1st Trimester 2013 / Rowan County Senior High School
Course Information: In this course, students will be introduced to many aspects of technical theatre (jobs, design, construction, and marketing). They will also learn basic theatre etiquette as well as the theatrical chain of command. / Teacher Name: Kala Cookendorfer
Time: 2nd Period / E-Mail:
Location: PAC / Website: rowan.kyschools.us
Required Textbooks and Materials
- Paper
- Writing utensil
- Comfortable clothes and shoes on movement activity days
Examinations and Major Assignments
What will the examinations be like? When are they scheduled? Majority of exams will be performance based. Students will be notified in advance as to when these exams will take place. I will use performance rubrics to grade each student, and will go over the rubric/explain what I expect to see prior to the exam.
Do you have a make-up policy and how does it work? If /when a student is absent, they can find their make-up work in the “While you were absent” folder located in the classroom. Students have two days to make up any assignment they missed in order to receive full credit. If they miss a performance exam, they will be required to do an alternate exam. It is vital students show up for performance exams because they are often part of a group. It is the responsibility of the student to ask the teacher what announcements were made while they were absent.
What will the major assignments (e.g. papers, field trips, projects, etc.) be like? Most assignments will be performance, hands-on and research based. Completing the assignments will help each student develop their skills as a theatre generalist and the understanding of the world of theatre. Students will be verbally notified when assignments are due. Students are encouraged to record due dates in an agenda.
Play Production Attendance & Written Review
All students are required to attend the current theatrical production and write a technical/performance review. The ticket stub and a sheet from the playbill must be stapled to the typed review. If for some reason a student cannot make it the production, that student must do an alternate assignment, inform the teacher in advance, and bring in a note from home explaining the conflict. Efforts are being made this year to help any financial conflicts with play attendance.
Study Expectations
The teacher will inform students on several study tips that will fit each student’s learning preferences and style. Some students may need more outside study time and some less.
Grading
Due to the nature of the class, a large portion of each student’s grade will be heavily placed on classroom participation. Students will gain participation points by participating in class discussion, following the classroom rules, participating in group and hands-on activities, arriving to class on time, etc. Grades will also be based on performance assignments, writing assignments, exams/quizzes and group projects.
90-100 = A
80-89= B
70-79= C
60-69= D
Course Goals and Primary Learning Outcomes
Course Goals:
- Students will develop basic knowledge of theatre.
- Students will model and use theatre etiquette.
- Students will develop observation skills that will enable them to critically review a live theatrical performance.
- Students will learn about jobs in theatre, and choose a career path for themselves.
- Students will develop a technical theatre portfolio.
Primary Learning Outcomes:
After completing this course, students should be able to work backstage on a production, design for technical elements, use theatre etiquette, and implement theatrical vocabulary into conversation.
Subject to Change Statement
This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on announcements made while you were absent.
Course Policies
Demonstrate control of your body so no one gets hurt.
Raise your hand politely and wait to be called on by the teacher.
Always try your best!
Maintain concentration to stay on task.
Audience etiquette: watch, listen, learn, and show RESPECT!
Auditions for plays: Each student has the opportunity to audition for the school play or musical. Tardiness, failure to turn in assignments, and unprofessional behavior in the classroom may disqualify a student from being cast. Acting in a play is a privilege.
Cell Phones: Cell phones can be a great learning tool and use of technology, however, each student is expected to keep them stowed away unless given verbal permission by the teacher. This goes along with the A (theatre and audience etiquette) in the DRAMA rules. If cell phones or other electronic devices become a problem, the teacher will confiscate them until the end of class.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
Uniqueness, creativity and individually is encourage. Copying is not aloud. Refer to school handbook for penalties.
School Policies
Please see the school handbook, and understand those rules are in effect are in this classroom as well.
Students with Disabilities:
Upon identifying themselves to the instructor and the school, students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation.
Student & Parent/ Guardian Syllabus Acknowledgment
Stage Performance
I have read the entire syllabus and understand its contents. I also understand the rules in the school handbook also apply in this class.
Parent/Guardian Signature ______Date ______
Student Signature ______Date ______
Please turn this into your designated class folder by Monday, August 12, 2013.
Thanks!
Kala Cookendorfer
Speech & Drama Teacher
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