Drama 8 Class Information, 2016-2017Second Semester Ms. Vardanega (Ms. “V”), Director503.673.7400

Drama webpage: from ACMS homepage, click on “Academics” then “Related Arts”

Performance Date & Time--READ CAREFULLY!:

Dress rehearsal: Monday, May 22, 2017 5:00-8:30pm
Performance: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 7-8:45pm

Admission will be $4 per person, or $10 for an immediate family

Please let me know ASAP if there will be a conflict with these dates, it will affect casting.

Music and Arts Partners ("MAP")
This wonderful group of parent volunteers was formed over 20 years ago and has worked to raise money for the performing arts departments of all West Linn/Wilsonville's schools. Athey Creek has been the beneficiary of their efforts, and we are hoping that you will be willing and able to become a part of this important parent community group!

  • Thank you to Nichole Hildebrandt, Athey Creek Drama/Choir Representative

Class Goals and Philosophy:
We are so immersed in perfect acting in this day and age. Television and movies are as perfect as the budget and director's patience will allow, through cutting and retaking scenes. Live theater, on the other hand, is full of lots of challenges and imperfections--which I believe adds to its enjoyability! Even if these young folks never act again, I hope they will leave the class with a better appreciation for the effort, energy and hard work that goes into presenting a show to an audience, and a realistic idea of their own potential to be successful in this area, should they wish to pursue it in their future.

Assessment and Grades:
Determining a grade in a performance class is a tricky endeavor - it will be my job to try to assess them fairly, while at the same time keeping their enthusiasm and self-confidence intact. Unlike more traditional, academic classes where they are being assessed mostly on cognitive learning, this class’ focus will be on their creative growth and development. They are all going to be starting at different points and will develop at different speeds.

Students are assessed in two major areas:

Rehearsal Skills (“Rehearsal Discipline”) Approximately 60% of grade

  • Consistently demonstrate expected rehearsal and classroom routines and procedures:
  • Actively participate in all activities, demonstrating bravery with activities that present
    a challenge.
  • Memorize all drama terms, techniques, skills that may bepresented.
  • Be able to describe, define or demonstrate, especially the ability to define
    improvisation and why it is important for actors to know how to improvise.
  • Work successfully within the group/cast while engaging in drama games and while
    preparing for end of semester performance, especially how to support classmates
    when they are acting by not drawing inappropriate attention (“upstaging)

Acting/Performance Skills Approximately 40% of grade

  • Characterization/Believability:
  • Vocal Skills: Projection/volume, Inflection/Expression, Enunciation/Clarity
  • Body Language: Facial Expression/Communication, Gestures/Posture/Stance
  • Focus/Concentration: Entrances made on time, Never “breaking” character on
    stage, Dedication to best acting on stage
  • Preparation/Memorization: Lines/Staging prepared on time

Regarding Online Grades: I plan to update grades only at Mid-Term and Quarter’s End (every 4 to 4 ½ weeks). If there are significant issues that should be addressed earlier than that, I will be in touch with you.

How to check your grade and comments: To see the letter grade ONLY, you can log in choosing “Report Card Marks”. To see my personal comments and class information (I hope you will please take the time for this!), log in choosing “Schedule/Gradebooks”, then click on the blue link called “progress”. This will give you the most complete information available on your child’s progress! Thanks for taking this extra moment, as I really try to write something personal on comment forms.

Videos:
We may see one or two of the following videos during class. I have given much thought to the films chosen, and they are all films I have shown to 8th grade classes in the past, and are chosen as enrichment to the drama curriculum. Most of the videos' content fall in to the G or *PG range, with the exception of the films that are double starred**, which are PG13. Parents, of course, have the right to ask me to excuse their child from the viewing of any film they find objectionable, without penalty to their child's grade. If you agree to allow your son or daughter to see these films, there is a place on the return slip for your signature.
*Episodes of "Whose Line Is It, Anyway? (edited)" with Drew Carey as host
**"Noises Off" PG-13, starring Michael Caine, Carol Burnett, Christopher Reeve, et al
*"Hamlet" PG (edited), starring Mel Gibson
“Cyrano de Bergerac”, starring Jose Ferrar
“Our Town”, starring Hal Holbrook

Drama 8 “Information Sheet”: Please complete and return asap, thanks!

Parents' Name(s) (include your son or daughter's names if your last names differ)

______

  • Phone______Email address ______
  • My son/daughter,______, is able to make the dates as noted______.
    If a conflict, please include reason:
  • My son/daughter has my permission to view the films (as listed in the course description) in drama class_____.
  • MEDIA RELEASE:I give permission for my son or daughter to be photographed and/or videoed during class or performances for possible inclusion in class posters or on the drama website (not social media).
    Yes______No______

Volunteers Needed!!
Are you interested in theater, have experience or enthusiasm and have some time?
Please check out the list of tasks below and see if you are up for any of these important tasks. Many, many thanks to those willing and able to volunteer!!!

  • Costumes/Props:
    ______I am handy with needle and thread and can mend oralter costumes if needed
    ______I do not sew, but am great with a glue gun if things are needed to be made
    ______I am happy to shop for needed items
    ______I can wash or iron costumes prior to the show in May|
  • Concessions:
    The Music and Arts Partners discontinued their concessions program for schools. Last year, two wonderful parents stepped up to be in charge of making sure we had simple snacks and water for sale at concerts and plays. Can you help?
    ______I am willing to get and donate items for sale for concessions_
    ______I am willing to help those in charge with organizing and/or shopping
    ______I am willing to help sell concessions at the show (you will not miss anything!)
  • Show help:
    _____I enjoy photography and would be willing to take pictures during the show
    _____I am good with makeup and/or hair, and am willing to help with this for the show
    _____I can help take admission at the show
  • MAPs:
    ______I am interested in being a part of Music and Arts Partners (MAPs), please pass my contact info along.