Theatre Syllabus
Theatre
Course Syllabus
2017-2018 School Year
Teacher: Matthew E. Kienbaum
Room: Theatre
Tutorials: by appointment.
Phone: 254-898-3800 Theatre
E-Mail: Kienma@grisd.net (School)
E-mail: MattKienbaum@Gmail.com (Weekends and Holidays)
Web Page: http://Sites.google.com/site/kienbaummatthew
Description
This class will focus on the development of the individual’s understanding and skill in performance. The class will endeavor to increase the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the varied forms of performance. Students will act scenes, create improvisations, read and analyze plays and characters, write a play, and perform a production. The students will, to a lesser extent, develop an understanding of technical theatre through set construction, lighting, music, costumes, and theatre management.
Organization
This is a teacher led class focused on student ownership of the subject. The class will include research, lectures, discussions, memorization, debates, performances, evaluation, criticism, projects, daily work, homework, writing assignments, quizzes, and tests. All assignments should be completed fully and turned in by the due date. Any portion of an assignment not finished will be counted wrong. Missing work will receive a zero.
Course Objectives
To increase student understanding of self, human relationships, and the environment using elements of drama and conventions of theatre
To develop the student’s ability to interpret characters, use the voice and body expressively, and create dramatizations
To improve student ability to apply design, direction, and theatre production concepts and skills
To imbue the student with an ability to relate theatre to history, society, and culture
To develop student evaluation and responses to theatre and theatrical performance
Course Topics
Acting theory
Character analysis
Costume
Directing
Improvisation
Lighting
Music
Play analysis
Play writing
Production management
Public speaking
Scene performance
Self-control
Self-expression
Set construction
Stage movement
Theatre management
Required Supplies
Computer
Pencil
Highlighter
Optional supplies to be shared with the classroom
1 box of tissues (For student use: when they’re gone, they’re gone.)
Grading plan
The grade book will be updated weekly.
All late work will have a maximum grade of 70. It is the students’ responsibility to get their work after missing class. For each day missed, students will be given one day to complete missing work without penalty.
Course work will be weighted as follows:
Daily work, homework, quizzes and minor projects 1 (Expect 4 to 8 a 6wks)
Participation 1 (1 a week, 20 points a day)
Final Performances and Major Projects 1 - 6(Expect 1 or 2 a 6wks)
1st Semester
1st -3rd 6wks 25% each
Semester test 25%
2nd Semester
4th -6th 6wks 25% each
Semester test 25%
Daily Work, Homework:
Daily work and homework will include worksheets, writing assignments, memorization, scene selection, and other work that is completed in class or at home with open resources. Not bringing some assignments on time will also affect the participation grade.
Quizzes:
Quizzes are assignments that must be completed in class without use of resources. Quizzes are often timed and will NOT generally be announced beforehand. Some quizzes will be performance based.
Minor projects:
Minor projects vary greatly but generally will only last two to three days and may include performance, PowerPoint presentations, research papers, poster board projects, skits, music, or any other medium assigned or approved on a project by project basis. All projects will have clearly defined criteria and deadlines.
Major Projects:
Major projects vary greatly but generally will last five or more days and may include performance, PowerPoint presentations, research papers, poster board projects, skits, music, or any other medium assigned or approved on a project by project basis. All projects will have clearly defined criteria and deadlines.
Tests:
Tests are assignments that must be completed in class without use of resources. Tests are often timed and WILL always be announced beforehand. Most test in this class will be performance based.
Classroom Rules of Conduct
1. Respect yourself, others, and the school.
2. Take no action that will impede the learning process for yourself or others.
3. Be prepared for class every day.
4. Do Not Cheat. This includes copying others’ homework.
5. Follow all other campus rules.
Meet dress code
Be on time
Etc.
Wisdom from the Teacher
Check the web page often.
If you don’t know, ask.
Be polite and friendly; you will catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
People are judged by the friends they keep; choose wisely.
Honesty is always easier in the end.
Take responsibility for yourself. In the end you’re the only one who can.
The better part of wisdom is choosing to be smart.
Act your part well. We are all actors; one does not act the same at court as he or she does at a theme park. Be sure you are putting on the right show at the right time.