Textbooks:
Course Objectives:
Theater, in one form or other, has existed for thousands of years. Through energy and imagination, theatre is a means to explore society, examine relationships, frame, expose, critique, and speculate. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basic elements of theatre, including acting, directing, movement, voice, design and technology, theatre management, writing, and theatre history. The student will gain practical experience in memorizing, performing, critiquing, and collaborating to produce pantomimes, monologues, and short scenes. This course will also teach students about different styles of theatre throughout history through reading, analyzing, and viewing live and pre-recorded productions. The student will become familiar with the three parts of an actor’s basic instrument (body, voice, and mind—imagination) and learn ways to improve personal stage presence in order to help build their self-confidence. This course focuses primarily on fundamental acting skills and basic creative and imaginative processes to instill an appreciation for the theater.
Area of Study will address the following THEATRE CONTENT STANDARDS:
1.0 Artistic Perception – Processing, analyzing and responding to sensory information through the language and skills unique to Theatre.
2.0 Creative Expression – Creating, Performing, and Participating in Theatre.
3.0 Historical and Cultural Context – Understanding the historical contributions and cultural dimensions of Theatre.
4.0 Aesthetic Valuing – Responding to, Analyzing, and Critiquing theatrical experiences.
5.0 Connections, Relationships, Applications – Connecting and Applying what is learned in Theatre, Film/Video, and Electronic
Media to other art forms and subject areas and to careers.
Course Requirements:
Ensemble Work Mime and Mask Improvisation
Directing and Staging Vocal Techniques Monologues
Scene Studies Set and Costumes Formal Writing for Theatre
Lighting and Sound Audience Etiquette Acting
Assignments, Homework, Make-Up Policy, and Extra Credit:
Theatre is a collaborative art form, so the ability to meet deadlines is an important basic skill. Assignments are due the day they are assigned. Most class assignments and homework assignments are approximately due one week after they are handed out to the class. Students are given a grade every day for their participation in class; this makes up for a large percentage of their grade. Points are lost when students are absent from class, refuse to participate in class assignments and activities or if classroom and/or school rules are violated (classroom rules are described below).
If a student has an excused absence from the class, the student has one extra day to complete the assignment past its original due date for every day the student was absent. If an absence occurs on the day a student is scheduled to perform in-class or after school, the student must provide a written excuse from their legal guardian verifying the reason for them missing their performance. The student will then be assigned to a new performance date or given an alternative assignment to complete. There will be no make-ups if you miss the second performance date. You can make-up a missed performance by attending a live production (which must be pre-approved by the teacher) and writing a formal two-page critique on the show. Students must attach a copy of their ticket or program to their two-page critique. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what they missed on the day(s) they were absent by looking in the absent bin to find any handouts or classroom materials.
Students are to keep a collection of theater vocabulary terms known as “the word of the day” with them at all times in their notebooks. Students will be given several pop quizzes on the daily theater vocabulary words. Students will be able to use their notebooks during the vocabulary test. Students will also be given one written final during their first semester and a performance-based final during their second semester. A large percentage of a student’s grade is based on their in-class performances. As long as a student tries their best in everything that they do; they will be successful throughout the completion of this course.
Required Attendance:
The Palm Springs High School Theatre Company produces around nine major productions throughout the school year. Students are required to attend ALL of the school’s productions throughout the school year. If a student is performing in one of the productions or working the show (Disney Dazzle, Homecoming Parade and/or the Homecoming Halftime Show, Boo2Bullying, the Mime Show, the Fall Play, the Winter Showcase, the dinner theatre productions, the Seasons of Love Showcase, the spring musical/play, and/or the original one act play night), this requirement becomes void as they are participating through performance or working. If they are not participating in a show through acting or being a member of the stage/production crew, then they must attend the performance as an audience member or be enrolled in our after-school play production class. After attending a school production, the student must write a formal two-page critique on the show and attach their program to their formal paper. There will be opportunities for the students to attend each of our school performances for free throughout the year. If a student will be out-of-town when the production is scheduled, a written note or email from a parent or guardian will be needed at least three weeks in advance. An alternative assignment will be given to those students who will be out-of-town on the day of the scheduled performance.
Student Learning Goals Addressed In Theatre 1:
Proficient Communicator Critical Thinker Independent Learner
Collaborative Worker Responsible Member of Society
Materials:
Students will be using the textbook Basic Drama Projects and Theatre: Art in Action several times throughout the year for classroom assignments. A class set has been provided for both textbooks so the students do not need to carry these books around school every day. Students will be using a variety of teacher made handouts, library materials, as well as scripts handed out by their teacher. Students need to have paper and writing materials with them every day for class to complete assignments. Students are able to check out books from our own Black Box library for a two week period as well as props and costumes to use for theatre classroom assignments and/or performances. All loaned materials are property of the Palm Springs High School Theatre Company, and in the case of damage or loss the student must pay a fair replacement/repair cost by cash or money order. No personal checks are accepted.
Grading Policy:
Each assignment is given a letter grade determined by the points possible.
50% - Daily Participation 10% - Homework and Class Written Assignments
30% - Performances 10% - Quizzes and Finals
Students who turn in late work are deducted one full letter grade for every day that the assignment is turned in past its original due date. Once a student has reached the 50% value mark on a late assignment, the student can still turn in the assignment for 50% credit throughout the rest of the semester. Students should get some credit for completing the work, regardless of when it is turned in.
Grading Scale:
100% - 95% A 79% - 77% C+
94% - 90% A- 76% - 75% C
89% - 85% B+ 74% - 70% C-
86% - 85% B 69% - 67% D+
84% - 80% B- 66% - 65% D
*Anything lower than a 60% is an F
Classroom Rules:
1. Do not talk when the teacher is talking.
2. Do not leave the classroom until the teacher dismisses you (the bell does not excuse you).
3. Follow all classroom instructions and school rules set forth by your teacher, school, and district.
4. Come to class prepared and ready to learn.
5. Always do your best (set a good example for others in everything that you do).
Consequences:
First Offense: A warning will be given out to all students
Second Offense: The student acting out will be placed into their own breakout room and parent will be notified
Third Offense: The student acting out will be removed from class and parent and administration will be notified of behavior
Fourth Offense: The student will be removed from class and will have a meeting with administration, the parent, and myself to sent to discuss how to handle the student’s behavior problem appropriately
- Basic Drama Projects 8th Edition by Fran Averett Tanner, Ph.D. [Class Set Provided]
- Theatre: Art in Action by Rob Taylor and Bob Strickland [Class Set provided for students]
Course Objectives:
Theater, in one form or other, has existed for thousands of years. Through energy and imagination, theatre is a means to explore society, examine relationships, frame, expose, critique, and speculate. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basic elements of theatre, including acting, directing, movement, voice, design and technology, theatre management, writing, and theatre history. The student will gain practical experience in memorizing, performing, critiquing, and collaborating to produce pantomimes, monologues, and short scenes. This course will also teach students about different styles of theatre throughout history through reading, analyzing, and viewing live and pre-recorded productions. The student will become familiar with the three parts of an actor’s basic instrument (body, voice, and mind—imagination) and learn ways to improve personal stage presence in order to help build their self-confidence. This course focuses primarily on fundamental acting skills and basic creative and imaginative processes to instill an appreciation for the theater.
Area of Study will address the following THEATRE CONTENT STANDARDS:
1.0 Artistic Perception – Processing, analyzing and responding to sensory information through the language and skills unique to Theatre.
2.0 Creative Expression – Creating, Performing, and Participating in Theatre.
3.0 Historical and Cultural Context – Understanding the historical contributions and cultural dimensions of Theatre.
4.0 Aesthetic Valuing – Responding to, Analyzing, and Critiquing theatrical experiences.
5.0 Connections, Relationships, Applications – Connecting and Applying what is learned in Theatre, Film/Video, and Electronic
Media to other art forms and subject areas and to careers.
Course Requirements:
Ensemble Work Mime and Mask Improvisation
Directing and Staging Vocal Techniques Monologues
Scene Studies Set and Costumes Formal Writing for Theatre
Lighting and Sound Audience Etiquette Acting
Assignments, Homework, Make-Up Policy, and Extra Credit:
Theatre is a collaborative art form, so the ability to meet deadlines is an important basic skill. Assignments are due the day they are assigned. Most class assignments and homework assignments are approximately due one week after they are handed out to the class. Students are given a grade every day for their participation in class; this makes up for a large percentage of their grade. Points are lost when students are absent from class, refuse to participate in class assignments and activities or if classroom and/or school rules are violated (classroom rules are described below).
If a student has an excused absence from the class, the student has one extra day to complete the assignment past its original due date for every day the student was absent. If an absence occurs on the day a student is scheduled to perform in-class or after school, the student must provide a written excuse from their legal guardian verifying the reason for them missing their performance. The student will then be assigned to a new performance date or given an alternative assignment to complete. There will be no make-ups if you miss the second performance date. You can make-up a missed performance by attending a live production (which must be pre-approved by the teacher) and writing a formal two-page critique on the show. Students must attach a copy of their ticket or program to their two-page critique. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what they missed on the day(s) they were absent by looking in the absent bin to find any handouts or classroom materials.
Students are to keep a collection of theater vocabulary terms known as “the word of the day” with them at all times in their notebooks. Students will be given several pop quizzes on the daily theater vocabulary words. Students will be able to use their notebooks during the vocabulary test. Students will also be given one written final during their first semester and a performance-based final during their second semester. A large percentage of a student’s grade is based on their in-class performances. As long as a student tries their best in everything that they do; they will be successful throughout the completion of this course.
Required Attendance:
The Palm Springs High School Theatre Company produces around nine major productions throughout the school year. Students are required to attend ALL of the school’s productions throughout the school year. If a student is performing in one of the productions or working the show (Disney Dazzle, Homecoming Parade and/or the Homecoming Halftime Show, Boo2Bullying, the Mime Show, the Fall Play, the Winter Showcase, the dinner theatre productions, the Seasons of Love Showcase, the spring musical/play, and/or the original one act play night), this requirement becomes void as they are participating through performance or working. If they are not participating in a show through acting or being a member of the stage/production crew, then they must attend the performance as an audience member or be enrolled in our after-school play production class. After attending a school production, the student must write a formal two-page critique on the show and attach their program to their formal paper. There will be opportunities for the students to attend each of our school performances for free throughout the year. If a student will be out-of-town when the production is scheduled, a written note or email from a parent or guardian will be needed at least three weeks in advance. An alternative assignment will be given to those students who will be out-of-town on the day of the scheduled performance.
Student Learning Goals Addressed In Theatre 1:
Proficient Communicator Critical Thinker Independent Learner
Collaborative Worker Responsible Member of Society
Materials:
Students will be using the textbook Basic Drama Projects and Theatre: Art in Action several times throughout the year for classroom assignments. A class set has been provided for both textbooks so the students do not need to carry these books around school every day. Students will be using a variety of teacher made handouts, library materials, as well as scripts handed out by their teacher. Students need to have paper and writing materials with them every day for class to complete assignments. Students are able to check out books from our own Black Box library for a two week period as well as props and costumes to use for theatre classroom assignments and/or performances. All loaned materials are property of the Palm Springs High School Theatre Company, and in the case of damage or loss the student must pay a fair replacement/repair cost by cash or money order. No personal checks are accepted.
Grading Policy:
Each assignment is given a letter grade determined by the points possible.
50% - Daily Participation 10% - Homework and Class Written Assignments
30% - Performances 10% - Quizzes and Finals
Students who turn in late work are deducted one full letter grade for every day that the assignment is turned in past its original due date. Once a student has reached the 50% value mark on a late assignment, the student can still turn in the assignment for 50% credit throughout the rest of the semester. Students should get some credit for completing the work, regardless of when it is turned in.
Grading Scale:
100% - 95% A 79% - 77% C+
94% - 90% A- 76% - 75% C
89% - 85% B+ 74% - 70% C-
86% - 85% B 69% - 67% D+
84% - 80% B- 66% - 65% D
*Anything lower than a 60% is an F
Classroom Rules:
1. Do not talk when the teacher is talking.
2. Do not leave the classroom until the teacher dismisses you (the bell does not excuse you).
3. Follow all classroom instructions and school rules set forth by your teacher, school, and district.
4. Come to class prepared and ready to learn.
5. Always do your best (set a good example for others in everything that you do).
Consequences:
First Offense: A warning will be given out to all students
Second Offense: The student acting out will be placed into their own breakout room and parent will be notified
Third Offense: The student acting out will be removed from class and parent and administration will be notified of behavior
Fourth Offense: The student will be removed from class and will have a meeting with administration, the parent, and myself to sent to discuss how to handle the student’s behavior problem appropriately
Calendar of Events for Theatre 2
*Please note that these dates and times can change at any time.
FIRST SEMESTER
D Dazzle Showcase [Required]
*Students must be involved in the production of the show or perform/design in an in-class scene.
Fall Play [Optional] (Fairytale Courtroom by Dana Proulx) – In the PSHS Black Box Theatre
*Students are required to participate in this production by being a performer or production crew member (unless enrolled in zero period Stagecraft). Practices for the fall play are as follows: CAST A – Zero Period and Mondays and Thursdays after-school from 4-5 PM; CAST B – Zero Period and Tuesdays and Fridays after-school from 4-5 PM. If a student does not participate, they are required to attend one of the performances (FREE OF CHARGE) and write a two-page critique on the production.
Homecoming Parade [Required]
Homecoming Halftime Show [Required]
Ain't Too Proud Fieldtrip [Optional] (Students have the opportunity to attend a National Touring Production at the Segerstrom in Orange County)
Mime Show [Required] (Students must be involved in the production of the show)
Spring Play Auditions: Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and adapted by Claude Townley [Optional]
Winter Showcase [Required] (Students must be involved in the production of the show)
SECOND SEMESTER
Film Festival [Required] (Students need to work at least one shift)
*This is our biggest fundraiser for the year. We raise over $7,000 each year for our theatre program to provide 40 students with the opportunity to take a private theatre workshop at Disneyland and Disneyland’s California Adventure Park each year free of charge. Students work in anywhere from 1 to 3 hour shifts selling drinks, food, and merchandise to the film festival attendees and have the opportunity to see the films, actors, directors, and celebrities at the festival for free. Students can sign up for shifts before they leave for Winter Break.
English Speaking Union Shakespeare Competition [Optional]
(Shakespeare Acting Competition – Students have the opportunity to compete and win a full paid trip to compete in New York City at Lincoln Center)
Season of Love Showcase [Required] (Students must be involved in the production of the show)
One Act Play Night [Required] (Students will perform a full length play)
Spring Play (Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and adapted by Claude Townley) [Optional]
*Students are required to participate in this production by being a performer or production crew Member (unless they are already enrolled in zero period Stagecraft). If a student does not participate they are required to attend one of the performances (FREE OF CHARGE) and write a two-page critique on the production. Practices for the spring play are as follows: CAST A - Zero Period and Mondays and Thursdays after-school from 4 to 5 PM; CAST B - Zero Period and Tuesdays and Fridays after-school from 4 to 5 PM.
MJ: The Musical Fieldtrip [Optional] (Students have the opportunity to attend a National Touring Production at the Segerstrom in Orange County)
Beetlejuice Musical Fieldtrip [Optional] (Students have the opportunity to attend a National Touring Production at the Segerstrom in Orange County)
Original One Act Play Night [Required] (Students write and perform their own original one act plays)
Disney's Imagination Campus Fieldtrip [Optional] (Students can raise money to attend this exclusive theatre workshop)
Awards Night / Thespian Induction [Optional] (Students can choose to attend or not)
*End of the year celebration with free food and drinks to honor those students who have excelled in theatre during the 2023-2024 school year.
**Thespian Induction is for those students who have earned at least 10 Thespian points and completed their induction requirements.
FIRST SEMESTER
D Dazzle Showcase [Required]
*Students must be involved in the production of the show or perform/design in an in-class scene.
- After-School Rehearsal in the Auditorium
- Thursday September 19th from 4-6 PM
- Performance ($2 Students / $3 Adults)
- Wednesday September 20th at 6:30 PM [Auditorium]
- Call time: 5:00 PM
- Wednesday September 20th at 6:30 PM [Auditorium]
Fall Play [Optional] (Fairytale Courtroom by Dana Proulx) – In the PSHS Black Box Theatre
*Students are required to participate in this production by being a performer or production crew member (unless enrolled in zero period Stagecraft). Practices for the fall play are as follows: CAST A – Zero Period and Mondays and Thursdays after-school from 4-5 PM; CAST B – Zero Period and Tuesdays and Fridays after-school from 4-5 PM. If a student does not participate, they are required to attend one of the performances (FREE OF CHARGE) and write a two-page critique on the production.
- Auditions: September 26th and 27th [Optional]
- Zero Period or from 4-5 PM (after-school)
- Crew Interviews: September 28th [Optional]
- Zero Period or from 4-5 PM (after-school)
- Students can also interview in class
- Zero Period or from 4-5 PM (after-school)
- Teasers (School Performance [Periods 1-6]): Thursday November 16th
- Performances ($5.00 Students / $7.00 Adults)
- Cast A - Friday November 17th at 7:00 PM
- Cast A - Saturday November 18th at 2:00 PM
- Cast B - Saturday November 18th at 7:00 PM
- Cast B – Sunday November 19th at 2:00 PM
Homecoming Parade [Required]
- Wednesday October 18th, 2023
Homecoming Halftime Show [Required]
- Friday October 20th, 2023
Ain't Too Proud Fieldtrip [Optional] (Students have the opportunity to attend a National Touring Production at the Segerstrom in Orange County)
- Tuesday October 24th, 2023
Mime Show [Required] (Students must be involved in the production of the show)
- After-School Rehearsal: Thursday November 4th
- Group 1: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Group 2: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Day of Silence: Thursday November 4th [Optional]
- Teasers (School Performance [Per. 3-6]): Thursday November 3rd
- Teasers: Report to school at 8:45 AM to the auditorium
- Performance: Friday November 3rd
- 7:00 PM ($2.00 Students / $3.00 Adults)
- Call Time: 5:30 PM
- 7:00 PM ($2.00 Students / $3.00 Adults)
Spring Play Auditions: Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and adapted by Claude Townley [Optional]
- Informational Meeting in the PSHS Black Box Theatre
- November 9th from 4 to 5 PM
- Auditions
- November 28th and 29th
- Zero Period and after-school from 4 to 5 PM
- November 28th and 29th
- Crew Interviews
- November 30th
- Zero Period and after-school from 4 to 5 PM
- November 30th
Winter Showcase [Required] (Students must be involved in the production of the show)
- After-School Rehearsal
- Monday December 4th from 4 to 6 PM in the auditorium
- Performance in the Richards Center for the Arts
- Tuesday December 5th at 6:30 PM ($2 Students / $3 Adults)
- Call Time: 5:00 PM in the auditorium
- Tuesday December 5th at 6:30 PM ($2 Students / $3 Adults)
SECOND SEMESTER
Film Festival [Required] (Students need to work at least one shift)
*This is our biggest fundraiser for the year. We raise over $7,000 each year for our theatre program to provide 40 students with the opportunity to take a private theatre workshop at Disneyland and Disneyland’s California Adventure Park each year free of charge. Students work in anywhere from 1 to 3 hour shifts selling drinks, food, and merchandise to the film festival attendees and have the opportunity to see the films, actors, directors, and celebrities at the festival for free. Students can sign up for shifts before they leave for Winter Break.
English Speaking Union Shakespeare Competition [Optional]
(Shakespeare Acting Competition – Students have the opportunity to compete and win a full paid trip to compete in New York City at Lincoln Center)
- School Site Competition: Wednesday January 31st, 2024
- From 4:30 to 5:30 PM in the PSHS Black Box Theatre
- Two winners and one alternate will be selected to represent PSHS at regionals
- From 4:30 to 5:30 PM in the PSHS Black Box Theatre
- Regional Competition [Richard’s Center for the Performing Arts – First Round / PSHS Black Box Theatre – Finals]: Friday February 23rd, 2024
- National Competition in New York City: TBD in the month of April
Season of Love Showcase [Required] (Students must be involved in the production of the show)
- After-School Rehearsal in the Auditorium
- Monday February 12th from 4 to 6 PM
- Performance in the Richards Center for the Arts
- Tuesday February 13th at 6:30 PM
- Call Time: 5:00 PM
- Tuesday February 13th at 6:30 PM
One Act Play Night [Required] (Students will perform a full length play)
- After-School Technical Rehearsal
- Thursday February 29th, 2024 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM
- Performance ($2.00 Students / $3.00 Adults)
- Friday March 1st, 2024 at 6:30 PM
- Friday March 1st, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Spring Play (Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and adapted by Claude Townley) [Optional]
*Students are required to participate in this production by being a performer or production crew Member (unless they are already enrolled in zero period Stagecraft). If a student does not participate they are required to attend one of the performances (FREE OF CHARGE) and write a two-page critique on the production. Practices for the spring play are as follows: CAST A - Zero Period and Mondays and Thursdays after-school from 4 to 5 PM; CAST B - Zero Period and Tuesdays and Fridays after-school from 4 to 5 PM.
- Teasers
- Tuesday March 12th, 2024
- Periods 3-6 (Call Time: 8:45 AM)
- 8th Grade Orientation Performance
- Thursday March 14th from 9:30 to 11:30 AM
- Performances ($8.00 Students / $10.00 Adults / $15.00 VIP):
- Invited Final Dress Rehearsal for CAST A – Wednesday March 13th at 5 PM
- Invited Final Dress Rehearsal for CAST B -- Thursday March 14th at 5 PM
- Friday March 15th at 7:00 PM - CAST A
- Saturday March 16th at 2:00 PM - CAST A
- Saturday March 16th at 7:00 PM - CAST B
- Sunday March 17th at 2:00 PM - CAST B
MJ: The Musical Fieldtrip [Optional] (Students have the opportunity to attend a National Touring Production at the Segerstrom in Orange County)
- Tuesday March 19th, 2024
Beetlejuice Musical Fieldtrip [Optional] (Students have the opportunity to attend a National Touring Production at the Segerstrom in Orange County)
- Tuesday April 23rd, 2024
Original One Act Play Night [Required] (Students write and perform their own original one act plays)
- After-School Technical Rehearsal
- Monday April 29th, 2024 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM
- Performance ($2.00 Students / $3.00 Adults)
- Tuesday April 30th, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Disney's Imagination Campus Fieldtrip [Optional] (Students can raise money to attend this exclusive theatre workshop)
- TBD
Awards Night / Thespian Induction [Optional] (Students can choose to attend or not)
*End of the year celebration with free food and drinks to honor those students who have excelled in theatre during the 2023-2024 school year.
**Thespian Induction is for those students who have earned at least 10 Thespian points and completed their induction requirements.
- Tuesday May 21st at 5:00 PM [Induction] and at 6:00 PM [Awards Night] in the Richards Center for the Arts