THEATRE 1

COURSE DESCRIPTION & GUIDELINES 2016-2017

Teacher
Jessica Magers-Rankin
jessica.magers-rankin@knoxvillecatholic.com
American Musical and Dramatic Academy (NYC)
Diablo Valley College Actor Training Program (CA)

Course Description
In this introductory course, students learn the basic theater terminology as well as basic
playwriting skills, improvisation, developing a character, and initial acting techniques.
Emphasis is placed on improvisation, acting skills, and confidence building.

Course Content and Pacing

Ongoing
The Performing Arts in a Cultural Context
Weekly Article Submission (NY Times, Variety, Playbill.com, etc.) & discussion
Review & Critique personal reflection, peer-to-peer, public performance (outside of school)
Theatre Fundamentals areas of the stage, vocabulary, best practices
Quarter 1
Playwriting structure, context, & conflict
Original Scene Work Performance
Improvisation essential skills & ensemble work
Character Development text analysis & essential skills
Monologue Performance (memorized & adjudicated)
Quarter 2
Character Development text analysis & essential skills
Monologue Performance (memorized & adjudicated)
Play Reading playwright & play background, reading & reflection
Local Arts Project interviews, research & reflection

Materials Needed
Students are expected to come prepared for class with a folder or binder exclusively for
Theatre 1. Most assignments will be submitted through Moodle. Students will not need
laptops in class until Quarter 2.

Expectations for Students

Theatre is collaborative by nature. Our class is an artistic community, dependent on the
participation and enthusiasm of each ensemble member.
Be on time for class. Every class will begin with prayer or devotion. When the tardy
bell rings, all students are expected to sit down quietly so that class may begin.
Obey all school rules and policies listed in the parent-student handbook.
Students are required to turn their cell phones into the provided cell phone caddy at
the beginning of class.
Participate! You are here to learn about theatre and that means that you must
participate in activities and assignments.
Be prepared for class. Bring the proper materials and the assigned work.
Work as a Team! Were all in this together! We are an ensemble and that means
supporting the creativity of others and trusting them to do the same.
Be Respectful! Were all different and can bring different ideas and perspectives to
class. Negative and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
Accept the responsibility for your own actions and behaviors.

Grading Policy
Students will be graded on a total points basis on the following:

Homework (Completion/Accuracy)
Ensemble Work (Participation/Behavior)
In Class Assignments
Quizzes
Projects
Performance

KCHS Grading Scale:

92.5-100
84.5-92.29
74.5-84.49
69.5-74.49
Below 69.5

A
B
C
D
F

Make-up Work
Each student is responsible for all work missed during an absence. It is the students
responsibility to check Moodle prior to return. Students are given one extra day for
each day absent to make-up homework. Failure to turn in the make-up work within
the give time period will cause that work to be counted late. This policy may be
modified in the event of an extended absence.
Performance
Performances are due on the date scheduled. Students absent on performance days
must notify their scene partner (when applicable) and Ms. M-R in order to reschedule.
Missed performances due to unexcused absence will be counted as a zero.

THEATRE 1
PARENT & STUDENT SIGNATURE PAGE

Please sign below to indicate that you have read the Theatre 1 course description and
guidelines. Please return to Ms. M-R by September 9, 2016. This does not count as a
homework grade.
A copy of the course description and guidelines are available on Moodle for future reference.

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Student Name (please print)

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Block

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Parent Signature

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Date

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Student Signature

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Date