What happens in Drama Class?
In drama class we play a lot of skill building games, and do a lot of collaborative group work. We move around a lot, and the only time you really sit down is when you are watching someone else do something entertaining. You will get the opportunity to create your own scenes, as well as perform from scripts. We learn about movement for the stage, how to change your voice to suit a particular character, and how to think outside of the box with improv games. So if you like to create things with your peers, and you want to learn how to be confident in front of a group of people, think about signing up for drama!
8th graders practicing old age make-up
Instructional Philosophy:
This class is meant to serve as an introduction to the world of theatre arts. The course is focused on expanding the student’s exposure to different types of theatrical techniques, as well as the many types of people involved in a theatrical production. Classes are also designed to teach you how theatre arts can support, reinforce, and enrich your life. Confident public speaking, creativity, and ensemble work are skills that will be honed in class but useful through out a student’s life.
In class we will focus on:
enhancing self-awareness and self-confidence
inspiring creative expression
developing physical and vocal expression
improving focus and maintaining concentration
enriching communication skills and social interaction
using drama to promote and cultivate reading, writing, and speaking
deepening understanding of human behavior within the context of drama
Students will learn:
the basic terms needed to work and communicate with other theatrical artists
be introduced to the world of Improvisation
movement for the stage
vocal projection and differentiation
how to analyze a character in the context of a script
how to draw upon an actor’s own experiences in order to create a believable character
a quick introduction to world of technical theater
Class Expectations:
Respect everyone in the room. That includes your teacher, your classmates, and yourself.
Don’t pick up/play with things in the classroom that are not yours. At times there will be props from other classes or an after-school production on the stage—Please don’t touch them!
Don’t leave things a mess—using the costumes and props from the theatre department is a privilege, not a right. If you abuse this privilege, you may not be able to use them in future class projects.
Keep your mind open to new ideas and the ideas of others—at least give it a try.
Take creative risks in your work—challenge yourself, don’t go for what is “safe”.
If you should need to leave the room for any reason, check with me first.
No gum or hats in class. Stoller Policy.
Assessment and Grading:
The summary judgments of all Academic Learning Targets will be averaged and the following scale will be used to determine the grade:
A: 3.4 - 4.0
B: 2.7 - 3.3
C: 2.0 - 2.6
D: 1.6 - 1.9
F: <1.6
These averages are based upon written class work, daily participation, homework, and performance grades.
Extra Credit:
Go to any live theater performance during the semester. It can be a professional performance or at a school. (You were planning on seeing at least one of our school plays anyway, right?) Bring back the program with your name and a parent/guardian signature for an assignment that will give you a 4 in the Foundations learning target. Write a one-page review of the show, and you could earn up two 4’s in that category. If you are interested in doing this ask me for a review guide.
