Drama II
Ms. Simmons
bsimmons@areteprepacademy.org
https://sites.google.com/areteprepacademy.org/briyannahsimmons
Course Overview: The 12th Grade Drama course builds on the 11th grade Drama experience of the Shakespearean production by introducing more recent styles of Western theatre and their related acting techniques. Students work collaboratively to put on a production of a great work of drama from the Modern era, while deepening their understanding of the elements of stage production. Growing in confidence on stage and backstage, students will build upon and improve their skills in performance and the technical aspects of theatre. Students will increase their familiarity with classic dramatic works from the Western tradition, giving them the ability to watch drama with a deep appreciation of the craft involved.
Course Objectives: 1) developing students' empathy as they act as characters from different times and places; 2) engaging students in a collaborative artistic effort; 3) increasing students' vocal and physical control as well as range of expression; 4) equipping students with basics of the Stanislavski technique to apply in their acting.
Expectations: This class asks students to go to often vulnerable places; many will be performing and acting for the first time. Acting asks for one to be emotionally vulnerable and put oneself in situations which are uncomfortable and possibly seem embarrassing. I expect students to be respectful to each other and trust the process. All I request is that you try.
Materials:
Water bottle (filled with water)
3 ring binder with a solid cover (for scripts)
Notebook or Lined paper
Pencil and highlighter
Grading:
Engagement 20%
Assignments/ Quizzes 10%
Rehearsals 20%
Tech Work 20%
Final Performance 30%
Engagement: Drama is active, it is engaged, and it requires daily participation. Students who come to class with all materials, ready to be actively engaged, and fully participate in the day’s activities will receive full points in engagement. Class activities will include exercises to gain skills for an actor, lectures on history and stagecraft, and daily journals.
Assignments/ Quizzes: There will be occasions that a student’s knowledge needs to be demonstrated beyond their performance on the stage. As such, there will be occasional assignments given to further intellectual exploration of theater. In addition, students will have quizzes to check their mastery of theater knowledge.
Rehearsals: Once the play has been cast, a very important part of the class will be play rehearsals. Expectations for rehearsals is that all students are following along and are ready to go on stage when it is their time. Rehearsal time is an opportunity to follow the show or work on lines.
Tech Work: Tech is all the behind-the-scenes work that makes a play possible. These positions include costume design, set design, props, music/sounds, lights, publicity, and dramaturgy. After auditions, students will be split into different departments and work on teams. Most in-class tech work will be completed on Wednesdays, with additional time added when necessary. Tech work can also be worked on during tutoring times. Grades will be based on completion of tasks and teamwork.
Final Performance: The culmination of this class will be an afterschool performance of a Shakespearean play. Performances will be at 7pm, with your call time being 5:30pm. All students need to be at the final performance, this is a vital part of the class and a large part of your grade. Students will not be graded on talent, but on preparedness, commitment, and effort.
Your performance date is: ________________________________
Your play will be: __________________________________________
Absences: A large part of this class will be rehearsal time and it will be vital that you be there as often as possible. It is very difficult to block and rehearse a play when actors are missing. Do your best to be present as much as possible and reach out if you have a planned absence so that rehearsal can be planned around it. If a student has three or more unexcused absences, they may have their role assigned to someone else.
Tutoring: Times to work on performance or technical work will be open Monday after school until 4pm, as well as during Lyceum on Thursdays and Fridays.