EXPECTATIONS FOR CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

It is important to be mindful of what it means to be a supportive ensemble member. Here are some mindful practices we will follow in our class:

• Actively engage in conversations and activities

• Be aware of strong language. Unless it’s in a play and we have consent to do so, there’s no cursing in this classroom.

• Don’t post or share (even privately) inappropriate material

• Get permission before video recording, audio recording, or photographing, and do not post to social media or share without consent

• Be mindful of your clothing choices (keep it school appropriate)

• You are responsible for your own belongings.  Bags, books, etc. are to be left on the red bench/pew against the wall when you enter the theater.

• Food and drink are not allowed in the theater and will result in either being put way or thrown away.  Any spills or trash left in the room are the responsibility of the students.  There's no gum allowed in ANY THEATER on THMS campus.

• If late, please check in with me to correct attendance.

• Passes for the bathroom or water are given after the initial 15 minutes of class up to the final 15 minutes of class.  One student is allowed to go out at a time unless it’s a special exception. Your ID is your hallpass; be prepared to scan when out. 

• Defamation of the structure of the theater including but not limited to graffiti, property destruction, stealing, smoking, feet on the chairs or unauthorized access will result in an immediate ban from advanced drama activities; student will be put on a writing-based curricula they can accomplish during class or on their own time.

• Cell phones belong in your bag from bell to bell. Students may not keep devices on their person during class.

• Students are NOT allowed backstage of the Little Theater without express permission from Mr. Martinez

• Parents/Guardians: please do not call your student during class. For any emergencies, you can reach your student through the main office at 225-5000 or 225-5002. 

GRADING POLICY

60% PARTICIPATION, or “WEDO” TIME.  Each class period will start with a vocal 2 point quiz when I say ‘Good Morning/Afternoon’ and you respond in a strong, supported voice.  If you don’t respond or are not here, you miss those points.  Another 2 points are available if you participate in the day’s experience.  The basic guidelines:  be here, be present, explore theatre! 

40% PERFORMANCE/ASSIGNMENT, or “UDO” TIME. You are not assessed by how “good” of an actor you are; rather, you are assessed by the EFFORT you make.  Show me your best work, I’ll give you feedback to help you grow as an artist.  Minimal effort comes in many forms but it’s all easy to spot.  

• Assignments will be graded by completion, and you will be provided feedback.  This category includes the occasional, low-stress dramaturgy (research) assignment, kahoot! quiz, etc.

COLLEAGUESHIP and CONSENT

Our artform relies on a student actor’s commitment to honoring the facts of the script. For actors, that sometimes means pretending to be mortal enemies, or pretending to be in love. As actors, we must have an understanding of respect for each other and being a professional. In theater, for instance, you may be in a scene where you will need to touch, hug, kiss, tickle, etc. another person. Your work on-stage doesn’t mean you have consent off-stage to touch hug, kiss, tickle, etc. that person. Consent from your fellow human beings is required. As a part of your ensemble, you agree that you will respect the boundaries of each person in our class. “I was just joking” does not rectify overstepping a boundary with a fellow human being.

When community agreements have not been followed, harm has occurred, and/or a student's boundaries have been crossed, the students involved will be referred to their counselor and/or the Dean of Students to rectify the issue.