Theatre 1
Theatre 1 meets G Block this semester. Below is a course description along with the syllabus (Which is a vision & subject to change & flexibility!) This web page is subject to change - so please check it weekly!
Theatre Workshop is a comprehensive overview of theatre skills and experiences for both 1st year and continuing drama students. The curriculum will be layered & tailored to meet the individual needs of students grades 9-12, while supporting the structure of THE ENSEMBLE. Students will experience a well rounded approach to theatre, by exploring varied aspects of acting & production techniques. These skills include: voice and movement, improvisation, self-scripting, monologues, scene work, directing and technical skills. Emphasis will be placed on Warm-ups, introduction to vocal techniques, self-scripting and critical analysis.
*All Theatre Workshop students are required to help with current drama department productions, by working a minimum of 5 hours outside of school hours in a technical area of choice. Please check the Play Production page for rehearsal & performance details.
The Theatre Class is divided into _ Units per semester - Students will work on several in-class projects, write an in-class journal and help with current productions. Performance and technical production work are graded as students FINAL for the semester; there is no written test during EXAM week. This syllabus is a VISION for the year...
Grading
The most important thing to do is take RISKS (safe ones,) and participate
in class. Remember: There is NO Right or Wrong -
"No Mistakes - Only Gifts."
Class Participation = 40%
Journal/Bell Work = 10%
Projects = 40%
Production Tech = 10%
Texts & References Included in this Course
Introduction to Theatre Arts (ITA).............................................Suzy Zimmerman
The Ultimate Improv Book (UIB)...Edward J. Nevraumont & Nicholas P. Hanson
Teaching Shakespeare (TS)..........................................................................Rex Gibson
Set Design A Guide To The Stage (SDGS)..............................................Henning Nelms
Semester 1 Syllabus
Unit 1 Focus: Intro. to the Theatre: Improv, Warm-up & Audition Skills: (Wks 1-5)
Week 1: Intro/Syllabus/Goals/Req. & Policies- Risks! - Realm of Possibility!
Name Game & vocal Warm-up
The Ten Commandments of Theatre - intro. & Stage Basics
Bell Work: Student Interest Sheet pg 4 ITA
WK2: Event: Auditions for Fall Show!
Auditioning basics: Practice for Fall Workshop Auditions both for Actors & Tech Staff
Vocal warm-up (Breathing Awareness, Initial sound, Relaxation Workout) Pg 86 ITA
Expectations for Class, Rehearsal & Performance pg8 ITA
Bell Work: Journaling: Auditioning observations: How did you feel in class/ on stage?
WK3: Event: Begin rehearsals for Fall Show
Theatre Tour
History of theatre: Ancient Greek & Roman Theatre pg 163-166 ITA
THE ENSEMBLE WARM-UP! : Why, How & ALWAYS! Pg 89-91 ITA
Intro to Rules of Improvisation & Short Form Improvisation
Bell Work: pg 190 ITA
WK4:
Warm-up: Visualization
History of theatre: Medieval Theatre pg 168-169 ITA
Movement conviction: Movement on stage, Staging vs Blocking
Improvisation Activity: Momentum pg 162 UIB
TECH: Stage Manager Workshop
The Rhythm of Movement/ The Zac ("Shakedown")
Bell Work: pg 87 & 88 TA
WK5: Warm-up: The Actor's Voice & prepare warm-up leaders schedule
History of theatre: Renaissance Theatre: The Characters of Commedia Dell arte
Character Choices: Bold & Big! (Physical & Vocal) Commedia Positions/Physicalities
Improvisation Activity: Superheros
TECH: Mask Making
Mask Work
Bell Work: Journaling: Who are the Commedia Characters? What is it like working with masks?
Unit 2: Neutral Scenes, Self-Scripting & Script Analysis (Wks: 6-9)
Wk6:
Warm-up:
Neutral Scenes
*History of theatre: Set design*
Understanding Scene Work & Learning to Memorize: pg 37-40 ITA
Improvisation Activity: Prop Wars
TECH: Properties Master/Mistress
Bell Work: pg 33-36 TA
WK7: Warm-up:
WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW: "Story of my life" w/object
*History of theatre: Playwriting*
Structures of Scripting: (Heroic Structure, etc.)
Self-scripting "Your Life"
Improvisation Activity: Improv for writing
TECH: Costuming basics
Bell Work: Journaling: "Story of my life" Monologue:
WK8: Warm-up:
Understanding Evaluation pg 19-21 ITA
*History of theatre: Non Traditional Theatre*
Perform your life monologue
Improvisation Activity:
TECH: Setting the Mood basics
Bell Work: Performance Evaluations pg 22 -24 ITA
WK9: Warm-up:
Evaluation Continued
*History of theatre: Non Traditional Theatre* cont.
Perform your life monologue Continued
Improvisation Activity: The Character Monologue P 182 (UIB)
TECH: Performance responsibilities
Bell Work: Performance Evaluations pg 22 -24 Continued
Unit 3: Shake it up! Character Analysis & The Monologue (Wks: 10-)
WK10: Event: Fall Show!
(Holiday 11/11) Warm-up:
Shakespeare Monologues: Choose monologue
History of theatre: Elizabethan Theatre pg 172 ITA
Improvisation Activity: Shakesperian Insults
TECH: Problem Solving during the run & Strike Team Efficiency Plan
Bell Work: Renaissance & Elizabethan Theatre Review pg 174 ITA
( *End of 1st quarter)????
WK11:
Warm-up:
Character Analysis/Character Development
Script Scoring ITA pg 215
History of Theatre: English Restoration & Later Theatre ITA pg 309
Rehearse your Shakespeare Monologues
Improvisation Activity: Playing It Real UIB pg 215
TECH: Strike
Bell Work: Journal: Character Analysis & Letter to someone your character knows
WK12: Warm-up:
Perform your Shakespeare Monologues!!!!
A Well- Defined Character ITA pg 231
History of Theatre: American Theatre ITA pg 306
Improvisation Activity: Creating Locations & The Environments Game UIB pg 175 & 177
TECH: Set Design Intro SDGS
Bell Work: Journaling: Design a set based on the scene provided
WK13: Warm-up:
Characterization/ Comedy - View Examples
You as a Cartoon Character ITA pg 232
History of Theatre: EasternTheatre ITA pg 307
Improvisation Activity: People As Objects & Character Walk UIB pg178-181
TECH: Set Design Intro SDGS
Bell Work: Restoration & Later, American & Eastern Theatre Review pg 308 ITA
( 11/23 Thanksgiving Break)
Unit 4: Play Production & Scene Study (Wks: 14 - 16)
WK14: Warm-up:
Choose Scenes
History of Theatre Project: ITA pg 311
Improvisation Activity: UIB pg
TECH: Props
Bell Work: pg ITA
WK15: Warm-up:
Scene Work
Color Me! Lighting Design
Lighting Video
History of Theatre Project: ITA pg 311
Improvisation Activity: UIB pg
TECH: Lighting
Bell Work: pg ITA
WK16: Present: History of Theatre Project!
Warm-up:
Attitudes & Clothing: Costumes
Improvisation Activity: UIB pg
TECH: Costuming & Makeup
Bell Work: pg ITA
Unit 5: Final Project Workshop (Wks: 17 -20 )
WK17: Warm-up:
Choose Final Project Tech or Acting
Improvisation Activity: UIB pg
TECH:
Bell Work: pg ITA
WK18: 1/9 - 1/13: Warm-up:
Final Project Work
Improvisation Activity: UIB pg
TECH:
Bell Work: pg ITA
WK19: 1/17 - 1/20: Project Week
Present Project Final Project!
(1/16 holiday)
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Semester 2 Syllabus & Homework
Unit 1:
THEATRE WORKSHOP I
5/2.5 Credits Full/Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This is a survey and practical course in the theatre arts. Areas of study include dramatic literature, history of the theatre, acting styles and techniques, directing, design and scenery, lighting, costumes, stagecraft, oral interpretation, TV, and film. Students are expected to keep a journal and present several projects including improvisation, a self-scripted piece, and monologues.
MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION
5/2.5 Credits Full/Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: NoneA class for everyone! From Designing to PerformanceÉEnter the world of theatre production with opportunities for set, lighting, sound, costume and makeup design. Students will participate as performers or technical staff to produce a series of small-scale theatre performances on a professional level. Course includes local and off-island field trips as well as work with school and community personnel in the areas of business, visual arts, theatre, dance, history, and English.