Course Description:
Beginning Drama is a class that introduces students to the process of enjoying and performing live theatre. It is designed to develop the student’s imagination, problem solving skills, self-reflection abilities, self-confidence, and communication skills. Students will learn fundamental acting techniques and theatre vocabulary, become familiar with the basic aspects of the technical experience, while working collaboratively in peer groups, as well as on individual projects. 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 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, which could result in permanent removal from class.

Course Outline/Key Assignments:
Semester 1-
Basics of Acting/Sensory Awareness
Pantomime
Mime Projects
Assessment
Character
Self Reflection
Critique
Silent Film
Improv
Vocab

Semester 2-
Basics of Performance/Theatre Organization
History of American Musical Theater
Mini-research project
Group Lip Sync
Group Musical Performance
Commercial Project 1
Commercial Project 2
Improv
Vocab

Students can audition for Drama Productions but it is not a requirement.

Other requirements:
Students will be expected to:
Attend all SMHS Productions and write a critique
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          [email protected]