this class! This is a performance class and an interruption of your colleagues’ work is disrespectful and will not be tolerated. If you are late, you must wait outside the door until you are absolutely sure it is not an interruption to enter (e.g. hear applause). You will be considered tardy if you are not sitting in your seat by the time the class bell rings. Excessive late arrivals will DRIVE ME INSANE!!! 3 late arrivals will result in a lunch detention.
Behavior/Class Rules
There will be no bullying, harassment, or use of profane language or derogatory terms tolerated in the classroom. Should a student exhibit any such behavior, the student will be immediately reported to an Administrator and the Administrator will follow the procedure as designed by LAUSD and Millikan Middle School. This is a zero tolerance policy! No gum or food of any kind is allowed in the class. Students may bring bottled water. Phones, IPADS, and all electronic devices must be placed on silent, placed out of sight, and cannot be used during class unless otherwise indicated by the instructor.
Dress Code
In addition to following Millikan Middle School’s dress code policy, please wear clothing that allows freedom of movement. It is highly recommended that girls wear pants instead of dresses or skirts. Some activities may involve extreme physical movement and contact with the floor.
Grading
Assignments / Exams Points
· Participation/Attendance 5 points per day you are in class
· Journal Checks 10 points
· Homework/Class Assignments 15 points
· Group Presentation 30 points
· Group Scene Performances 25 points
· Monologue Performances 50 points
(Including Self Critique & Character Analysis)
· Stage Direction Quiz 30 points
· Journal/Vocabulary Quizzes 20 – 30 points
· Final Exam 50 points
· Final Monologues 50 points
· Final Fall & Spring Performance 100 points
*BONUS points are attainable if students attend plays or live theatrical performances and write a one page
summary about their experience. (15 points)
Grading Scale: 100%-90% (A), 89% - 80% (B), 79% - 70% (C), 69% - 60% (D), 59% - below (F)
All or Nothing Policy
Assignments must be completed in their entirety in order to be given credit! Monologue, Scene, & LIVE Performances are mandatory in order to pass the class.
Late Work
If a student misses an assignment due to an absence, the student must speak with the instructor to discuss missed
work. Students have two days to turn in missed assignments for partial credit.