Course Description:
Intermediate Drama is the second in a series of three levels offered by the Drama Program. It is open to any student who has passed beginning drama. This class is designed to continue the students'' engagement in the dramatic process furthering the development of the student''s imagination, problem solving skills, self-reflection abilities, self-confidence, and communication skills. It builds upon the skills acquired in beginning drama, introducing more complex acting techniques and theatre vocabulary, scripts, analysis and scene work, as well as introducing basic directing and playwrighting principles. This course fulfills UC/CSU and SMHS graduation requirements.

Rules/Expectations:

1. Safety/Respect: Be respectful of others' FEELINGS, IDEAS and THINGS- Cheating and Stealing will not be tolerated and could result in class removal
2. 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!!!
3. INTERNET Procedures: Drama Activities or projects are not allowed to be posted on youtube or facebook or any other web based page!!!!!!!!!!
4. 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...
5. Take care of yourself- eat, get rest, be honest about your limitations and needs
6. Communicate: You must be able to advocate for yourself- no fear when it comes to talking to teacher or others about needs or concerns
7. 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 students 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, which could result in removal from the class.

Course Outline/Key Assignments:
Semester 1:
Analysis
Life Cycle
Monologues
Script Analysis
Research Project- Modern Theatre
Competition Monologue
Scene Work
Improv
Vocab

Semester 2:
Elements of Drama: Character
Period Play Analysis
Competition Scenes
Basics of Playwrighting
Original Scene Project
Archetype and Commedia
Improv
Vocab

Other requirements:
Students will be expected to:
Attend all SMHS Productions and write a critique
Must audition for at least one thing (on campus or off) regardless of whether they get part
Watch 2 movies or other productions and complete reflection form (one each semester)

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

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