Theatre Syllabus

Course Title: High School Theatre Arts

Instructor: Layne Long, NCTC Member

Contact: llong@llcharter.orgl or (828) 625-9292

Semester: Fall 2019


  • “When I was a fireman I was in a lot of burning buildings. It was a great job, the only job I ever had that compares with the thrill of acting”. - Steve Buscemi

  • “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be outside our comfort level.” ­ - John Maxwell

This course follows the North Carolina Essential Standards for Theatre Arts, All students will explore the study of theatre through four strands of exploration:


  1. Communication

    • Use movement, voice, and writing to communicate ideas and feelings.

    • Use performance to communicate ideas and feelings.

  2. Analysis

    • Analyze literary texts and performances.

  3. Aesthetics

    • Understanding how to design technical theatre components, such as costumes, sets, props, makeup, lighting, and sound.

  4. Culture

    • Analyze theatre in terms of the social, historical, and cultural contexts in which it was created.

    • Understand the traditions, roles, and conventions of theatre as an art form.


Course Requirements​:

  • Maintain a positive attendance history, as per the LLCA Attendance policy, especially since this is an ensemble-oriented class which requires students to work “with and for” each other.

  • Complete all course assignments

  • Participate in all activities and performances

  • Use good audience etiquette

  • Attend and write a written critique on one theatre performance of your choice, which includes an explanation of how the scene design, sound, costumes, properties (props) and lighting are used to enhance the performance, as well as providing a short summary of the performance, and the student’s overall impression. You cannot critique a play/musical that you are performing in.


Evaluation Methods

  1. Participation in classroom exercises and activities

    1. Preparedness for informal and formal performances

    2. Demonstrating effective ensemble work skills

    3. In-­class performances

    4. Participation in class discussions

    5. Games

    6. Improvisation

    7. Performance of a class play/production with student/parent/community audience members


Materials

Students will need to bring the following materials on a daily basis:

1. A three-ring binder with paper (we will create sections in class)

3. Necessary performance materials (scripts, pencils, costumes, props, etc.) as needed

4. Something to write with (pen, pencil)

Grades

Grades for each nine weeks will be determined by the following:

  • Projects and Performances (class performances, NCTC) 50%

  • Participation (class discussions, games, exercises) 25%

  • written class work, journal 10%

  • Tests and critique completions 15%


Theatre Class Daily Expectations In the Classroom/Gymnatorium

  • Be On Time and Present

    • Understand and adhere to the SOAR matrix and classroom procedures (Dress code will be enforced)

    • Be focused and ready to participate when you enter the classroom. Conversate before class and keep class conversations on task

    • Take your seat and begin working quietly on the daily bell ringer

  • Be Respectful

    • Follow appropriate theatre etiquette - watch, listen, and learn

    • Demonstrate control of your body - including your mouth

      • No profanity (unless you have a really convincing argument as part of a performance piece). Discrimination or any hateful/negative language or actions will not be tolerated. This pertains, but is not limited, to gender, race, sexual orientation, political views, religion, remarks about intelligence, appearance, disability, learning styles, or artistic ability.

      • Do not put your hands on anyone else without prior permission

    • Be encouraging.

    • Work with and for each other. Include everyone.

    • Create a kind, creative and supportive classroom environment.

    • Please don’t hijack the class with your own personal experiences. Allow others to shine, too.

  • Be Responsible

    • Have your binder and a writing utensil

    • Have your lines memorized

  • Food and drinks are not permitted in class. A water bottle with a cap or lid is the only exception

  • Backpack and Electronics (Including cell phones and laptops) must be kept in your locker or the cell phone parking lot on the wall

    • Various excuses won’t work, so don’t even try - including: My boss/parent/relative is texting me. If there is an emergency you can be contacted through the school or use the school phone to call home.

      • If I see your cell phone AT ALL:

        • First time - phone goes into the cell phone parking lot

        • Second time - phone gets brought to Mr. White

  • Give your best effort. Every day. All the time. Be your best self.


Failure to meet classroom expectations will result in the following:

  1. Verbal warning

  2. Relocation to an independent seating area or disqualification from activity

  3. Parent contacted by the student

  4. The student will be sent to the Dean of Students


A Few Words about Participation and Positive Attitude

I am so happy to have you as a student and I look forward to an exciting year! Theatre Arts is a truly fun and rewarding, yet challenging journey. In this class, you must be willing to participate in all warm ups, exercises, activities, skits, scene work and projects. The coursework is centered on participation and collaboration with peers. To create an environment where individuals feel comfortable performing in front of peers, we must support and respect each other. In each class we will strive to give every practice our best effort and to offer encouragement to others. Being supportive of classmates and displaying proper audience etiquette is equally as important as the project work. Just like athletes, artists must have self-discipline and in this class, students will learn to manage time, rehearse according to a schedule and to meet deadlines. A positive attitude, teamwork and a willingness to try are the key ingredients to a successful experience in Theatre Arts class. Please keep in mind that the ensemble nature of this class makes daily and consistent attendance of paramount importance. Attendance in any performance you are in is MANDATORY.


Additionally: We will be participating this year in the North Carolina Theatre Conference. It will be Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th. Please see the NCTC link for more information. Keep in mind that any behavior issues will result in your not being able to attend field trips or extracurricular activities. I will have more information available as we get closer to the event.