Intro to Drama Overview:
By the end of this course, students will have a broad understanding and appreciation of many aspects of Theatre Arts including but not limited to:
General theatre knowledge and etiquette.
Improvisational Acting
Theatre through history.
Performing as an individual (Monologues).
Performing with a partner (Duet scenes).
Theatre Design elements (Costumes/Makeup, Set Design, Special Effects).
Musical Theatre.
* Final Design or Performance project. We will discuss!
*All students must attend or participate in AT LEAST ONE production for each semester they are enrolled in Theatre classes. Following the show, students must write a critical review of the performance they have attended. Ideally, this production will be performed at Heritage, but if needed, you may attend and review a production at another school or community/professional theatre. All of these papers are due by December 1st.
**These requirements may change or be adjusted due to Hybrid/Virtual learning.
Behavioral Expectations:
The Golden Rule. Do unto others. Treat your classmates and instructor with respect and kindness. You may not always be “comfortable” in this class, but you will always be safe. If any behavior is seen that makes another student feel physically, mentally, or emotionally unsafe, it will be immediately dealt with by me and then by administration if necessary.
Try everything. You don’t have to love or even like everything we do in this class, but you WILL try. You don’t know what you might excel at until you try everything available to you.
Respect the space. We have a beautiful theater and we want it to stay beautiful! So, please no eating or drinking in the Theatre, aside from water.
If you break something, tell me! I’ll be a lot more upset if I find something broken and unreported than if you tell me right then. There is a higher likelihood it can be fixed.
Come in with a good attitude EVERY DAY.
No phones unless given specific permission to use them!
Academic Expectations:
Remote and Online Expectations - Students must log in to your Google Classroom on Remote Wednesdays at the scheduled class time. Attendance will be taken. Teachers will then provide their class specific expectations. Classes can be synchronous or asynchronous in nature as determined by teachers; however, teachers must be available for assistance or to provide instruction during the entire scheduled period. If we go all online, classes will be synchronous and required. All students and staff will be online teaching/ learning for the entire scheduled class period. Full time attendance and grading policies will be enforced.
Grading:90%-100% A = Excellent 80%-89% B = Above Average 70%-79% C = Average 60%-69% D = Below Average59% or less F = Failing
Final Project will be 15% of your semester grade.
Questions about your grade? Office hours or e-mail are the best way to contact me. Please do not wait until the end of the semester to inquire.
I do not provide extra credit in my classes. If you feel like your grade needs a boost, please discuss with me the best ways for you to reach your goals.
Homework Policy:
The majority of work in this class will be done during school hours either synchronous or asynchronous, but any unfinished classwork, homework or projects must be turned in or completed on time. Make-Up Work Policy:
School policy - two school days allowed per each day missed without receiving late credit - excused or unexcused (Exceptions will be made by administrative permission only.)
Teacher Availability:
I believe that effective communication is important in all kinds of relationships. Please do not ever hesitate to contact me for any reason. Good news and triumphs are always welcome, as well as questions, concerns and individual challenges, especially during these crazy times!
E-mail is generally the best way to reach me. If you’d like to meet in person, please contact me first to make an appointment so I can ensure that I will be available as I am often running errands throughout the building or theatre during my office hours.
Let’s have a fantastic year! I can’t wait to get to know you.
“I am confused by life, and I feel safe within the confines of the theatre.”
Helen Hayes
“The word theatre comes from the Greeks. It means the seeing place. It is the place people come to see the truth about life and the social situation.”
Stella Adler