Course Description
Welcome to Drama! This course is designed to give you a deeper understanding of the theatrical arts. Additionally,l you may find new insights into yourself by delving into the various forms and modes of dramatic composition, structure, and technique. The objective of the class is to provide the "tools" of analysis which give each student a boost into the world of the total imaginative process that makes up the art of theater - all the while developing your own strengths as performer and playwright.
Class work will involve:
- Physical and vocal warm-ups
- Theater games
- Movement training
- Pantomime
- Lecture and discussion
- Reading of scripts
- Improvisational activities
- Presentation of monologues and scenes, and one acts.
Homework will include:
- A two page type written critique on certain aspects of a live, staged theatrical production. This means you must go see a real, live, play. The critique will be due by Thanksgiving.
- Researching, memorizing, and rehearsing two monologues. One needs to be funny, and the other serious. They should each be about two minutes in length, and need to be completely memorized and staged. These are monologues of your own choosing, or creation. Collections of monologues can easily be obtained from any library or bookstore, and the internet abounds with them. Each monologue you choose has to be approved by me, and will be performed in front of your fellow drama students. Costumes and props are required and will help greatly to get "in character". The monologues will be due mid-October.
- Researching, memorizing, and rehearsing a scene. You will be working with a small, assigned group on a piece of our mutual choosing. The work will require your group to do a certain amount of meeting together outside of class time to plan your costuming, props, set, and staging, depending upon how elaborate you get. The scene work will be due the week before Xmas break.
Field Trips:
The whole class will go to a couple of local plays this year. The first will be on in the later fall to the Nevada County Fairgrounds to see Foothill Theatre Company's production of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night". Permission slips with all details will go home soon.
Classroom Expectations
Things we can do without:
- Absences
- Food and gum
- Tight clothes
- Headphones
- Late work
Grading
The following are a must:
- handing in all assignments on time
- performing on schedule
- having perfect attendance
- working hard
- demonstrating you understand the concepts introduced
The work you will be completing:
- Critique: A two page typewritten critique on specific aspects of a live play 250 points
Due right before Thanksgiving holiday break
- Two monologues: 100 points each = 200 points
Due mid-October
- One group Scene: 250 points
Due the week before x-mas holiday break
- Attendance and participation. These points are dependent upon your positive contribution and participation in class.
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Assignment Categories |
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Letter Grades |
| Critique of live play |
25% |
A: 90% and above
B: 80% and above
C: 70% and above
D: 60% and above
F: below 60% |
| Monologues |
20% |
| Scene study |
25% |
| Class participation and attendance |
30% |
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Late Policy
No late work, not even a day late. If you are absent, please make an appointment with me to get caught up. No work = no grade.
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