Advanced Drama
Course Description:
Advanced Drama is the final level offered in the Drama Program and it is open to any 11th and 12th
graders who have passed beginning and intermediate drama. This class is designed to prepare
students for college, as an artist but also as a thinker and learner. Although it builds upon the skills
acquired in beginning and intermediate drama, it introduces complex ideas and materials in order to
utilize and hone their acting and analytical techniques. These students are held at a higher level of
accountability as they direct the Frosh/Soph scenes. I consider them leaders of the campus and I
expect them to behave as such. They will be representing our school on numerous field trips as the
Comedy Sportz team and at possible drama competitions so it is imperative that students in the
class hold themselves to the highest expectations. This course is a culminating experience to the
drama program and this course fulfills UC/CSU and SMHS graduation requirements.
Rules/Expectations:
- Safety/Respect: Be respectful of others' FEELINGS, IDEAS and THINGS- Cheating
and Stealing will not be tolerated and could result in class removal
- Honesty/Trust: be where you tell me you are going to be- doing what you said you
would be doing- There are no secrets in the theatre!!!
- INTERNET Procedures: Drama Activities or projects are not allowed to be posted on
youtube or facebook or any other web based page!!!!!!!!!!
- Use Common Sense and Common Courtesy- Be on time, be prepared, with supplies needed, listen, and follow instructions
No food or gum, no iPods or phones, no weapons, don't throw things, etc...
- Take care of yourself- eat, get rest, be honest about your limitations and needs
- Communicate: You must be able to advocate for yourself- no fear when it comes to
talking to teacher or others about needs or concerns
- Have Fun- Try Everything and Keep an Open Mind!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grading:
This class is performance/participation based so it is important that students are in class and
prepared. There will be performance aspects, homework, as well as projects. Each student will be
completing one research paper, daily in class assignments. Before all large assignments, group
projects or performance projects students will receive a detailed point breakdown as well as a
project description. Most daily assignments and homework are worth 10 points and are tallied up
weekly. All of these assignments grades will be added to a participation grade to make up a
student's total grade.
LATE WORK POLICY: All work will be accepted up to 3 days after due (unless student is absent).
Late Work Grade Break down:
On time: 10 points
1 day late: 9 points
2 days late: 8 points after that they will receive 0 points
Tardies and Citizenship:
Each student has 3 free tardies, each subsequent tardy will lower the student's citizenship grade. A
tardy may be made up after school by working in the theatre one hour for each tardy. The other
component of the citizenship grade will be the student's ability to follow the class rules. Most of
the time a first infraction will be followed with a warning, then a location change, followed by a
call home and lastly a parent conference will be called and a possible class reassignment. Each
action that is taken will reduce the citizenship grade. Exceptions to this process are theft and
endangering other students.
Course Outline/Key Assignments:
Semester 1:
Directing/Playwrighting
Emotion Exploration
Mini-Research paper- Directors
Write original works
Competition Monologues and scenes
Advanced Drama Showcase
Semester 2:
Theatre History
Direct Frosh/Soph Scenes
Research paper- Archetype and Commedia
Direct Frosh/Soph Scenes
Other requirements:
Students will be expected to:
Attend all SMHS Productions and write a critique
Must audition for all productions regardless of whether they get part
Compete once either at Comedy Sportz or Thespians (can do both)
Attend at least one Professional Production with the class
Appropriate Clothing and Class Dress:
This class has a lot of movement and students need to dress so that they can stretch and play
games safely. Flip Flops and Sandals can be prohibitive at times. Also skirts and jeans can also be
restrictive. I am happy to have students keep clothes for class, but my main concern and
expectation is that students are aware of what is coming up in class and dress accordingly.
Materials/Supplies Needed:
Each student should have:
2 inch 3 ring binder
Pens
Pencils
5 dividers
At least 100 sheets of lined paper
(If any student cannot provide these materials please speak with me)
Ms Williams can always be contacted by phone or email. If you would like to schedule a student –
teacher meeting for help or to discuss concerns, you may arrange to meet me during break, lunch or
after school, if it has been arranged prior.
626-299-7020 ex 607 bwilliams@smusd.us
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