Theater Arts Syllabus
Mrs. Ryan
2006-2007
Essential Questions:
The following questions will guide our learning this semester.
Unit One: The Basics/ Sound and Movement
1. How do I prepare myself? The Actor’s Process
• Focus/ Relaxation
• Vocal Technique
• Physicality
• Intention and Action
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Unit Two: Space, Movement and Relationship
2. How do I work in a group? The Rehearsal Process
• The role of the director
• Viewpoints
• Blocking
• Group Dynamics
• Observations/ Awareness
Unit Three: History and Styles
1. What are some different styles of theater?
• storytelling
• children’s theater
• docudrama
• guerilla theater
• absurdist theater
2. What are some different historic styles of theater?
• Greek – the chorus
• Italian Renaissance – Commedia Dell’arte
• Elizabethan – Shakespeare
• 20th Century – modern playwrights
Grading:
Weekly blog journal 30%
Play response paper 20%
Theater Tech Assignment 20%
Daily Activity 30%
Blog Journals:
Three times a week you will check the class blog. On there I may have an article posted or a journal question for you to answer. Respond to the article or the question in the comments section of the post. When you respond the time will be recorded. All threee weekly blog journals are due by Friday at 5:00pm.
• Clarity: be clear
• Focus: stay on topic
• Insight: make connections
Play Response Paper:
We will be going on at least one fieldtrip this semester and you will have the opportunity to see the fall play at school as well. Either one of those play viewing events or one of your own choosing may be the basis for your response paper. The paper will be 3 – 5 pages in length. The Play Response Paper is may be turned in anytime before Thanksgiving break. Any paper turned in after Dec 2 will only get half credit for the assignment.
Directions:
You need to include the following topics in your paper:
1. Give a brief synopsis of the plot.
2. What do you think the director’s overall vision for the show was?
3. What did you think of the performances?
4. How did the design (set, costumes, lighting) help support the story/performances?
5. What did you like best about the production?
6. What did you not like about the production?
Be specific. Use specific examples from the play to help support what you say.
Your paper should be 3 - 5 pages long and 1.5 spaced with 12 pt font.
It is due DECEMBER 2. Friday after Thanksgiving.
Theater Tech Assigment:
Everyone in class needs to put in at least three hours of work on the fall play. This may include set construction, painting, lighting, costuming, makeup, stage management. Even if you play sports after school, the hours of tech vary so greatly we’ll be able to find a time that you can get your hours in. No excuses!
Tech Hours must be completed by the end of Fall play’s run which is November 2.
Daily Activity:
This includes everything else in the class such as participation, risk taking, skills attained, coming prepared, working without distractions, etc.
You will get a Daily Activity Grade at the end of each two week period. This should tell you how you are performing in class.
Other Things to Consider:
• Don’t wear short skirts or high heels to this class as we will be moving around a lot.
• Be on time! I count tardies.
• If you miss class you better be throwing up at home. Missing a class with so much group activities affects the whole group’s learning not just your own.
• Come with an open mind and ready to try new things.
• AUDITION, AUDITION, GET INVOLVED, PAINT, SEW, HAMMER!!!
