Helpful Information for Theater Arts II
Colonia High School Performing Arts
Teacher: Stephanie Platko Grade Level: 10-12
Course: Theater Arts II
Course Description: This course offers a deeper study of acting technique and performance. Students will learn advanced acting skills as well as the understanding and use of acting methods by renowned actors and directors. Students will take part in duet, small groups, and whole class performances as well as monologues. These scenes will be from a variety of contemporary playwrights, however students will read scripts from different historical eras in theater history.
Grading Procedures: 50% of your grade will be comprised of Minor Assessment grades including weekly participation grades, technique exercises, assigned reading responses, rehearsal coachings, and actor’s journals. The other 50% of your grade will be comprised of Major Assessments including all performances and group/individual projects.
Late Work Policies
MINOR Assessments
1 Day Late -10
2 Days Late -20
3 Days Late -30
4 Days Late -40
5 Days Late -50
Anything after 5 days is a ZERO!
MAJOR Assessments
(including ALL PERFORMANCES)
1 Day Late -20
Anything after 1 day is a ZERO!
Absence Policies
If you are absent on a day something is assigned, you will have two days without penalty to complete the assignment after your return to class.
If you are absent on a day something is due, you must hand in the assignment or perform upon your return to class.
ALL WORK WILL BE POSTED IN GOOGLE CLASSROOM DAILY SO THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT KNOWING WHAT WE DID IN CLASS THAT DAY!
Assigned Readings: Uta Hagen’s Respect for Acting, Uta Hagen’s Challenge for the Actor, The Essential Theater, Acting One and Two
Journals: Journals (completed on Google Classroom) are to be written in everyday during the last 10 minutes of class to correspond with the work completed in class or to respond to a prompt. This is a place to record rehearsal discoveries, interesting information learned, ideas for the next rehearsal, evaluations of viewed performances, self evaluations, etc… These will be checked monthly.
Participation: Participation is based on weekly performance in class. Unexcused absences and absences due to disciplinary action impact negatively on participation grades; 1 point per day will be deducted.
100% - Individual risk taking, active participation, good audience etiquette
90% - Group participation, good audience etiquette
80% - Limited participation, ok audience etiquette
70% - Poor audience etiquette
50% - Disruptive and/or unwilling to participate
Final Exam: The final exam for this class is solely performance based. The student will select, analyze, memorize, and perform two contrasting monologues (1 to 2 minutes in length each) in order to participate in a Mock Audition. Students will also be required to write a theatrical resume and present a headshot (photograph) for their audition.
Suggested Materials:
3 Ring Binder
Plastic Sheet protectors
Pencils
Pens
Highlighters
Classroom Expectations:
Particpate
Be prepared
No food or drink in my classroom. You may bring water to class. No Gatorade or Vitamin Water – only PLAIN water!!! No GUM during ANY performance unless it is a character choice.
Electronic device usage will be determined on a case by case basis. Usage of such devices will be limited to research within and for class assignments or as props within a scene ONLY. Personal usage on class time will be subject to disciplinary action as per district policy.
Respect each other and respect yourself – this includes respecting other people’s space and property as well as respecting them as a person.
Remember your theater/audience etiquette.
Be Honest and communicate your needs
Attitude and Attendance: This is one of the most important areas in Theater Arts Class. Because this is a performance based class, it is very important that you are supportive of each other and maintain a positive attitude at all times. You will be working in groups for many assignments, so it is important to try to get along with everyone. Afterall, you are an ensemble and must perform as one this semester. Regular attendance is EXTREMELY important. Each person’s participation is VITAL to the success of the group. Please make every attempt to limit absences in this class.