Haltom Middle School Theatre
Handbook of Procedures and Policies 2012-2013
Welcome to the Haltom Middle School Theatre Program!
Philosophy: Theatre is concerned with the communication of human issues. Its purpose is to teach students to cope with the complexities of human relationships in modern society, communicate with others in a meaningful way and constructively evaluate dramatic performances. Students should examine theatre as a part of daily life, as a way of enhancing knowledge and skills and as a means of expression. All students will benefit from ongoing educational theatre experiences.
Goals of the HMS Theatre Program
Our goals are to encourage creativity, praise effort, listen attentively, work diligently and strive for the best-to “Defy Gravity!” This year’s curriculum will encourage each student to develop confidence and poise through various individual, group and performance activities. Since Theatre can be frightening for some students, our goals are designed to help each class member be aware that our response to a student’s performance determines our success as a class. We strongly encourage respect and positivity for it is vital that each and every student realize their value which will propel them to confidently perform in theatre and in life successfully.
HMS Theatre Director
Deanna Davis
B.A. Theatre
Minor in Music
University of North Texas
Course Objectives
This course combines a wide variety of activities which promote growth in the following areas:
listening skills, critical thinking abilities, research techniques, performance and delivery skills.
I. The student develops concepts about self, human relationships and the environment, using elements of drama and the conventions of theatre.
A. Team building
B. Self-discovery
II. Expressive use of the body and voice to create a realistic character.
A. Pantomime
B. Improvise a character and/or situation
C. Relaxation/preparation techniques
III. Demonstrate individual, duet and ensemble acting skills
A. Improvise in a variety of situations
B. Analyze and interpret scripts
C. Identify and apply theatrical terminology
D. Use stage movement, stage positions, and basic blocking
IV. Experience a play production personally
A. Prepare and audition for a part in a play
B. Explore rehearsal and role preparation techniques
C. Learn proper vocal preparation techniques
D. Costume and makeup design and realizing them
E. Learn aspects of technical theatre and backstage work
F. Relaxation and preparation techniques
V. Develop theatrical production concepts and skills
A. Identify and explain theatrical production concepts
B. Identify equipment within the theatre
VI. Develop an appreciation for theatre
A. View, discuss, analyze and evaluate theatrical events
B. Identify historical features of theatre
C. Exhibit audience etiquette
D. Analyze and critique his/her theatrical experiences
E. Read and discuss a variety of dramas
Textbooks
Exploring Theatre by Nancy Prince and Jeanie Jackson
Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen with Haskel Frankel
The Actor Prepares by Stanislovsky
Supplies
Three ring binder
Ruled paper
5 dividers
2 pencils
Attitude
This is the most important areas in theatre. Because this is a performance class, it is very important that you are supportive of each other and maintain a positive attitude about getting up in front of each other. You will be working in groups for many assignments, so getting along with everyone is important! Attitude will play a vital role in how successful you will be and how much you will learn!
Parental Support
Parental support will only benefit the student and class as a whole. You can help your child get the most from this class by doing a few, simple tasks.
1. Ask to look through your child’s theatre portfolio/binder to see what skills are being focused on.
2. Allow your child to practice in front of you several times during the preparation for a performance.
3. Evaluate your child’s strong points as a performer and encourage and praise!
HMS Company Guidelines for Rehearsals
1. Please be on time to every rehearsal and call.
2. Read the callboard (In the Theatre room) every day. The director, stage managers, designers or others may need to get a message to you.
3. Bring a pencil and your script to every rehearsal.
4. Drinks, snacks, and gum are not allowed in the auditorium. A company break will be given
periodically and you may keep a water bottle and snack on the table in the pit area. You must
clean up after yourself and do away with trash.
5. Please do not direct other company members.
6. If you have a problem with someone, speak to that person privately about the problem before or
after rehearsal. If you cannot resolve the problem between yourselves, bring it privately to the
director.
9. Treat the stage managers, designers, and running crew with respect. Please follow all their
instructions. Bring up questions at a later time.
10. “Practice” and “rehearsal” are not synonymous. Practice is what you do on your
time; rehearsal is what you do in the presence of the director and cast.
* Practice at home what is learned in rehearsal. PLEASE! J
11. Though there will be many opportunities for suggestions before or after rehearsals, the director
has the final say in the decision-making process. Please do not take it personally if your
suggestion is not incorporated.
12. DEPARTMENTAL AND DISTRICT POLICY: Absolutely no drugs or alcohol are to be in your
body or on your person before and during all rehearsals and performances.
Grades
The grade a student earns will be based on the preparation and presentation of all performances within the school year as well as other tools-tests, quizzes, homework, portfolio, and projects to demonstrate student understanding. Portfolios/Binder will be graded and equal to a test grade. Each dress rehearsal and performance grade will be counted twice and are mandatory! Each student will know in advance the day he/she is expected to perform a prepared piece/project. Their costume for a play, whether it is just a partial piece or a full costume, will be counted as a test grade.
Late Work
Work is considered late when it is presented at a later time than the due date by students who were present when the assignment was given. It is the responsibility of the student to seek and collect class work assigned from the teacher during an absence. The student will have as many days to make up the work that equals the days absent. Example: 1 day absent=due the first day after their return to school.
UIL Academic Eligibility
Theatre students are ineligible to participate in extra-curricular performances for the six weeks period immediately following a period in which they earn a grade of 69 or less. Theatre rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances are curricular and therefore graded. All students have a responsibility to pass all classes and be eligible for theatre performances and contests. Students failing classes place an unwelcome burden upon the other students in the theatre and the theatre director must compensate for their absence from an important event. All students play a vital role in our success! Students that fail classes in more than one six weeks grade reporting period, seriously jeopardize their membership in the theatre program. It has been the experience of many that most failures are a result of a lack of effort on daily work, poor study habits, or not handing in major projects. Parents are encouraged to help their student by tracking their progress using the Skyward Online grade program.
Performance Costumes
Students are responsible for providing their costumes and personal items for each play. The students learn about costume design and apply their understanding and realize their costume in class. If they need more time to work on their costume, they are strongly encouraged to stay afterschool or on Saturday work days to complete their costume or to take it home to complete it by the due date.
The Junior International Thespian Society
Troupe #66850
The Junior International Thespian Society Troupe # 66850 was first chartered at Haltom Middle School on May 11, 2004. Since then, we have actively pursued excellence in and around our community.
The JITS officers vote and determine meetings and agenda. It is most common that JITS meetings be held once a week. Students must actively participate in all community service functions within the school year.
JITS Eligibility
Students must complete successfully two different plays in middle school and accumulating at least ten points. Students must also have an “E” in citizenship and a teacher recommendation.
Theatre Fieldtrips
Students are expected to behave in a manner which reflects positively on the HMS Theatre and Haltom Middle School. All students must have an Emergency Care Form on file to travel with the theatre department.
This theatre handbook must be signed by you, your parent or guardian and be filed in your portfolio/binder.
I look forward to working with each of you throughout this school year! Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any help or if you have questions.
Theatre is Cool!
Deanna Davis
HMS Theatre
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Student signature Date
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Parent/Guardian signature Date