Course Description: This course serves as a prerequisite to other courses.

It will enhance the study and application of

stage movement, pantomime, voice, improvisation, and character development. The primary focus of this course will be
to further develop physical and vocal character development. Composition will be integrated through script and reflective
writing. Personal responsibility and teamwork will be assessed through solo/group performances.
Course Standards and Elements:
SCRIPT ANALYSIS Analyzing and constructing meaning from theatrical experiences, dramatic literature, and
electronic media
.a Critiques and analyzes elements of theatrical conventions
.b Generates and uses terminology and outline for critiquing theatre presentation
.c Cites evidence of how theatre reflects life through universal themes
.d Interprets text and subtext
.e Illustrates the process of script analysis in a variety of scripts
IMPROVISATION & THEATRICAL METHODS Developing scripts through improvisation and other theatrical
methods
.a Critiques elements of dramatic structure
.b Recognizes realistic and conventional speech patterns within dialogue or dramatic verse
.c Identifies and distinguishes between stock and dynamic characters
.d Lists the steps in the dramatic writing process
.e Differentiates between drama and traditional literary writing
.f Incorporates dramatic elements through improvisation
.g Constructs scenes based on the elements of dramatic structure
.h Compares and contrasts dialogue from various theatrical genres
.i Interprets the objectives, decisions, and actions of characters
.j Develops and critiques various scripts
.k Creates and performs scenes for authentic audiences.
ACTING Acting by developing, communicating, and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments
.a Investigates mental and emotional methods of actor for preparation
.b Demonstrates awareness of verbal elements of acting (e.g., voice, breathing)
.c Demonstrates non-verbal elements of acting (e.g., posture, facial expression, physical movement)
.d Acquires and incorporates sensory and emotional recall in character development
.e Constructs authentic characters through observation of human behavior
.f Demonstrates the goals, observations, actions, and tactics of characters
.g Differentiates between acting methods (e.g., Stanislavski, Uta Hagen)
.h Revises performance based on self-critique
.i Defends acting and character choices
.j Analyzes critiques of fellow classmates to create improved performance

THEATER ARTS/FUNDAMENTALS TO THEATRE IIY
Mr. Jordan
fall 2014
Drama Room 503/ MHP Black Box Theatre
(678)842-6850 ext. 265
spencer.jordan@cobbk12.org
chstheatrearts@weebly.com



TECHNICAL THEATRE Designing and executing artistic and technical elements of theatre
.a Identifies and defines the various roles of production personnel (sound/lighting, set, scenic, costume, makeup, marketing, and
business aspects)
.b Identifies and applies basic elements and procedures involved in the construction of props, scenery, and platforms.
.c Distinguishes between effective and ineffective artistic designs
.d Infers elements of artistic design from scripts
.e Formulates a conceptualization of artistic design from scripts
.f Hypothesizes possible audiences responses to artistic elements
.g Creates product based on conceptualization
.h Demonstrates ability to plan, create, and assemble the technical elements for a scene or short play
DIRECTING Directing by conceptualizing, organizing, and conducting rehearsals for performance
.a Analyzes the various aspects of directing
.b Recognizes directorial choices in performance
.c Describes the need for script analysis and concept development
.d Applies the process of directorial management
.e Distinguishes between effective and ineffective directorial choices
.f Formulates directorial questions (e.g., script choice, script analysis, audition and casting, planning and organizing, rehearsal,
performance, evaluation)
.g Defends choice of script
.h Assesses acting and design elements of various scripts
.i Formulates a plan for rehearsal
.j Articulates the appropriate relationship between the actor, director and other theatre personnel (e.g., designers, technicians,
managers)
.k Applies concepts of directorial design to performance
DRAMATURGY Researching cultural and historical information to support artistic choices
.a Defines the role of the dramaturge
.b Applies the skills of the dramaturge to various scenes
.c Interprets cultural and historical data for use in production
.d Communicates data to theatrical personnel
.e Distinguishes between important and unimportant data for use in performance
.f Evaluates artistic choices of the production team based on data.
OTHER THEATRE FORMS Integrating various art forms, other content areas, and life experiences to create theatre
.a Identifies the various art forms which may be integrated into theatre (e.g., dance, music, visual arts, graphic arts, and electronic
media)
.b Recognizes the arts as an effort to interpret and intensify experiences
.c Examines the contributions of the other arts in the creation of a role or the production of drama
.d Synthesizes observation, imagination, and research to create characters, environments, and situations
.e Combines elements of other disciplines to create theatre arts
THEATRE HISTORY Examining the roles of theatre as a reflection of past and present civilizations
.a Analyzes plays and dramas that are representative of various historical periods
.b Identifies and analyzes plays and dramas that are culturally diverse
.c Recognizes historical events that have influenced the role of theatre
.d Recognizes theatrical events that have impacted cultural development
.e Analyzes and explains theatre conventions and traditions for different cultures and time periods
.f Analyzes and explains how universal themes in theatre transcend time and space
.g Explores the works of milestone playwrights
.h Analyzes milestone plays for dramatic elements that contribute to their lasting influence
.i Predicts which contemporary plays may endure
THEATRE BUSINESS Exploring the business of theatre
.a Lists and defines the skill sets for the various theatre arts careers
.b Charts the skills learned in theatre arts which transfer to the workplace
.c Applies the business elements of a production (e.g., creating a portfolio or resume, printing, advertising, budgeting)
.d Demonstrates awareness of the discipline, knowledge, skills, and education required for careers in theatre
.e Collects and displays samples of theatre portfolios
.f Creates and revises a cost-benefit analysis of a production
.g Critiques sample theatre portfolios
.h Demonstrates mastery of various areas of business elements of theatre
.i Performs the tasks of business theatre personnel during productions






CRITIQUING Critiquing various aspects of theatre and other media using appropriate supporting evidence
.a Distinguishes between constructive and destructive critiques
.b Generates and uses terminology for critiquing theatrical presentations
.c Modifies performance based on critiques
.d Utilizes constructive criticism to identify patterns of on-stage speech and behavior that enhance or detract from a performance
.e Discerns the validity of critiques
.f Creates and defends in-depth critiques of performances
.g Synthesizes various critiques to determine performance strengths and weaknesses
THEATRE ETIQUETTE Engaging actively and appropriately as an audience member in theatre and other media
experiences
.a Demonstrates appropriate audience behaviors
.b Articulates why the relationship between the audience and performers is critical to the success of the production
.c Examines how audience relationships differ with venue and performance type
.d States and supports aesthetic judgments through experiences in diverse styles and genres of theatre

TEXTS & RESOURCES: We will be using chapter study guides in accordance with the textbooks, The Stage and the
School, Theatre: Art in Action, Basic Drama Projects, and power point presentations.

TEACHING METHOD: This a performance-based class, which means you will be demonstrating your knowledge of
the curriculum through performing. I will be using a variety of techniques to get the required information across. In each
days lesson, I expose students to all three learning styles (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) to increase retention.
Students will be provided with study guides accompanied with notes. This is a highly engaging class wherein you will be
required and graded according to how often and how well you follow the etiquette for an audience member and theatre
professional in class discussions, activities, and exercises.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION: To ensure demonstrated growth of student achievement, I give
pre-tests, which introduces the material and post-tests to measure retained knowledge. The pre-tests are graded as class
work assignments and not as actual tests. Post-tests are graded as 100-point tests. If the student doesnt successfully pass
a post-test, he/she will have an opportunity to retest until he/she successfully demonstrates the retention of that
knowledge. Any performances, presentations, or projects will be pre and post assessed using a standardized rubric. Each
student will be evaluated daily/weekly in a 10-point scale per day and a 20-50-point scale per week according to theatre
etiquette standards.

GRADING POLICY: Your grade will be a percentage of total points. Everything you do in this class will be grade in
points, which will be average together for your percentage grade. The following is the list of grading areas and
point/percentage values.
Categories Total # of Points Percentages
Performances, Presentations, & Projects 100-200 points 30%
Compositional Understanding 10-100 points 30%
Theatre Etiquette 10 points daily 30%
Final Exam 100 points 10%

HOMEWORK & MAKE-UP POLICY: When homework is assigned, it is expected to return the work the following
day or on the assigned due date. Should the work not be turned in on the day it is due, a student may turn in the work
without deduction if he/she had an excused absent note for that due date. Any work not turned in on time looses 5-10
points per day the work is not turned in. If the students absence is excused, he/she will have 3 days following his/her
return to school. If the work is not turned in by that time, the work will not be accepted.

TUTORING SCHEDULE: Should a student need extra assistance with a performance, presentation, project, or to
make-up any test, quiz, or class assignment, he/she can see me Tuesday or Friday mornings from 7:30-8:00am by a
scheduling an appointment.








WARM-UP SESSIONS: Warm-up and relaxation is fundamental for every actor. Theatre is a discipline that requires it.
Learning how to physically, vocally, and mentally warm-up and relax is very important to your success as a student of
theatre. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays our warm-up sessions will be 10 minutes. Every Thursday,
warm-up sessions will be twenty minutes. You will be exposed to a variety of physical warm-ups such as yoga and
palates. Vocally you will warm-up by developing the muscles that are responsible for producing your voice. Also
vocally, you will be warm-up the voice by working specific natures of the voice such as projection, articulation, pitch,
inflection, rate, quality, and stylizations. Mentally you will warm-up through learning relaxation techniques such as
meditation and guided visualizations. Also you will mentally warm-up through a variety of concentration and connection
exercises. Since warm-ups will be daily it is important that your clothing doesnt prevent from successfully warm-up. It
is best if you avoid clothing that is too loose, baggy, tight, distracting, or revealing. You will be expected to lay on the
floor at times, so you may want to bring a mat or towel if you have a concern about laying on the floor. During these
sessions, you will be evaluated according to how cooperative you are in following these routines. You might be more
physically, vocally, and mentally flexible by the end of this semester if you correctly follow the instructions.

FIELD TRIP OPPORTUNITIES: As a theatre class student and a potential Drama Club member, you have the
opportunity to attend the following field trip. The cost of the ticket is $20.00. Checks can be made out to Campbell High
School. Tickets art limited.
1. Steel Magnolias Thur. Nov. 6
th
from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Alliance Theatre.
2. Tuck Everlasting Thur. Feb. 12
th
from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Alliance Theatre
3. Edward Foote Thur. April 16
th
from 9:00-3:00pm at the Alliance Theatre

CHS DRAMA CLUB: Here at Campbell, we do offer in addition to theatre classes, a Drama Club. Being in class
doesnt automatically make you a member. Drama Club is our production company called Drama Geeks. If youre
interested in joining Drama Club as a first time member, we will be meeting Wed. Aug. 13
th
from 3:45-4:45 in room #501.
If you are returning Drama Club member we will meet Thur. Aug. 14
th
from 3:45-4:45 in room #501. The club
membership offers you performance and/or technical theatre opportunities in the following events:
-Geek-Prov! -24-Hour Playwriting Competition/Lock-In -Campbell Idol -Spring Production

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STUDENT & PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTRACT

I have completely read this syllabus and I am aware of what this class is and how it will be conducted.

Students Name: Date:
please print first and last names

Students Signature:

Parent/Guardians Name: Date:
please print first and last names

Parent/Guardians Signature: