Sterling Heights Stevenson Theater Arts I (Acting I)

Teacher: Mr. Johnson Course Syllabus 2014/2015

Course Description

This year-long, activity-oriented course is designed to introduce students to the art acting.

Students will:

•Study basic principles of acting

•Study character analysis

•Explore the use of objectives, obstacles, & choices

•Learn basic stage and rehearsal terms

•Learn about theatre etiquette

•Read and analyze scripts for the purpose of understanding history, context and sub-context

•Apply learned skills to performance opportunities

Goals

•Create comfort and confidence in interpersonal and public communication.

•Think and act creatively by solving problems individually or collaboratively.

•Employ originality, flexibility, and imagination while approaching projects.

•Develop the acting skills necessary for creative dramatic performance.

•Demonstrate knowledge of the elements of theatre production.

•Demonstrate understanding of theatre arts in relation to history and culture.

•Develop critical skills to evaluate their own work and the work of others.

•Make connections between theatre arts and other fields of knowledge.

•Demonstrate ability to apply aesthetic criteria for making artistic choices.

Assignments

Over the course of the year, you will be responsible for assignments listed but not limited to:

•Single and duo pantomime

•Monologues

•Two and three person scenes

•Improvisation

•Written reviews of a live performance and a play script

•Writings of various lengths and goals

•Participation in Dorothy in Wonderland either Nov 17, 18, or 19 2014.

This event requires being excused from school for one entire day.

This event requires attendance at one evening performance, so clear your schedule.

This event is your one chance for friends and family to see what we do, so be sure to encourage their attendance. Tickets are only $5 and help cover the costs of our show.

You may have responsibilities on stage, backstage, or both. This will be determined by audition and application.

Grading

Grades will be based on the total process, the concept of which the course is builtaround. Each assignment will have a point value that will be explained prior to starting the project or performance.

•Active participation in the classroom exercises, games, rehearsals, performances, and discussions. (30%)

•Preparation, thoughtfulness, and quality of classroom and public performances (50%)

•Quality, accuracy, and thoroughness of writing assignments (20%)

•First and Second Semester final projects (?)

3 RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

1) Respect

•Theatre is the most collaborative of all art forms. Respect and be sensitive to the ideas, opinions, and property of others.

•Think before you act and treat others with kindness and consideration.

•Use appropriate language: absolutely NO swearing, name calling, or verbal abuse is allowed.

•No food or drink (water is okay).

•Clean your workspace before leaving.

•Our class is a community that is dependent on the respect, participation and enthusiasm of each member for the success of the whole.

2) Responsibility

•Take responsibility for your behavior, workspace, and your actions.

•Report to class with all required materials and wait to be dismissed before leaving.

•Be prepared on performance days.

•Be in your seat or workspace when bell rings.

•Turn in assignments before or on the day they are due. Very few exceptions will be made for late work.

•Keep your personal belongings, especially valuables, as secure as possible.

•Dress appropriately. This class is physical and you will want to avoid restrictive or revealing clothing.

3) Effort

•This is as close to an “A for effort” class you will find.

•You must work inside and outside of class in order to be completely successful in this course.

•Accept assignments without complaints and do your best on everything.

•Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Any form of plagiarism or cheating on any assignment, quiz, test or project will result in an immediate "F," a parent conference, referral to the discipline office, and possible dismissal from class.

•You will get out of this class what you put in.

•Keep your iPods, cell phones, and any other such electronic devices out of the classroom. If used, these items may be confiscated. You are now warned.