6th Grade Syllabus

Performing Arts Department: Theater (6th Grade)        

Director: Mr. George Dedesma

1. CONTACTING THE TEACHER: 

The following are the best ways to contact me during the school day:

·         Email (gdedesma@greenville.k12.sc.us)   

·        Leave a voicemail at

Parents and students: I communicate information via  parent /student emails through BACKPACK, Google Classroom message boards, and  my website under the EVENTS page for Theatre. Please sign-up for BACKPACK if you have not done so already.

2. THE USE OF ELECTRONIC RECORDING DEVICES:

At no point is a student permitted to record, film, live stream, etc. the teacher or classroom instruction without the consent of the teacher.

3. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

In this first year of middle school Theater, students will develop, incorporate, and master foundational principles of theatrical performance in all of the following categories: Imagination; Movement; Pantomime; Voice; Improvisation; Acting; Playwriting; Technical Theatre; Theater History; Artistic Discipline; Aesthetic Response; and Performance.  Students will perform from memory in a variety of pantomime, monologue, duet acting scenes, and ensemble acting scenes (Major Grades).

4. 2017 SOUTH CAROLINA STANDARDS FOR THEATER EDUCATION:

This course will follow the 2017 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready standards for Theater Education which include:

·         Artistic Processes: Creating

o   Anchor Standard 1: Creating scenes and writing scripts using story elements and structure

o   Anchor Standard 2: Design and use technical elements for improvised scenes and written scripts

·         Artistic Processes: Performing/Producing/Presenting

o   Anchor Standard 3: Act in improvised scenes and written scripts

o   Anchor Standard 4: Direct and organize work for a performance to reflect specific content, ideas, skills, and media.

·         Artistic Processes: Responding

o   Anchor Standard 5: Interpret and evaluate live or recorded dramatic performances as an active audience member.

o   Anchor Standard 6: Practice theatre professionalism through observation and self-reflection.

·         Artistic Processes: Connecting

o   Anchor Standard 7: Examine the role of theatre through history and culture.

o   Anchor Standard 8: Relate theatre to other content areas, arts disciplines, and careers.

o   Anchor Standard 9: Use a variety of resources to research multiple aspects of theatre.

5. INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES:

Instructional resources for classroom lectures and vocabulary will be borrowed from a variety of teaching resources including “Theatre: Art in Action” by Robert D. Taylor and Robert D. Strickland, published theatrical scripts, monologue books, documentaries, and films. 

6. MATERIALS:

Students will need the following materials:

• Google Chromebooks

• Notebooks

• Writing Utensils: Pens or pencils.

7. GRADING POLICY:

The following is a list of assignments students will be receiving throughout the course of the year:

ASSIGNMENTS    

• Lecture & Class Work Grade (Minor Grade) 

• Rehearsal Grade (Minor Grade) 

• Script Writing, Plot Analysis, & Character Analysis (Major Grade) 

• Unit Tests (Major Grade) 

• Performances (Major Grade)

GRADING RUBRIC

A (90-100%); B  (80-89%); C (70-79%); D (60-69%); F (0-59%)

·         REHEARSAL GRADE: Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, discipline, and techniques learned in theatrical instruction during in-class rehearsal time.  (*See ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS)

·         PERFORMANCE GRADE: Students will perform from memory in a variety of pantomime, monologue, duet acting scenes, and ensemble acting scenes (Major Grades). Performances are during class time. 

·         LECTURE GRADE: Students will receive a grade for active participation (sharing ideas, asking questions, active listening, and note-taking) during class lectures.

·         SCRIPT WRITING: Students will write original scripts for monologues, and duet scenes throughout the course (Major Grade).

·         UNIT TEST: One major grade per test administered in class.

·         ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: In order to receive full credit for all performance assignments, students must fulfill all of the following:

1.    Demonstrate accurate character portrayal during performance through the characterization process.

2.    Maintain appropriate pacing and delivery in the scene performed. 

3.    Stay in character!

4.    Use appropriate blocking in the scene performed.

5.    Demonstrate proficiency in theatrical speaking, projection, and articulation.

6.    Memorize lines.

7.    Demonstrate logical story flow and character development when you perform original works.

8.    Have an understanding of both the historical & cultural context of a piece.

8. HOME WORK POLICY:

The completion of homework will be a large contributing factor to the academic success students will experience in 6th Grade Theater.  Homework assignments will be as follows:

·        Create Original Scripts

·        Rehearse scenes for performances

·        Complete Character Analysis Worksheets

·        Study for Unit Tests

9.    CLASSROOM RULES:

1.     Act like young adults: That is what you are and that is how you will be treated.

2.     Act like professionals: Your teacher is in the business of training student professionals!

3.     Take responsibility for the quality of your work.

4.     Take responsibility for your grades: If you don’t like what you earned, work harder and seek additional help as needed (I’m here for you!).

5.     Respect your fellow performers and your director.

10. DISCIPLINE POLICY:

The discipline policy will be implemented as needed if students do not comply with classroom rules and procedures:

·      Warning

·      Parent Contact

·      First Detention

·      Second Detention 

·      Referral to the Assistant Principal