Syllabus

 

Greetings and welcome to the Dripping Springs Middle School Theatre Department!  We are tremendously excited about the upcoming year. We are very fortunate to have a school faculty and administration that realizes the importance of cultivating theatre at the middle school level. Building an outstanding theatre program requires the efforts of teachers, students, parents, and community members.  This year we need your contributions in time, talent and support. The chance to produce theatre is a privilege, one with the power to move audiences of all ages. Our mission is to instill a deep respect and knowledge of the craft of theatre in its many forms.

 

This handbook contains pertinent information about grading policies, classroom rules and expectations, classroom materials, and more.  I look forward to working with you as we experience what the wide world of theatre has to offer. Please call me at 858-3440 or email me at meg.steiner@dsisd.txed.net if you have questions or concerns.  The best time to reach me by phone is after 4:30.  If I am unavailable, please leave a detailed message and I will make every effort to respond within 24 hours.  I encourage you and your student to use Skyward and my website for quick updates on activities.

 

 

Theatre Objectives

 

• Building an ensemble

• Developing focus

• Physical inhibition

• Ensemble work

• Projection

•   Breath control

•   Articulation

•   Physical awareness on stage

•  Types of stages

•   Appropriate theatrical behavior

•  Producing Scenes

•  Understanding the hierarchy of theatre

 

Grades

 

Grading Policy-These are performance and participation-based classes, requiring not only a demonstration of content mastery, but also effort and contribution to the group. Late and incomplete assignments may be completed for credit in accordance with DSMS late work policy with the exception of scheduled performances.

 

 

“The only failure is the failure to participate!”

 

In theatre you must participate to learn.  Know and respect that we are in different places in our learning.  We each need to know where we are in our learning, and we need to respect where others are in their learning.  Excellent participation looks like a willingness to try new things, jumping right in even if you make a mistake, a willingness to volunteer, putting 100% energy and focus into each activity, and showing improvement with each activity.

 

 

75% Summative Grades : These include tests, quizzes, projects, and performances.  Students will have a one day window to turn in late work for a maximum grade of 70 except performances.   After the one day window, the grade will be a zero.. Students have the opportunity to correct and retest for a grade of 70 on quizzes and tests.

  

25% Formative Grades:  These include pop quizzes, daily assignments, skills practice, in-class rehearsal, journaling, and homework.  Students have a two day window to turn in late work for a maximum grade of 70.  After the two day window, the grade will be a zero.  Students have no opportunity to correct for a grade.

 

Eligibility

 

All students must be academically eligible to participate in any U.I.L events as determined by the “no pass, no play rule”. In order to be academically eligible, all classes (including electives) must have a grade of 70 or better on the report card prior to the event. If a student has any grade on their report card below a 70, they are considered ineligible. In this case, a student may regain eligibility at the next three-week progress report if they are passing ALL classes. Alternatively, students cannot lose eligibility at the three-week mark if they passed their classes on the previous six weeks report card. There are no exceptions to this rule. When the class is preparing for a competition, academically ineligible students will be given alternative assignments as it is imperative that the group practices with every participating member.

 

 We are fortunate to have new facilities for theatre in DSISD. Maintaining the theatre room and the new auditorium stage should be a top priority for our students. No food or drink (except water) is allowed in either space, unless approved by the director. In addition, all furniture in the theatre room is to be treated with the utmost care. These pieces are props and will need to be used in shows in years to come.

 

Supplies

 

Everyone will need to have access to comfortable clothing in which they can move freely, (such as sweat pants, dance wear, jazz pants, gym clothes), comfortable shoes with good arch support are recommended.

It is suggested, but not required, that actors acquire a pair of character shoes and jazz shoes. Tennis shoes are required for technicians. We will let you know in advance when you will need these items.

 

WISH LIST

 

I am including a “Theatre Wish List” of items that we always seem to need in the world of theatre. Many of these are consumable items and disappear quickly. Please feel free to send any of these items at the beginning of the school year, or as you discover them throughout the year. Thank you in advance for your support! And your generosity is greatly appreciated.

 

• Paper towels

• Paper plates

• Kleenex

• Duct tape

• Masking tape

• Construction paper

• Paint brushes (all sizes)

• Rollers Paint trays

• Paint (interesting colors for set painting)

• Sewing notions (thread/ elastic/ Velcro/ safety pins/ trim/ etc.)

• Fabric

• Costumes/clothing items (unique pieces/ prom dresses/ vintage, old suites, ties, etc.

• Props (lamps, telephones, trays, fans, etc)

• Furniture (couches, coffee tables, end tables, benches, chairs, etc.)

 

MAJOR PRODUCTIONS

 

Below is an example of what is required when choosing to participate in a major production (Spring Musical, One act Play etc.)

 

★ Grades It is your responsibility to manage your time wisely so that you are still able to finish your homework even if you have rehearsals in the evenings. Grades come first. If you find that you are failing any class, please get help. Keep us aware of your grade situation if there is reason for concern.

 

★ Behavior : You are expected to be on your best behavior during rehearsals, crew hours and performances. This allows the other actors and crew members to get the maximum amount of work done. If you are continually distracting or distracted during the rehearsal process, you will be removed from the company. Additionally, you are required to represent the musical outside of rehearsals. If we find that you are causing problems in your classes, a conference will be held with your teachers to determine the best actions to take in order to correct the problem. If the problems are habitual, you may be removed from the show.

 

★ Memorization  You are required to have your lines memorized before we stage a scene or song. You may use your score for vocal rehearsal, but you MUST be off-book on the day your scene/song is staged. Your songs, blocking and dances must be learned by the second time we do them in rehearsal. All lines and songs must be memorized by the given date.

 

★ Preparation Be sure to bring your materials to rehearsal. Cast and crew members should always have a pencil and paper or a notebook. Cast should have a water bottle, your script/score, and an audio recording device for vocal rehearsals. The cast should have the proper clothing (check rule sheet) and crew should always be dressed for painting or getting messy.

 

★ Attendance It is your responsibility to turn in a conflict sheet in advance with all conflicts listed. If illness or emergencies arise, e-mail or call Ms. Hinson with as much advance warning as possible. It is not acceptable rehearsal etiquette to arrive late or leave early. If you are absent when we stage something, you may be cut from that section. However, if you “skip” a rehearsal, you will be removed from your role. During a production, there will be a “NO ONE CAN MISS REHEARSAL AFTER _______ DATE”. Other than emergencies, there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this. If you know you cannot attend  rehearsal after that date, do not accept your role.  I understand that it can be difficult to juggle all of the activities everyone is involved in. Being cast in a show is a privilege, and unfortunately, we cannot always be in and do everything we want. If you choose to accept a principal role, you are making a choice to commit to the production, and during this time will fully commit to it.

 

★Hair Please do not do anything strange to your hair. No coloring, cutting or changing your hair. You may get a trim.

 

★Rehearsal Attire. Think athletic or dance wear. Boys - sweat/jazz pants or shorts and T-shirt.  Girls - sweat/jazz pants or leggings and T-shirt or tank top. Everyone - Tennis shoes, jazz shoes or character shoes. NO FLIP FLOPS, OPEN TOED SHOES, VANS, CONVERSE, SOCKS WITHOUT SHOES, BARE FEET, ETC. YOU WILL WEAR SHOES WITH SUPPORT. No jeans, skirts, dresses, slacks, or constricting clothing. No clothing that is revealing or inappropriate for school. Crew dress for painting and getting messy.

 

★Be On Time. Being late is disrespectful to your colleagues, your Stage Manager, and your director. Being on time means being early. Go straight to the cafeteria right after school.

 

★Be Prepared. Always bring: your score and/or script (even if you’re memorized), a pencil, a bottle of water, rehearsal/crew clothing, and a notebook. Long hair should be kept out of the face. Also, bring your rehearsal/crew schedule so that you can adjust it for any changes.

 

★Being there. Sign yourself in with the Stage Manager. Do not sign your friends in. Be sure the Stage Manager is always aware of your whereabouts, even if it is an emergency trip to the rest rooms or water fountain. It is vital that we always know where you are.

 

★Warm ups. Warming up is a part of your job as an actor. You should arrive at rehearsal early so you can be ready for the demands of the rehearsal. Do not skip warm ups. They begin at 4:15. Rehearsal begins 10 minutes later. Warm ups only serve a purpose if you warm up with the same energy, focus and dedication as you use on stage. DO NOT SKIP WARM UPS! Do not engage in any activity (vocal or physical) that will result in the delay of warm-ups/rehearsals.

 

 

★Rehearsal Props/Costumes If you know your costume will be a long dress, it makes sense to rehearse in a long skirt, and of course the proper shoes. You should bring fake props (paper for a letter, a water bottle for a microphone, etc.) as soon as you know you will be using one. Sometimes the Stage Manager or props crew will provide you with a rehearsal prop - try not to let anything bad happen to it! DO NOT TOUCH ANYONE ELSE’S PROPS!!!

 

★Silence. When not on stage, make productive use of your time by doing homework, reading or studying. When the crew is working inside the rehearsal space, please be silent. If working in another room, you may talk quietly. You may all talk to friends on designated breaks. If there is a lull in the stage action, it’s because the director is trying to figure something out. It’s not the chance to start whispering to your neighbor. Stay quiet, focused and ready for your instructions. This is crucial to an effective working environment.

 

★Missing Rehearsal/Crew. You have made a commitment to the show. Do not miss rehearsals. If you miss a scene or song that you were supposed to be in, it is your responsibility to learn it or you will not be in it. Missing crew times is not acceptable. Planning is done ahead of time and we will be counting on you to be there.

 

★Stage Property. Set pieces and props do not belong to you. Prop tables are only for props. Prop chairs and set pieces should not be used when they are offstage. Props should not be removed from where they are set. You may only touch a prop that has been assigned to your character and it may only be used in the proper fashion and at the time scheduled to rehearse with it. Crew members take responsibility for the scenery, props and costumes and should treat them as such.

 

★Missing Cues. Be alert to your duties on and off stage and be ready and alert at all times. It is the actor’s responsibility to enter on time and without rushing. It is the crew member’s responsibility to be sure an actor has the appropriate props in hand. Make sure you know your responsibilities and be there and ready.

 

★Memorization. You will use your sheet music as you learn songs, but you will be required to know the words without looking. Write down your blocking/dances and be sure to review your notes before each rehearsal. You are responsible for knowing music, dancing and blocking the second time it is rehearsed. Don’t make the director and your peers back-track on your account!

 

★Complaints. Never complain about costumes, props or scenery unless they physically prevent you from action given by the director.

 

★Don’t direct other cast/crew members. That is not your job and it will cause a great deal of resentment among your castmates.

 

★Conflicts. If you are clashing with someone or have a problem or situation, alert Ms. Hinson. Remember, onstage we all have to work together, so keep things offstage as pleasant as possible. 

 

★Respect. The rehearsal room is a place for actors to explore ideas. No choice is wrong and actors should feel comfortable at all times. Do not make fun of each other or make each other feel uncomfortable for taking chances. We all have only one goal - a great show!

 

Also, when you audition for a show, you should be willing to accept any role that is offered to you, and not only participate if you get the specific role you want. Dropping out of a show purely because you didn’t get the lead shows poor character and will be considered during future auditions within the district.

 

 

 

Forms

Forms required for classes and productions will be made available online as needed

 

Project Samples

Project Samples can be used to inspire excellent work on various projects throughout the year