Theatre Class
Instructor: Cindy Couch Location: Room 303 Fine Arts
Class: M-F
Time: 5th & 8th Periods
Office Phone: 832-4535,
EXT. 2239
Email:
ccouch@shallowaterisd.net Cell Phone: 806-470-9940
Course Description:
Theatre offers students the opportunity to explore the role of theatre in society within its cultural, aesthetic, economic, and political manifestations. We will begin with early theatre and travel to the present. The primary goal of the course is to help students increase their understanding of theatrical representation and how theatre can be a unique tool mirroring society.
Course Goals:
• To develop a critical process for reading dramatic literature and seeing theatrical performance.
• To develop a critical and working vocabulary of terms.
• To question prevailing methodologies of theatre practice.
• To explore the interrelationship of theatre to society.
• To understand theatre as a tool for social change.
• To develop students who can work in any capacity of the theatre.
Outcomes: At the completion of this course you will be able to:
• Demonstrate verbally and in writing the nature and role of theatre.
• Demonstrate terminology related to theatre and dramatic literature
• Demonstrate writing themes and ideas relevant to the course’s texts and productions.
• Discern the relationship between form (structure) and content, showing how they reciprocally inform each other.
• Demonstrate the social, political, and economic context surrounding theatrical works
• Articulate and defend your arguments through a studied, engaged, and informed process of reflection.
Required Texts and Materials
Basic Drama Projects (Provided)
Notebook to take notes and for journaling (student provides)
Writing tools (student provides)
Performances:
Each student is required to attend one live theatrical performance.
Course Requirements
All students MUST participate. I realize that some may be reluctant to act on stage; however, that is part of the learning process of this class. A major part of this class is learning to perform in front of peers.
Absence and tardiness will have a detrimental effect on your grade as well as in your other classes. Three tardies equal one absence. Although theatre is an elective, attending class is important. If a student is needed by a core teacher to make up work, he/she must have a note from that teacher or that teacher will need to call me prior to class, extension 2239. Your job is to let me know as soon as possible about any exceptional situations so that we can develop a good strategy for dealing with problems before they magnify.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
• Please - no gum chewing, food or drink on stage or at any time in the auditorium unless you have cleared it with me. Water bottles are allowed.
• No cell phones, beepers, pagers, or other electronic devices, please.
• Be seated in the classroom and ready to work when the tardy bell rings
• Students should dress comfortably and appropriately for class every day. Failure to do so could result in loss of credit for a particular day’s activities.
• Students will behave at all times in a respectful manner when others are performing and speaking. Listen to others.
• Students need to have a healthy respect for the Performing Arts Center and treat all areas of the facility in an appropriate manner. Do not touch props, costumes, stage lighting, sound-equipment without permission.
• Behave, be good, show up on time, be ready for every class, prepare your material at home (if it applies), have fun, think outside the box, don’t be afraid to take risks, dare to look stupid…and all will be well!!
Assignments and Grading:
Class Participation/Exercises 40%
Tests/Major productions 60%
There will be various smaller projects and assignments designed to compliment class discussions and exercises. Students in theatre classes will also be taken though the process of creating a production by prop making, music selection, costume design, etc. For productions, students will be expected to participate in out-of-school rehearsals.
Attending the mandatory live performance can be the middle school one act play or the high school one act play.
Assignments and Productions will be posted on line.