THE MADEIRA SCHOOL

2014 2015


INTRODUCTION TO PERFORMING ARTS
COURSE DESCRIPTION


INSTRUCTORS

Ms. Cowan, Acting x 8551 - kcowan@madeira.org
Mrs. Steinke, Voice x 8270 ssteinke@madeira.org
Mrs. Sarson, Dance x 8275 msarson@madeira.org

DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles and techniques required for
performing in theater, music and dance. Students will study the nature of storytelling as it applies to
acting, singing and dancing. Students will gain a greater understanding of how to use their voice and
body for creative expression, with a culminating experience in musical theater. This course will increase
students ability to present themselves well in front of an audience as well as give a successful audition.
The course prepares students for Intermediate Acting, or for further study in singing or dancing.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

- Students will think and act creatively by solving problems and by employing originality,
flexibility and imagination
- Students will develop the acting, music and dance skills necessary for creative dramatic
performance
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the elements of theater production
- Students will demonstrate understanding of theatre in relation to history and culture
- Students will develop critical skills to evaluate their own work and the work of others
- Students will demonstrate awareness of and responsibility for the safe and ethical use of
materials, methods and technologies
- Students will make connections between theatre arts and other fields of knowledge
- Students will demonstrate the ability to apply aesthetic criteria for making artistic choices

MATERIALS

You will need to bring the following materials whenever class meets:
Appropriate text and/or script
Paper, pen and/or pencil
Homework assignment
Appropriate attire, costume or props for designated scene/exercises
Introduction to Performing Arts binder in which you will keep all handouts, assignments and
materials from class.



THE MADEIRA SCHOOL
2014 2015



CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
1. Students are expected to be ready to begin class, with appropriate attire and materials by the
time the bell rings.
2. Students are expected to bring their written assignments to class at the time they are due.
3. Students are expected to be respectful of one another, to listen to one another, to be supportive
of one another and to create a safe environment where each student can take risks.
4. Students are responsible to restore the classroom space to the state it was in before class, or
better, including putting furniture away, throwing away trash and collecting all personal items.
5. Gum chewing is not permitted in class. Food is only allowed with instructors prior permission.
6. Cell phones must remain off and out of sight in a backpack.
7. Only for emergencies will students be permitted to leave class. Students must ask permission to
use the restroom.
8. Students are responsible for the proper care and maintenance of Madeiras theater spaces and
supplies, including following all rules associated with the use of them.
HOMEWORK AND CLASS PERFORMANCE

Students are expected on average to do homework for 45 minutes per class period. The amount of time
spent preparing for Introduction to Performing Arts class may vary each day and week depending on the
type of activity or assignment. On average, students can expect three to four hours of homework
(reading, writing, drawing, practicing or otherwise preparing for class) per week.

Attendance is a crucial part of the collaborative process, so it is important that the student performing
artist makes every effort not to miss class. If a student misses class on the day she was to work with her
group of actors or present her work, it is her responsibility to initiate a conversation with Ms. Cowan,
Mrs. Steinke or Mrs. Sarson about how that work will be made up (if at all) PRIOR to the following
class. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade for the assignment.

The culminating project or exam for this course will be a performance for the school at an assembly
during Parents Weekend, to culminate the end of the Module. This performance will be a musical
number from a musical theater show. This year, the number will be taken from Oliver.







THE MADEIRA SCHOOL
2014 2015


REHEARSALS AND EVENTS:

As part of the course, students will be expected to participate in a dress rehearsal outside of regular class
time. This will take place on the following date:

Wednesday, October 8: 6:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m. Winterfest Dress Rehearsal


GRADING

Students are never permitted to re-do an assignment or do extra credit work to replace an unsatisfactory
grade. No grades are ever dropped.

Each assignment, activity or project will be graded in one or more of the following categories: Effort,
Collaboration, Product/Performance, Technique or Personal Growth, according to the Fine Arts
Assessment Rubric (see attached.)

When a project, activity or graded assignment is given, your teacher will announce the category in
which it will be graded. For example, you will be given an Effort (E) grade at the end of every week. A
quiz might be given a Technique (T) grade. A scene performance might be given Collaboration (C)
grade as well as a Product/Performance grade (P).

Each assignment is weighted equally within each category, and each category is weighted equally. At
the marking period, you will be given your average grade in each category. Your Term 1 grade is
calculated as follows:

EFFORT 20%
COLLABORATION 20%
PRODUCT/PERFORMANCE 20%
TECHNIQUE 20%
FINAL OLIVER PERFORMANCE 20%
100% of grade