Drama Production
2018-19
Jonathan Mazer
Room #201/Theatre
Course Meeting Times
ALL students enrolled in the course must be in attendance during the below times:
Mondays, 3:00-4:00
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 3:05-4:30
During the Rehearsal Period, students may be additionally called on Wednesdays and Fridays (dependant on size of role or technical/production job). During Technical Rehearsals (1 week prior to performance), all Production students will be called Monday through Saturday up until 10 pm. During performances, students will be called Thursday-Saturday for performance calls and the Sunday following closing night for strike.
Work Calls (Aka “Set Days”):
All technical/crew students enrolled in Production, or working on the a given production, must attend at least 12 hours of work calls for set-building, and technical preparation, usually on a Saturday or Sunday. All ensemble members are strongly encouraged to participate in work calls, and extra credit will be given for all voluntary work calls attended.
Fall Production Performance Dates:
Thursday, November 8-Saturday, November 10
Thursday, November 15-Saturday, November 15-17
Strike- Sunday, November 18
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
· Understand the process of rehearsing a fully staged theatrical production.
· Engage in exercises designed to enhance physical and vocal technique.
· Interpret character and narrative based on textual analysis.
Core Value: Respect
The process of creating theatre can only occur in an environment in which all members of a class, ensemble, or cast behave respectfully toward one another. Theatre requires trust, openness, and creative collaboration, which thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect and teamwork.
· Be fully prepared for class and rehearsal with scripts, notebooks, and all required materials.
· Support and encourage the work and ideas of your peers.
· Remain focused during activities, exercises, and rehearsals.
· Value the collaborative work created as a team over individual contributions and performances.
Classroom Procedures
· Be prepared to begin class or rehearsal before the bell rings. Do not leave the classroom until you are dismissed.
· Turn off and put away all cell phones and other devices before the start of class or rehearsal.
· Ask permission before leaving the classroom for any reason.
· Always have a notebook, your script, a pencil, and a pen out before the start of class or rehearsal.
Course Outline
Unit 1:
Ensemble Building, Voice, and Movement
Main Assignment:
Learn and engage in ensemble building, physical, and vocal exercises and warmups
Unit 2:
Auditions
Main Assignment:
Prepare and audition for fall production
Unit 3:
Theatrical Production
Main Assignment:
Rehearse and perform, or work backstage, in a fully staged theatrical production
Unit 4:
Post Production Analysis and Workshops
Main Assignment:
Essay: Self assessment of the student’s work on the production
Various workshops on movement, voice, and acting techniques TBD.
Note: An amended version of the above outline will be utilized for the Spring term, and production.
Grades
Your grades will be based on the following:
Items
Points
Total Points
100
Participation
30
Homework/Rehearsal Preparation
20
In-Class Assessments/
Rehearsal Work
20
Commitment to Production Process
30
Please wear comfortable clothes that you are comfortable moving in to class. (You may need to keep a pair of sweats and sneakers at school.)
Prior to the start of auditions, contracts will be signed by all production participants holding them accountable for attendance at all required rehearsals and performances.
Failure to sign the contract will result in non-participation in the production, and a grade of “F” in the class.
It is a REQUIREMENT that you wear comfortable clothes that you are comfortable moving in to class. This means sweatpants or loose fitting jeans, T-shirts you are willing to get sweaty, and sneakers. No skirts, tight pants, or clothes that could be revealing during movement. (You are welcome to store movement clothes in my office.)
Failure to wear appropriate attire will result in a loss of participation points.
INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE:
ALL pertinent information on the Production Course and rehearsal process can be found at the Production Informational Website (link below). Please use it as your primary source for all information including the Master Schedule, and weekly scheduling.
https://sites.google.com/wscuhsd.k12.ca.us/ahsproduction
REMIND.COM:
All students must join the Production Course’s Remind.com page by texting
@9fk42a to the number 81010
AHS Drama Department
CODE OF CONDUCT
Successful performances are possible only if everyone– actor, director, stage crew, and audience– shows proper respect for everyone involved. Achieving the best results is possible only in an environment of personal responsibility and mutual respect.
Part of the great tradition of the theatre is a code of conduct, which belongs to every worker on or behind the stage. It is an attitude toward craftsmanship, a respect for associates, and a dedication toward the audience.This code outlines a self-discipline which, far from robbing one of individuality, increases personal esteem and dignity through cooperation, collaboration, and common purpose.
In addition to adhering to all Analy High School rules and regulations, AHS Drama Department students are expected:
1.
To show respect for fellow ensemble members: Students will respect the rights and feelings of the other ensemble members. Fighting, bullying, name calling, intimidations, bigotry of any kind, inappropriate language or any other form of emotional or physical abuse or unwanted physical contact directed to one another, or AHS staff, will not be tolerated.
2.
To Maintain a Professional Focus: Students are expected to pay attention to, and follow the instructions provided by the Director and/or Stage Manager. Disruptive, distracting or problematic behavior that affects the learning or rehearsal environment will not be tolerated. Students may not use cell phones or electronic games during classes, rehearsals, or performances. Cell phones must remain off during these periods.
3.
To Respect our Theatre: Participants will respect the theatre facilities, in addition to the costumes, props, sets, and all other AHS property. Students will pick up after themselves and work to keep the theatre and classroom clean.
4.
To Always to be On Time and Ready to Work: Show up to rehearsals, classes and performance calls at least 5 minutes early, and ready to work with all necessary props, costumes, notes, and scripts. Always have a pencil at the ready.
5.
Not to Leave Until Dismissed: Do not leave school premises during a class, show or rehearsal unless excused by the Director. Do not approach the Director requesting an individual dismissal time.
6.
To Dress Appropriately: Rehearsal is like sports practice-- if you are not in the appropriate clothing, you cannot participate.
“Movement clothes” must be worn by all students during rehearsal at all times. No dresses or skirts are allowed, and a T-Shirt that covers all skin and can be comfortably moved in is required.
Appropriate footwear is expected at all times. No sandals, flip flops, boots, or bare feet, will be allowed. Students should wear suitable shoes for movement such as jazz shoes or sneakers.
Long hair should be worn back unless otherwise instructed.
7.
Never to Discriminate: Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexuality, national origin, disability, or on any other is never allowed.
8.
Never to give notes, or take them except from the Director or Stage Manager.
Giving Notes:
It is inappropriate to give a note to any ensemble member, especially other actors. This includes feeding another actor his/her line. Furthermore, do not take notes from another actor. A response could be, “Thanks, but I think it’s best we discuss these choices through the director or stage manager.”
Getting Notes:
Always be gracious, even if you disagree. Say, “thank you” or “got it” after the director gives you the note, or “May we speak about this later?” if you don’t understand or disagree. Find time for you and the director to solve issues that affect your character only. Write down all notes immediately upon receiving them, and show up to “notes sessions” ready to record all notes that are given to you.
Students are always welcome to approach the director, in an appropriate moment, to request notes or feedback on any given aspect of their individual rehearsal work.
9.
To be Silent Backstage: Backstage noise should be nonexistent. That means you should avoid all talking, whispering, and laughter while offstage during both performance and rehearsal.
10.
To Attend all Tech Rehearsals: ALL ensemble members are expected to attend tech rehearsals scheduled during the last two weeks preceding opening night. During these rehearsals, you are expected to pay attention, not disrupt the rehearsal, and stay close to the stage, because you never know when they will go back a few scenes to fine tune timing. Be advised that these rehearsals often run long; the more the cast and crew cooperate, the earlier you get to go home.
11.
To Behave with Professionalism: Take up any disputes with the Director before or after rehearsal, or during a rehearsal break. Never argue with the director from on stage or during a scheduled rehearsal. If you have a dispute with a cast or crew member, take up your concerns with the director before getting anyone else involved. It is never appropriate to speak negatively in public about a show in which you are involved.
12.
To Be Prepared:
Always bring a pencil to rehearsal and write down your blocking, choreography,etc. Memorize your lines by the off-book due date. Practice and study outside of rehearsal.
13.
To Cooperate with the Director and Stage Manager:
If the Director or Stage Manager ask you to do something, do it. Unless you feel unsafe, never tell a Director or Stage Manager you won’t do something he/she feels will enhance the production, and never say you can’t do something without honestly attempting it first.
14.
To Accept Casting with Positivity:
Students must commit with a positive attitude to the role assigned by the director, regardless of preference, or disappointment. Students will put the good of the Ensemble above their personal feelings about individual casting. (See official Department Casting Policy for further details.)
15.
Abide by the “Three Strike Rule”: Students breaking any of the Code of Conduct rules will have the following disciplinary actions:
In the first instance, the student will be given a verbal warning by the Director. In the second instance, the student will be given a verbal warning, and a parent/guardian will be contacted. In the third instance, the student will be dismissed permanently from the show, crew, rehearsal process, and/or course.
16.
Any student who believes that he or she has observed or has experienced prohibited behaviors should report these immediately to an instructor.
August 15, 2018
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am writing to ask that you go over this syllabus, and Code of Conduct for Production with your student, and that you both sign the bottom portion of this page. This confirms that both you and your student understand the academic, participational and behavioral expectations of the course. Please return the form by August 25, 2018.
In addition, I am asking for your email address(es) so that I can contact you at the most convenient address for your family regarding your child. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. The best way to contact me is via email: jmazer.ahs@wscuhsd.k12.ca.us.
I thank you in advance for your support of your child’s education in Drama. I look forward to meeting you in person at some point in the school year!
Warm regards,
Jonathan Mazer
PLEASE RETURN SIGNATURE FORMS BY MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017!
Please sign below to acknowledge that you have read and understood Mr. Mazer’s syllabus. Students will be held to the standards outlined in the syllabus at all times.
Student’s Name (Please Print): _____________________________________
Student’s Signature: ______________________________________________
Date: ___________________
Parent/Guardian’s Name (Please Print): ________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature: _________________________________________
Date: ___________________
Parent Email(s): ____________________________________________________________________
