THEATRE I

Course Description

This course is a basic introduction to theatre arts. Topics include theatre history, script structure, theatre terminology, stage movement, and character development. Performance work consists of exploring acting methods, audition techniques, and memorized scene work. Attendance at two home campus theatre performances (evening or weekend) per semester is required.

Learning Objectives

To learn and apply basic theatre terminology and other theatre fundamentals
To explore characterization through basic improvisation skills and games
To explore techniques of physicalization as an extension of characterization
To explore, in depth, two of the following acting methods as extensions of Stanislavski’s teachings: Meisner, Chekhov, Hagen, Practical Aesthetics, and/or Viewpoints
To understand basic concepts of dramatic structure
To develop and apply rudimentary audition skills
To analyze and critique live performance through oral and written criticism
To select, analyze, rehearse, and perform scenes in front of a peer audience

Expectations

Be on time. Tardiness will not be tolerated.
Work hard. Come to all class periods with all necessary materials.
Love each other. Life is too short to be ugly to one another -- lift each other up.

Materials

Blue or black pen
Pencil
Highlighter
1 subject spiral notebook (three hole punched preferred)
1” binder for notes and class handouts

Grading

Major grades are projects, assessments, and/or other in-class presentations that account for 60% of the nine weeks grade. Daily grades are participation grades or homework assignments that account for 40% of the nine weeks grade. Per district policy, there will be a minimum of two (2) daily grades recorded per week and one (1) major grade recorded every other week, with a minimum of four (4) major grades being recorded during a nine week period.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend two (2) Ovation Theatre performances per semester as a fulfillment of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for high school theatre. Attendance will be part of the course grades.