GRADE 8 DRAMA SYLLABUS
TEACHER Leanne Fulcher
ROOM: S106
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Drama 8 (Introduction to Acting)
In this semester-length elective, students learn the focus and skills necessary to breathe life into a character. Themes include: Theater Terms, Basic Acting Skills, Movement and Masks, Characterization, Monologues and Duets, Blocking and Script Work. Students will have several opportunities to work with professional actors to help them improve their craft. Students perform improvised and scripted scenes in groups of various sizes and will learn how to offer effective critical feedback. Within a safe environment students will learn to push themselves to take creative risks, which will enhance their skills and level of confidence on and off the stage. Students will use their blog as an artistic portfolio to showcase their art and demonstrate their ability to reflect and critique their own work and that of their peers.
GOAL: To learn the focus and skills necessary to breathe life into a character.
This one-semester elective course focuses on the following themes:
* Theater Terms * Basic Acting Skills * Movement and Mask * Characterization * Monologues and Duets * Blocking and Script Work.
Theater Arts 8: POWER STANDARDS (NEW)
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS: Plastic zip pouch (supplied), Journal (supplied), name tag (supplied), pen and pencil with eraser. If a student loses their supplies they will need to replenish. Girls are reminded to dress appropriately for movement activities (No skirts) and have a hair tie handy to pull hair back during a performance.
THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE DRAMA STUDIO (S106)
Arrive on time for class, but do not enter studio unaccompanied by an adult.
Wear comfortable clothing (no skirts please!) and have hair out of face.
Remove shoes, socks, watches, and loose jewelry. Valuables can be placed in the basket.
Place books and bags out of the acting space, on tables or in provided baskets. (Laptops)
Check whiteboard for immediate directions so that class can start promptly.
Violence and rough play should not be included in scenes or behavior in the drama studio.
Language and humor should be appropriate for all audiences.
Check the drama Google calendar for homework updates.
Complete homework assignments and meet deadlines.
The prop cupboards/costumes are off limits without permission.
You learn as much from watching as from doing, so be an active audience member and be prepared to offer feedback to your peers. (Participation is 20% of your final grade)
Listen attentively and respectfully and come to class with the energy to participate actively.
ABSENCES
Students are responsible for talking to classmates about what is missed while they are away.
Students should check the google calendar while away to make sure they are prepared for the next class so that additional time is not lost.
If a student is sick on a day of a performance, they are responsible for emailing the teacher directly to inform them of the absence as early as possible in the day. If the performance is in front of an audience this may give the teacher/group enough time to find a replacement.
Students who exceed twelve absences may receive insufficient evidence (IE) for the semester course. Families may appeal to MS Admin if extenuating circumstances exist. (SAS grading policy)
TECH INTEGRATION
Laptops are not required on a daily basis. When computers are being used, students will be told in advance and a reminder will be put on the homework calendar.
If a student brings their laptop to class, the computer should never be left outside or on the floor and should be stored safely.
iPads will be used on a regular basis in class. Students are responsible for returning iPads to the charging cabinet after use.
The grade 8 drama Google Calendar will be used to assign homework. Students are required to add this calendar to their personal calendar.
SUBMISSION OF LATE WORK
It is expected that students complete summative assessments. If a summative assessment is late, students will lose grades on responsibility, but full credit will be given for the assignment.
RE-ASSESSMENT
Teachers and PLCs will use formative assessments and reassessments to provide students opportunities to master learning targets. Re-assessment of large summative assessments (i.e., encompassing an entire unit) will be at the discretion of the PLC.
When tasks/assignments are re-assessed, they may be reassessed partially, entirely, or in a different format, as determined by the PLC.Reassessment grade replaces the original grade.
The following final measures of learning may not be reassessed:
end of unit assessments;
final research papers;
culminating performances