Acting 1 Syllabus Fall 2017 / Spring 2018
Course Description:
This course provides a foundation in acting skills and theater knowledge for students who will continue with theater coursework in high school and beyond. Students will begin the year with ensemble building to create a positive classroom culture and will learn how actors warm up their bodies, voices, and minds. In the first semester, students will design and perform a one-act play and explore short form improvisation. The second semester covers scene work, voice and diction, and monologues. Most of the assessments in this course are performance based, but periodic journal entries are assigned as well where students will reflect on their progress in acting. Students will also attend professional theater performances and think critically about productions that they have seen. By the end of the year, students should understand and embody the focus, professionalism, and dedication that are required to pursue a career in theater.
Course Assessment:
Performances / Projects: 50% Class Work and Participation: 30% Homework: 10% Written Assignments: 10%
Required Materials:
- Notebook and Folder or Binder with Looseleaf
- Writing Utensil
- Clothes to move in
- Lead Physical, Vocal, and Focus Warm-Ups
- Journal Entries
- Production Roles Quiz
- One Act Play Performance
- Journal Entries
- Improv Olympics
- Journal Entries
- Written Work for Scene (given circumstances, character analysis, annotated script)
- Scene Performance
- Journal Entries
- Poem Recitation
- Journal Entries
- Written Work for Monologue (given circumstances, character analysis)
- Monologue Performance
- Journal Entries
- Attendance and Participation: In this class, you are expected to fully embody what it means to be a theater professional. This means that your participation with a good attitude and an open mind are expected every day. You are to remain focused and fully present throughout each class period, making an effort to make the best possible impression, just as you would in an audition setting. Your class work and participation are worth 30% of your grade. You will lose points if you are late, if you have food/gum/beverages, if you have your cell phone out, or if you are not fully participating. If you are absent more than five times without a note (i.e. unexcused absence) you will not receive credit for the term. Your absences will be reflected in your grade.
- Missed Performances and Presentations: If you miss a performance or presentation with an excused absence and a note from a parent or guardian, you must make it up within a week of the time you are absent. If an emergency arises, other arrangements may be made. Missed work due to unexcused absences will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
- Late Policy for Homework and Written Assignments: Homework and written assignments must be turned in by the end of the day on their due date. After the due date, they will receive a 10% deduction for each day that they are late.
- Academic Honesty: All of your written work needs to be your own. When you use information from other sources, those sources must be cited.
- Respect the classroom, classmates, and teacher: In order to grow as actors and theater artists, we all have to feel comfortable taking risks and we can only feel comfortable in a safe environment where no one will be disrespected for their efforts. Inappropriate language and offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Remember that this is a theater space. We need to keep this room clean and in good condition so that it can be used for rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Take good care of all of the technology, props, books, and other materials in the room. There are no food, beverages, or gum allowed. All trash must be placed in the trash can.
- GAHS Rules: No hats or hoods; no food, beverages, or gum; no cell phones. If you are caught eating, drinking, chewing gum, or using your cell phone, your grade will be negatively affected.
- Open Door Policy: Students and parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to speak to the teacher about any questions or concerns that may come up throughout the year. All students should feel comfortable in this class and should be able to have a positive experience and their teacher is eager to help in any way possible.
- Warning 2. Individual Student-Teacher Conference 3. Detention/Parent Phone Call 4. Revoke Performance Rights 5. Revoke Field Trips, Guest Artist Visits, etc. 6. Removal from Major