Pin Oak Players

Theatre Handbook: 6th

Pin Oak Middle School
2017-2018
Ms. Helen Hurn, M.A.
Helen.hurn@houstonisd.org

INTRODUCTION
My name is Helen Hurn, and I am very excited for my sixth year in theatre education. I spent
the past 5 years at Mayde Creek Jr. High, and am ready to bring what I know to the Pin Oak
Community. I received a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from TCU, and have been active in the
Houston Theatre Scene since 2008. I received my M.A. in Theatre Education from the
University of Houston in 2013, and still have a lot of new activities to bring to the classroom. I
look forward to teaching your kids all about the world of theatre. A lot of theatre is based in
teamwork, and I am eager to build an ensemble with all of you to support your children.

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OVERVIEW

Theatre is a performance/presentation-based class that will explore a variety of theatre
activities for 6th graders. In this class students will be expected to perform, make presentations,
prepare projects and gain an appreciation for all performing arts. Students will engage in
activities that develop confidence and explore creativity. Units will focus on acting techniques,
theatre history, and technical theatre.

To do well in theatre, students must participate in classroom activities, some of which may
involve risk taking, to achieve their grade. I expect students to treat each other with respect,
therefore creating a safe place to take risks. Trying is considered participation and will count
toward grading. Every student is unique, I do not expect every student who enters the program
to be natural born speakers or actors, but a positive attitude and the willingness to try will earn
their teacher and peers respect and a passing grade.

CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
School Productions: Students enrolled in Theatre 6 are encouraged to audition for the
musical. Auditions will be in November.

Field Trips: Every theatre student will have a chance to attend out of school trips. Theatre 6
will attend a play in the spring.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
THEATRE RULES:

1. Keep up the energy! (Do your personal best. Come ready to participate)

2. No Upstaging allowed. (Voices off during the teachers/students turn to speak RESPECT)

3. Know your lines and blocking. (Be on task - Know what youre supposed to be doing)

CONSEQUENCES:
When a student chooses to be off task or demonstrate inappropriate behavior, the following
procedure will take place.

First Offense: Students will be redirected by verbal or non-verbal to correct their behavior.

Second Offense: Meet with the director in detention before school or during lunch. There will
also be a phone call made home.

Third Offense: Meet with the director to receive a referral to see the producer (House
Principal). A conference with parent and teacher will be arranged.

Note:
Multiple detentions for a repeated inappropriate behavior may result in a referral.
Severe inappropriate behavior will result in an immediate referral at Ms. Hurns discretion.
Behavior issues in any Pin Oak class (not just theatre) may jeopardize a students eligibility to
participate in field trips and co-curricular activities. Advanced Theatre Students are expected to
maintain excellent conduct grades in all their class in addition to maintaining a 70% or higher in
every class.

MATERIALS NEEDED
Each student will need to bring to class:

Composition Notebook (1/semester Due Sept. 1st)

pencil
Optional: highlighter, pen (blue or black), colored pencils, scissors, glue

GRADING
Assignments will include performances, presentations, projects, written assignments, notebook
checks, quizzes, and homework.

Major Grades (50%)

Projects/Performances

Minor Grades (30%)

Assessment

Other Grades (20%)

Application (participation)
The No Pass, No Play rule applies to all co-curricular activities.

LATE & MAKE-UP WORK

If a student is absent they will have two school days after their return to school to make up any
missed assignments without penalty. The student must contact the teacher for missing work upon
their return to school. If the student is going to be gone for a significant amount of time they
must email the teacher and make arrangements to complete make up work.

Late work can be turned in up to 1 week late with a 10% reduction.

After 1 week, a zero will be assigned. (fine arts department policy)

CO-CURRICULUR EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to treat all theatre property with respect and return any items they use
during rehearsals in class and after school to their assigned location. This includes (but is not
limited to) rehearsal spaces, props, set pieces, costume pieces, supplies, books/scripts,
equipment, etc. If you are entrusted with any of these items make good choices!
Vandalism/destructive behavior of any kind in the theatre is taken very seriously and will result
in a referral and possible expulsion from the advanced theatre class.
Students must maintain satisfactory conduct marks in all classes and at least a 70% in every
class to participate in co-curricular performances. (UIL rule)
STUDENT/PARENT INFORMATION SHEET
Student Name ______________________________________

Grade _____________

Address ___________________________________________

Home Phone _______________________________________

Fathers Name ______________________________________

Work Phone _________________

Fathers Cell Phone _______________

Fathers Email ______________________________________

Mothers Name ______________________________________

Work Phone ____________________

Mothers Cell Phone ___________________

Mothers email ______________________________________

With whom does the student live? _________________ Relationship __________________

Students:
I have read the Theatre Handbook and understand what is expected of me in Theatre this year.
I will remove this information sheet and keep my copy of the Theatre Handbook in my binder
and do my best to adhere to the required expectations.

Student Signature: ___________________________________________________________

Parents:
I have read the Theatre Handbook and I understand the: (please initial in each blank)
______ Co-curricular activities opportunities offered and expectations
______ Theatre Rules and Consequences
______ Theatre Discipline Procedures
______ Materials Needed
______ Grading

Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________________

______ I am interested in volunteering as a theatre volunteer.

______ I am unable to volunteer at this time.

Please have this form returned by September 8th, 2017

IMPORTANT DATES

Intermediate Showcase
February 1st