High school students must earn one (1) Fine Arts credit for graduation requirements. Winters High School offers this opportunity through band, music appreciation, or theatre arts.

The purpose of this class is to expose you to the theatre/drama from four aspects: perception, creative expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation. We can’t understand where we’re going until we know where we’ve been so we will study the history of the theatre, as well as drama from different cultures. As for the rest of the year, in layman’s terms, we will learn how to use the elements of drama and conventions of theatre (i.e.: stage movement, warm-up techniques, voice, time, setting, etc.) In addition, we will perform all types of dramatic expression throughout the course of the year from something as simple as playing Guesstures, to performing for each other in class, to actually performing one or more plays on stage for the public. We will draw-up set designs and costumes, as well as find/create props for the stage. We will learn about lighting and sound. And last, but not least, we will learn to appreciate and critically evaluate theatre/drama by watching videos of performances and attending live performances.

The state of Texas mandates a set of criteria that must be covered in this class to earn a Fine Arts Credit. In order to attempt to teach you all that the state requires, everyday is important in this class. Attendance is of the utmost importance. If you miss a day of acting or evaluating in the classroom it will be nearly impossible to make that class assignment up. I will have to schedule an intensive after-school tutorial time for those who are absent to make-up those graded assignments.

Materials: Spiral Notebook & Folder; Pens & Pencils

Requirements:

Must attend and evaluate one live theatre performance each semester. (10%) I will take the class to a live performance at least once per semester or you may choose to attend one on your own. You may attend and evaluate up to two additional live theatre performances per semester for +1 point (each) on your final average each semester and/or you will be allowed to view and evaluate, on video from a list I provide, up to three dramatic performances for +1 point (each) on your final semester grade. You may not earn more than +3 extra points on your grade per semester.

We should average no less than two grades per week. This could include participation, homework, daily class work, or quizzes. We will have no less than two exams per 6-week grading period.

One major project per nine weeks. (15%) I will assign this project early in the nine-weeks and give you the due date no less than 6-weeks in advance. There will be absolutely no late projects accepted! However, if you turn the completed project in before the assigned due date I will add +5 points to the project.

You must perform your responsibilities in one public performance per semester as either an actor/actress; director; stage crew; sound crew; lighting crew; special effects/props; stage design; program design. (Semester Final) I believe this requirement is self explanatory.

Public Performances
December….Christmas Play
May….Contemporary Play

Live Performances
I will make arrangements for our class to attend at least one live performance per semester in Abilene or San Angelo. The school will provide the transportation. You will be responsible for the ticket price and meal (if we choose to dine before the performance). I will make every effort to arrange discounted prices for tickets and food.

Possible 6-Weeks Projects (Subject to change & in no particular order)
Set Design for a play
Costume Design for a play
Sound CD--burn a CD with a variety of sounds or music for a play
Write an original scene or vignette

Semester Exams
Perform a Christmas play
Perform A Play for second semester

Grading
Participation                                         30%
Daily Work, Homework, Quizzes      25%
Projects                                                15%
Live Performance Attendance           10%             
6 Weeks Test                                       20%
               

Bottom Line…You must attend class. You must participate in class. You must turn in your completed assignments. If you do those three things, you cannot fail my class. Put forth a good effort and have a conscientious work ethic and you will be very successful in this class!