Introduction to Theatre Syllabus

Course: Introduction to Theater & Public Speaking

Course Description:

This 10-week exploratory class will allow students to experience the basics of acting techniques and take a behind-the-scenes look at the production of a play. Students will perform monologues, improvisations, and rehearse scenes with members of the class.

Class Materials:

• Folder (To be left in class)
• Paper
• Writing utensil(s)

Absences:

Class participation is necessary to succeed in this course. In the event of an excused absence, due dates will be extended for the number of days the student was absent. It is the student's responsibility to ask for missed assignments on the day of his or her return. Assignments can be found online at Google Classroom or on Mrs. Rea's website at https://sites.google.com/farmington.k12.mi.us/rea/.

Late Work:

All work is due at the on the assigned due date. Performances will be assigned a date and students will receive a 10% deduction per late day, up to 40% off. In the event of an excused absence, due dates will be extended the number of days the student was absent. Students may turn in late classwork up until the day before the quarter ends.

Student Expectations:

All policies from the Student Handbook will be strictly enforced. Students will also be expected to do the following:

• Follow the social contract.

• Be ready to work when the bell rings.

• Be respectful of yourself and others.

• Only use cell phone during designated times (refer to “Electronic Device Policy”).

Students are also expected to maintain academic integrity; anyone engaged in plagiarism or cheating will be subject to disciplinary referral, conference with parent/guardian, failure for the assignment or assessment in question, and possible loss of credit for the semester.

Electronic Device Policy:

This classroom is a RED ZONE, meaning electronic devices (cell phone, iPod, etc.) are not permitted during class times. If students violate this policy, this process will be followed:

1st Offense: Teacher warning

2nd Offense: Student places device in teacher possession for remainder of class period.

3rd Offense: Student places device in teacher possession for remainder of day.

4th Offense: Device sent to office to be retrieved by parent / guardian.

Grading:

The overall course grade will include the following:

• Assessments (tests, quizzes, performances) = 60%
• Class Work (“Do Nows,” in-class assignments) = 30%
• Participation = 10%

Card marking and exam grades will be averaged by using the same percentage scale (listed below) that is used to grade daily class work.

GENERAL GRADING SCALE:

​A 100-93​ B 86-83​ C 76-73​ D 66-63​

A- 92-90​ B- 82-80 ​C- 72-70 ​D- 62-60

​B+ 89-87​ C+ 79-77 ​D+ 69-67 E 59-0

Both formal and informal assignments will have firmly established due dates (refer to "Late Work") and grading rubrics will be provided whenever possible. Student grades are routinely updated and available for viewing online and it is recommended that they are monitored regularly.

Teacher Availability:

Student success is my number one priority. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. I can be reached by email at laura.rea@farmington.k12.mi.us, or by phone at (248) 888-6146. I am also available to meet in person by appointment.

All students, parent(s), and/or guardians may sign up for class updates via text messaging through Remind.com by texting @wmsdrama6 to 81010. Important class information can also be found online at Google Classroom or at https://sites.google.com/farmington.k12.mi.us/rea/.

Click below to download a .pdf version of this document.