Hello and welcome to Stagecraft! There is so much more to Theatre and the performing arts than just the performers. In Stagecraft, we will explore what happens on the technical side of theatre, and students will grow to appreciate just how much work goes on behind the scenes.

Daily supplies needed:

Notebook for journaling and sketching.
Pencil.
Pen.
Chromebook.
Textbook will be provided when necessary and stays in the theatre.

Academic Expectations:

By the end of the semester, students will learn many skills relating to technical theatre and stagecraft, including but not limited to:

Backstage safety
Parts of a stage and crew jobs
Basic set construction
Scene painting
Lighting/Sound Design
Costume/Makeup Design
Props
Assist in work on current season productions.

*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 from a stagecraft/technical standpoint. 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.

Behavioral Expectations:

SAFETY FIRST. Abide by the safety rules covered at the beginning of class AT ALL TIMES.

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.

Grading:90%-100% A = Excellent 80%-89% B = Above Average 70%-79% C = Average 60%-69% D = Below Average59% or less F = Failing* Late assignments (unless discussed with me ahead of time) will be dealt with as follows:

1 Day - 10% subtracted from final score.
2 Days - 20% subtracted from final score.
3 Days - 30% subtracted from final score, etc.
Assignments turned in more than 9 calendar days late will receive zero credit, but I will give you a high five and feedback for completing the assignment and learning.

Final Project/paper 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, but any unfinished classwork, homework or projects must be turned in or completed on time.
Having your lines completely memorized for performance assignments counts as “completed homework”. If you do not have them memorized on time, your assignment will be late and you will lose points.
Please see above policy on late assignments.

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.)

Advisory Attendance Policy:

School policy - five unexcused absence in Advisory will result in a failing grade.

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.
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.