Introduction to Acting
Mr. Frome – Director of Musical Theatre
Room 45 (Black Box Theatre)
(818) 528-1600
Welcome to Introduction to Acting. Below you will find information regarding the format of the class, as well as various in-class procedures.Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by phone, email or by making an appointment to come by Room 45.
Goals and Objectives
This course is designed to provide an introduction into the basics of stage acting. The students will gains basic skills in acting, analyzing, improvisation, visualization, playwriting, scene study, breathing, as well as gaining a working vocabulary of theatre terms. Recognizing that the dynamic field of theatre is a useful tool for communicating in all aspects of life, this course also serves as an excellent opportunity for students to sharpen their confidence and public speaking skills.
Structure of the Course
This course will focus primarily on the unique aesthetic of theatre through theatre exercises, scene work, and examination of diverse contemporary literature. Theatre exercises will be utilized to facilitate the creative process, as well as foster an environment of trust within the class.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory! Your presence is critical to the success of this class. Students will be allowed three unexcused absences. Any additional absences will lower the student’s grade by one letter grade. Emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis and will need verification. Personal commitments, auditions, vacations, etc. are not considered emergencies.
Tardy Policy
It is not permissible to be late for this class! Actors learn punctuality as a necessity, not a virtue. “Being on time means being early.” This is a performance class and an interruption of your colleagues’ work will be interpreted as disrespect and will not be tolerated. If for some verifiable reason 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, or actors end their scene and exit). You will be considered tardy if you are not sitting down on the bleachers by the time the class bell rings.
Bullying/Harassment/Profane/Derogatory Language
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!
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. Please also wear or bring socks to class, as you will not be able to wear your shoes in the classroom.
Course Assignments
-Memorization and presentation of one to two monologues
-Memorization and presentation of one to two scenes
-Scene study workshops/written assignments
-Writing, directing and producing an original piece of work
-Periodic theatre vocabulary/stage direction quizzes
-Participation in a formal showcase at the end of the semester
-Independent and group work
-Participation in any and all in-class activities
Grading Policy
Grading will be as follows: (% of total grade):
40%: Participation, focus and contribution in the classroom
40%: In-class assignments/tasks (creating scripts, memorizing lines, working with scene partners)
20%: Quizzes/Tests
Grading Scale
A: 100% - 90%
B: 89% - 80%
C: 79% - 70%
D: 69% - 60%
F: 59% and below