Drama/Speech Syllabus ASTEC Charter High School 2013-2014

Teacher: Email: Plan Period: Phone: J. Nestander jnestander@asteccharterschools.com 7 period (2:46pm 3:40pm M, Tu, Th, F 12:47pm 1:25pm W) 405-947-6274

Course Description
Drama/Speech is an introductory study of theatre. Students will be studying theatre appreciation with topics including: structure of drama, evaluations of drama and playwrights, play production, acting, directing and technical design.

Objectives
The student will have an opportunity to develop strategies and knowledge to: 1. Understand the performing arts and gain appreciation for the art form. 2. Discuss the origins and values of theatre arts and their place in contemporary American society. 3. Develop stage presence and voice projection through participation in performance activities. 4. Understand the technical aspects of theatrical production. 5. Understand and demonstrate knowledge of the play production process. Course Outline A. Pantomime B. The Ensemble Ethic C. Movement D. Self-Awareness E. Voice F. Improvisation G. Storytelling H. Historical Profile I. Stand-up comedy J. Directing and Producing: Roles of Director and Producer, Production Team, and Performance Space K. Technical Theatre: Stage Crew, Set Construction and Prop Crews, Costume and Makeup Crews

Required Materials:
Pencil (for marking in scripts) Highlighters (optional) Binder or folder (for papers and scripts) Notebook

Attendance Policy and Classroom Expectations: 1) Respect

Theatre is the most collaborative of all art forms. Respect and be sensitive to the ideas, opinions, and property of others. Think before you act and treat others with kindness and consideration. Use appropriate language: absolutely NO swearing, name calling, or physical abuse is allowed. No food or drink (water is okay). Do not write on or deface desks and other property and report all acts of vandalism. Clean your desk and workspace before leaving. Our class is a community that is dependent on the respect, participation and enthusiasm of each member for the success of the whole.

2) Responsibility
Take responsibility for your work and your actions. Report to class with all required materials and wait to be dismissed before leaving.

3) Effort
You must work inside and outside of class in order to be completely successful in this course. Accept assignments without complaints and do your best on everything. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. You will get out of this class what you put in. Keep your ipods, cell phones & make-up out of the classroom. If used, these items will be confiscated. You are now warned.

Grading Scale: 90 100 80 89 70 79 60 69 Below 59 Category Weights: Performance/Presentations Attitude/Participation Evaluations 40% 40% 20% A B C D F

The assignment breakdown for each semester is as follows:! ! 1 test @ 100 points each = 100 points! ! 2 presentation evaluations @ 50 points each = 100 points! ! 2 presentations @ 200 points each = 400 points! ! 16 weekly play summaries @ 10 points each = 160 points! ! 16 participation @ 10 points each = 160 points! ! 16 bellwork @ 5 points each = 80 points! Total of points = 1000* ! *Please note that the number of points required may be adjusted due to instructional needs.! Evaluations are worth 20% of the students overall grade. Evaluations will consist of critiques of performances/presentations and quizzes/exams. Attitude/Participation is worth 40% of the students overall grade. A positive attitude and preparation are the keys to success in this class. You are expected to be prepared to perform on assigned days. Performance/Presentations are worth 40% of the students overall grade. You are required to perform/present in all classroom presentations. Student Progress:! ! Progress reports for students are prepared four times each year, midway of each 9-weeks grading period. Parents must come on site to pick up and sign for them on the day they are issued. Students are not allowed back in class until the progress report is picked up.! ! ! Students who are not making adequate progress must attend tutoring after school and during half-Saturday school. Those who do not attend will placed disciplinary action. Attendance to tutoring is not an option. Grades will be given for attending tutoring sessions.!