THEATER ARTS
Instructor: Mr. Kevin Fox
[email protected]
Room C308
Welcome to Andress Theatre Arts
Philosophy: Theater is concerned with the communication of human issues. Its purpose is to teach students to cope with the complexities of human relationships in modern society, communicate with others in a meaningful way and critically evaluate dramatic performances. Students should examine theater as a part of daily life, as way of enhancing knowledge and skills, and as a means of expression. All students will benefit from ongoing educational theater experiences. The Theater Arts curriculum will involve the analysis of the actor’s experience and perceptions, as well as performance, production, history and critical evaluation.
Classroom Goals: As a group, our goals are to encourage creativity, praise effort, listen attentively, work diligently and strive for excellence. Our goals are designed to help each class member be aware that our response to a student’s performance determines our success as a class.
Course Objectives:
I. Know stage and theatre terminology, acting areas and actor positions
II. Experience play production first hand
A. Prepare and audition for a part in a play
B. Explore rehearsal and role preparation techniques
C. Learn aspects of technical theatre and backstage work
D. Relaxation and preparation techniques
III. Demonstrate individual and ensemble acting skills
A. Improvise in a variety of situations
B. Analyze and interpret scripts
C. Use basic blocking and stage pictures
IV. Develop theatrical production concepts and skills
A. Understand the various steps and skills necessary in the production of a play
B. Identify equipment within the theatre
V. Develop an appreciation of theatre
A. View, discuss, analyze and evaluate theatrical events
B. Identify historical features of theatre
C. Exhibit audience etiquette
D. Analyze and critique participation in theatrical experiences
E. Read and discuss a variety of dramas
VI. Voice and Movement
Supplies:
1. a folder for loose-leaf paper, preferably one with metal brads
2. White loose-leaf paper
3. blue or black pen and pencil
Text: Tanner,Fran. Basic Drama Projects
Classroom Rules:
All rules of Andress High School will be followed at all times.
No cell phone or electronic devises are allowed in class.
Be prompt and prepared to work..
Bring all materials – textbook, notebook, pens, pencil, scripts, etc. – every day.
Respect others and their property, and raise your hand to speak.
No food and drink in the theater or classroom.
In the event that disciplinary action is necessary the following procedure(s) will be followed:
1. Verbal or visual warning
2. Informal referral to councilors and At-Risk coordinators.
3. Student/teacher conference and possible parent contact
4.Parent contact and/or parent conference
5.Disciplinary referral to assistant principal
Grading Policy:
To pass this class, actors must
This is an ACTING class
This is a survey class, but it is also the class that prepares actors for professional careers and college level work.
Acting requires much discipline, training, desire, assertiveness, and marketing
Acting is useful for everybody i.e. job seekers, meeting new people, “getting what you want”.
We all are “actors”.
Procedure
Warm-up (this is at least one third of your grade)
Believe me when I say, warm-ups are relevant to everyone not just actors.
Vocal
Physical
Building muscles is not our aim.
We use various physical stretches to address physical, mental, and emotional tension in our bodies.
If our instrument (our bodies) is tense, it will not do what we ask it to do i.e. create character, have stamina, and manipulate “centers” and posture.
Acting is almost entirely based on the physical body.
Through physical relaxation we develop Neutral bodies. The body must be in neutral before it can take on other qualities.
Inner Focus
As we concentrate on vocal and physical warm-ups our minds and emotions become still and quiet. This means DO NOT TALK DURING WARM-UPS. Learn to love inner and outer silence.
Theater class notebook
All actors are required to keep a notebook of theatrical history and theory. We will take notes once every three weeks.
Acting exercises (games)
Exercises will be conducted in solos, duets, and groups. Actors seldom work alone.
Make-up work policy
Students are expected to make up work missed for any reason and may be assigned detention or Saturday school to complete assignments.
Theater is a collaborative art and requires that individuals work together and support each other. Theater students will be working in groups and in pairs for many assignments so getting along with everyone is vitally important! A positive attitude plays a critical role in how much each student learns and in his/her contribution to the success of the entire class.
Instructor: Mr. Kevin Fox
[email protected]
Room C308
Welcome to Andress Theatre Arts
Philosophy: Theater is concerned with the communication of human issues. Its purpose is to teach students to cope with the complexities of human relationships in modern society, communicate with others in a meaningful way and critically evaluate dramatic performances. Students should examine theater as a part of daily life, as way of enhancing knowledge and skills, and as a means of expression. All students will benefit from ongoing educational theater experiences. The Theater Arts curriculum will involve the analysis of the actor’s experience and perceptions, as well as performance, production, history and critical evaluation.
Classroom Goals: As a group, our goals are to encourage creativity, praise effort, listen attentively, work diligently and strive for excellence. Our goals are designed to help each class member be aware that our response to a student’s performance determines our success as a class.
Course Objectives:
I. Know stage and theatre terminology, acting areas and actor positions
II. Experience play production first hand
A. Prepare and audition for a part in a play
B. Explore rehearsal and role preparation techniques
C. Learn aspects of technical theatre and backstage work
D. Relaxation and preparation techniques
III. Demonstrate individual and ensemble acting skills
A. Improvise in a variety of situations
B. Analyze and interpret scripts
C. Use basic blocking and stage pictures
IV. Develop theatrical production concepts and skills
A. Understand the various steps and skills necessary in the production of a play
B. Identify equipment within the theatre
V. Develop an appreciation of theatre
A. View, discuss, analyze and evaluate theatrical events
B. Identify historical features of theatre
C. Exhibit audience etiquette
D. Analyze and critique participation in theatrical experiences
E. Read and discuss a variety of dramas
VI. Voice and Movement
Supplies:
1. a folder for loose-leaf paper, preferably one with metal brads
2. White loose-leaf paper
3. blue or black pen and pencil
Text: Tanner,Fran. Basic Drama Projects
Classroom Rules:
All rules of Andress High School will be followed at all times.
No cell phone or electronic devises are allowed in class.
Be prompt and prepared to work..
Bring all materials – textbook, notebook, pens, pencil, scripts, etc. – every day.
Respect others and their property, and raise your hand to speak.
No food and drink in the theater or classroom.
In the event that disciplinary action is necessary the following procedure(s) will be followed:
1. Verbal or visual warning
2. Informal referral to councilors and At-Risk coordinators.
3. Student/teacher conference and possible parent contact
4.Parent contact and/or parent conference
5.Disciplinary referral to assistant principal
Grading Policy:
To pass this class, actors must
- be willing to play and participate.
- obey the rules of the acting exercises,
- have respect for the teacher and other actors in the class.
- adequately complete all assignments and projects.
This is an ACTING class
This is a survey class, but it is also the class that prepares actors for professional careers and college level work.
Acting requires much discipline, training, desire, assertiveness, and marketing
Acting is useful for everybody i.e. job seekers, meeting new people, “getting what you want”.
We all are “actors”.
Procedure
Warm-up (this is at least one third of your grade)
Believe me when I say, warm-ups are relevant to everyone not just actors.
Vocal
Physical
Building muscles is not our aim.
We use various physical stretches to address physical, mental, and emotional tension in our bodies.
If our instrument (our bodies) is tense, it will not do what we ask it to do i.e. create character, have stamina, and manipulate “centers” and posture.
Acting is almost entirely based on the physical body.
Through physical relaxation we develop Neutral bodies. The body must be in neutral before it can take on other qualities.
Inner Focus
As we concentrate on vocal and physical warm-ups our minds and emotions become still and quiet. This means DO NOT TALK DURING WARM-UPS. Learn to love inner and outer silence.
Theater class notebook
All actors are required to keep a notebook of theatrical history and theory. We will take notes once every three weeks.
Acting exercises (games)
Exercises will be conducted in solos, duets, and groups. Actors seldom work alone.
Make-up work policy
Students are expected to make up work missed for any reason and may be assigned detention or Saturday school to complete assignments.
Theater is a collaborative art and requires that individuals work together and support each other. Theater students will be working in groups and in pairs for many assignments so getting along with everyone is vitally important! A positive attitude plays a critical role in how much each student learns and in his/her contribution to the success of the entire class.