RCMS Theater Handbook

Director: Mrs. Erica Cole

Table of Contents

Letter from the Director…………………………………………………………..1

Class Syllabus………………………………………………………………………2

Eligibility & Team Rules…………………………… ……………………………3

Conduct & Rehearsals…………………………………………………………… 4

Rehearsals and Performances……………………………………………………5

Rehearsal Dress & Special Events…………...………………………………….6

Auditions………………………………………………………………………….....7

Communication is the Key………………………………………………………..8

Sample Forms………………………………………………………………………9

Ronny Crownover MS

Theater Department

1901 Creekside Dr

Corinth, TX 76210

Email: ecole@dentonisd.org

Website:

http://www.dentonisd.org/Page/84470

Theater Phone: 940-369-4733

Fax: 940-321-0502

Dear Families,

I would like to welcome you and your child to the RCMS Theater Department. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!

As your child’s Theater Arts teacher, my commitment is to create a safe, enriching and positive learning environment. We have many challenging, exciting shows and classroom activities planned this year. Because I would like all students to experience theater and the collaboration of this art form, there may be times when I call on you for extra assistance. If you are skilled in the areas of ticket sales, carpentry, sewing and/or painting, please let me know. I would like for us to work together to help your child be successful in the theater experience.

I encourage you to email me or call the school, should you have any questions or concerns.

Attached you will find a copy of my theater discipline plan, as well as policies and procedures to help the classroom run smoothly.

Once again, if you have any questions about this letter or the theater department, please do not hesitate to ask. I hope this marks the beginning of a wonderful middle school theater experience for you and your child.

Thank you,

Ms. Erica Cole

ecole@dentonisd.org

940-369-4733

Welcome to Ms. Cole’s

Theater Class!

RCMS Theater

Class Syllabus

Classroom Expectations:

1. Be Respectful – to yourself and to others.

• Listen carefully when others are performing or speaking. Please save comments until after the scene/rehearsal is completed. (Proper theater etiquette is expected at all times!)

• Be respectful to theatre and school property.

1. Be Responsible – be accountable for quality work and “star” behavior.

• Responsible actors do not chew gum for theatre safety reasons. Nothing should ever be in an actor’s mouth! This includes paper, pens, plastic, and candy! Water bottles (with water contents only) are allowed in the classroom.

1. Be Punctual – responsible actors are always on time and ready to work.

2. Be Prepared – come to class with all of your materials every class session.

3. Observe all rules of the RCMS Student Handbook.

**COLLABORATE & BE POSITIVE! Positive attitudes will take us far! Remember: Theater is all about teamwork!**

When you enter my classroom:

• Enter the room and go straight to your seat.

• Open your table journal tear out a page being used for that week and begin the journal activity.

  • Put the date in the top right corner

  • Write/draw your response to the journal activity

  • Remember to use at least 20 words and complete sentences

My classroom policies follow CHAMPS program:

This is a creative and artistic atmosphere. There are no right or wrong idea or interpretation of ideas. Please be open-minded to others’ points of view and performances.

Discipline Consequences:

I follow the Crownover discipline policy set by the principal.

Offense Consequence Conduct Grade

1 Verbal Warning

2 Sign Discipline Book

3 Sign Discipline Book/Parent Contact

15 minute Detention

4 Sign Discipline Book, Parent Contact,

20 Minute Detention

5 Sign Discipline Book, Parent Contact,

40 Minute Detention

6 Sign Discipline Book and Office Referral

7 Sign Discipline Book and Office Referral

Supply Requirements:

• 1 single subject spiral notebook

• Pen or pencil to write with EVERYDAY

• A positive attitude

During lectures, discussions, performances, and presentations:

• Students should show the speaker respect by listening

• Students should raise their hands to ask questions

• Students should not be visually or verbally distracting

• Students should be able to see the person(s) speaking (or miming)

Off Limit Areas:

• My desk, supplies on my desk, and the area behind my desk are OFF LIMITS to students.

• Students must have permission to enter supply cabinets.

• The dry erase board and promethean board should not be used unless you have permission.

Tardies:

• I follow the school policy on tardies. If you have any questions, please refer to the Student Handbook.

Absences:

• If you are absent from my class, please contact me after class about missed assignments, homework, etc.

• Check the Rehearsal Calendar due dates.

• Late Work Please turn in work on the assigned day.

• Late points will be deducted for both formative and summative assignments turned in after the assigned due date.

• Please refer to the district grading policy.

Make-up Performances: If you fail a major grade performance, you may make the grade up to passing by retesting with a written assignment. The parameters of the retest assignment will be explained as needed. Written directions and a rubric will be provided for the student.

• NOTE: Retests will not be accepted late. It is very important that students comply with due dates.

When you leave my classroom:

• Make sure your area is clean, supplies are put away, and chairs are pushed in

• You will remain seated until the teacher dismisses you

• You will exit the classroom in an orderly fashion

Additional Notes:

• The words “Shut up” (or any form with a similarly harsh meaning) are not allowed in my classroom.

• No food or drinks in the classroom. Bottled water is allowed as long as students keep up with their bottle and take it away when class is over.

• NO CHEWING GUM! This is a safety issue in my class because of the amount of movement and voice work we do.

• Students may NOT use the bathroom during the first 10 minutes and last 5 minutes of class. Go during the passing period or wait.

Extra Credit:

If a student goes to see any theatrical performances during the semester they can receive 10 points on any test or performance grade (excluding semester exams). Professional or armature shows are applicable including but not limited to: middle school, high school or collegiate performances, church performances and community theater performances. To receive the extra credit the student must bring me the playbill from the performance and present a critique of the play for me. The student is then responsible for communicating when and how they would like to use their extra credit points.

Eligibility

The State of Texas has an Eligibility Law called “No Pass/No Play.” All students involved in extracurricular and co-curricular activities are required to have a passing grade of 70 for all subjects in order to participate in competitions and contest. A single failing grade in any class on report cards and designated progress reports will deny you the privilege of performing with the theater group. Your grades have a direct influence on every other student in the play. This problem can devastate all of our hard work, both individually and as a production team. The teamwork needed for a successful performance is based on the responsibility of each student to pass his/her classes. Here are a couple of hints in order to stay eligible:

Do all of your homework and turn it in on time! The incredible fact is the majority of ineligibles fail simply because they do not complete their work. A single zero on any assignment can cause your overall grade to drop drastically.

Do not be afraid to ask for help! Check with your teachers to find out when tutorials sessions are available. Every teacher at Vivian Field is willing to help any student willing to put forth the effort.

• NOTE: Eligibility plays an important part in the casting process. All student grades are reviewed during casting. If a student is failing or in jeopardy of failing, even if only on a progress report, the student may not be cast. Please remember to work with your students on keeping their grades eligible.

Rehearsal Conduct

Rehearsal time is extremely valuable. The director(s) high expectations of performance levels require that every rehearsal minute be utilized to its fullest. Only through quality rehearsal time in class and after school can quality performance be achieved.

Theater Guidelines – Rehearsals on stage:

1. NO GUM, FOOD or DRINKS are allowed on the stage area or in the classroom. (Closed water bottles are accepted offstage. Please DO NOT place water bottles on the prop tables.)

2. Store all belongings on the designated table in the house with the stage manager. Cell phones are prohibited backstage AT ALL TIMES!! The director will have a container where all phones will be kept during the rehearsal process. If there is an emergency please contact the director directly.

3. Costumes and Props are to be treated with respect at all times and placed in their designated areas (neatly hung on hangers, etc.) following tech rehearsals and performances.

4. No defacing of school or other’s property.

5. All rehearsals are “closed.” Only cast and crew may attend rehearsals (unless prior arrangements have been made with the director.)

Conduct Expectations:

1. Follow directions the first time given. We must maintain theater safety at all times.

2. Don’t miss your cue. –Be on time.

3. Know your lines and follows directions the first time given. –Listen and complete your work.

4. Bring your props and rehearsal attire. – Always have your supplies.

5. No upstaging allowed. –Be courteous to one another and work together (collaboratively).

6. Keep up the energy and stay positive!! –Be prepared and give your best!

Improper conduct during class and/or after school rehearsals may result in disciplinary consequences and/or removal from rehearsal.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are a key part of the production process. Practice makes perfect—and rehearsal are how we practice. We cannot produce a quality show without quality rehearsals. With that said, it is easy to understand why rehearsal expectations are extremely high. After the casting of each show, a “Rehearsal Contract” will be reviewed with students and sent home for parents to sign and return.

Rehearsal Attendance Policy

A hard copy of rehearsal schedules will be sent home upon casting each performance. The rehearsal schedule will also be available online through the calendar on the RCMS Theater website. Attached to each schedule will be a “Conflict Form”.

1. Conflicts/Appointments must be shared with the director as soon as possible. Please return the “Conflict Form” or you may email or send a handwritten note to notify the director in advance.

2. In case of illness and/or family emergency, the parents should call the director as soon as they are aware that the situation exists. You may call the director’s room and leave a message or you may follow up with a written note. This is the only category where absences will be excused the same day or after the event.

Please remember that no matter the role in a production, every student is a valuable part of the process and will be missed if he/she is absent. Please let the director's know of absences as soon as possible.

Performances

Performances are the tangible outcome of the hard work and effort of the students and director. The only outcome sought is that of excellence. When performing, students should always remember that they represent our school and community and should behave accordingly.

Performance Guidelines:

1. Be on time—early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.

2. Be courteous and polite—Be respectful of all cast and crew members.

3. Thank those who offer support and assistance—They make your hard work meaningful.

4. Maintain a performance atmosphere at all times

5. No costumes/make-up in the “lobby” or audience—Students are to remain backstage during productions and intermission.

6. At the end of each performance each student should be responsible for their props and costumes.

Performance Attendance Policy- In Class Assignments:

Performance attendance is mandatory! All Theatre Arts classes are performance based, so performances are a large percentage of a student’s grade. If for some reason you cannot attend a performance date you MUST let the director know. An alternative assignment may be given ahead of time, but without prior knowledge of the absence a student will not be able to make up the grade(s).

Performance Departure:

After the show ends, students are to return to the dressing rooms to change out of costume and remove make-up. The dressing rooms must also be cleaned of all trash, food, etc. and set up for the next school day before anyone leaves. Please see the “Rehearsal and Event Dress” section for costume guidelines. After the dressing room has been cleared, students will check out with a director. After an after-school rehearsal or performance, students may not leave until they have been dismissed by a director.

Performance dates are listed in the rehearsal calendars and on the RCMS Theatre webpage. If you have any questions or concerns about dates, please contact the director.

Again, please remember that no matter the role in a production, every student is a valuable part of the process and will be missed if he/she is absent. Please let the director's know of absences as soon as possible.

Rehearsal and Event Dress

The RCMS Theater department takes great pride in projecting professional, uniformed appearance at all rehearsals and theater events.

Rehearsal Attire:

You may wear school appropriate attire that follows the Denton ISD dress code. Be sure that you bring additional clothing if the rehearsal requires movement. You want to be comfortable at rehearsal. Please see that closed-toe shoes are worn to every rehearsal for safety reasons.

Field Trips:

We represent Crownover Middle School and the RCMS Theater Department when we attend theater field trips. Please make sure students dress appropriately and professionally for theater events and field trips.

Special Events/UIL One-Act Play:

Students are to wear jeans and their RCMS Theater shirt during the day of the UIL One-Act Play Competition. Students will also be asked to bring a “dressy” change of clothing for the awards ceremony following the competition. More information will follow closer to the competition date.

Costumes:

Costumes are a very important part of a production. Many costumes belong to the school, but some are also rented or personally owned. At the end of a rehearsal, costumes should be taken off and neatly hung on the costume rack in an organized fashion. Any accessories (including shoes, hats, jewelry, etc.) should also be removed and stored with other costume pieces. You may choose to bring a bag of some sort. Before students leave after a performance, they must return to the dressing room and change out of their costumes. Costumes should be neatly hung on the costume rack in an organized fashion including all accessories.

Costumes should NOT be taken home for any reason during the run of the show.

Following an after-school rehearsal or performance, students may not leave until they have been dismissed by a director.

Auditions

All auditions and rehearsals will be held after school. All RCMS theater students are eligible to audition for school productions. Theater students interested in crew positions should speak with the director 1 week prior to auditions.

Audition Process

All performances are cast by audition. Students will be asked to perform a “cold reading” from the script to be performed. Auditions will be closed to the public with only the director and stage manager present. The students will be asked to add character, mood, and an efficient use of space in their audition. This type of audition process allows all students an opportunity to audition for many roles and fosters for growth in performance.

Students will be cast as director sees fit to best serve the production and the ensemble. The student’s creative and theatrical growth is the primary concern of the director.

The primary objective for each student at school should be to obtain the highest quality overall education possible. Academic performance and success fall hand in hand with theatrical success. RCMS Theater takes pride in knowing theatre students are among the highest achieving students in the school and are also among the most active in other organizations. Education research shows that students involved in extracurricular activities perform at a consistently higher academic level!

Students must be academically eligible for performance in these top-performing groups. A student ineligible cannot participate in the performance and their role will be assigned to another student.

Communication is the Key!

RCMS Theater Department wants to keep the students and parents informed! In addition to this handbook, we provide calendars and notes home. With the completion of the theater website, you will be able to access these materials online as well as communicate with the director.

Be involved in your student’s theater education. There are many volunteer opportunities for parents in the RCMS Theater Department!

Pertinent information sheets will be sent home with each student at least one week prior to any major event. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email the director.

Thank you for your support!

Erica Cole

Theater Director

Crownover Middle School

Email: ecole@dentonisd.org

Theater Phone: 940-369-4733

Website: http://www.dentonisd.org/Page/84470

RCMS THEATER

SAMPLE: PRODUCTION CONTRACT

I understand that I am a part of a special performing group. I am making a commitment to the cast and crew of the production to do the following:

• Have a positive attitude.

• Work as a member of a team for the good of the show.

• I will be respectful to my fellow classmates and will observe all of the rules/expectations/procedures of the Theater Handbook.

• Even when not onstage, I will be preparing for my role: studying lines, working on characterization, et cetera.

• I will learn lines, blocking, music and choreography for my part as required by the schedule.

• Observe the rules set for rehearsals. I will follow these rules and will listen to directions the first time they are given. Consequences…phone calls home, detentions, work detentions…multiple offenses will result in removal from the production.

• I will refrain from touching things that are under the jurisdiction of another crew because I know that doing so can cost money and valuable time.

• Be on time at ALL rehearsals and ALL public performances.

• I promise to get word to the director as soon as possible if an emergency prevents my attending a rehearsal OR a performance. I understand that I may be removed from the production if multiple absences occur.

• I understand that the Stage Manager is the director's assistant to the production and will respect the duties and leadership of the Stage Manager.

• Keep up my grades and use extra rehearsal time when I am not on stage to do my homework. I understand the UIL NO PASS, NO PLAY rules.

• Wait quietly while not on stage so that I do not interrupt the important work of the rehearsal.

• Stay at the rehearsal until all notes have been given and I have been dismissed by the director.

I realize that I will be given responsibilities by being a part of this group. I understand that this is a team and that my classmates are depending on me. I will respect the trust placed in me. I have examined the rehearsal schedule and I will come to all rehearsals for which I am called.

Student signature _____________________________ Date _____________

Parent witness ________________________________ Date ____________