Rising Stars Syllabus Course Contract

Williams High School – C103 

Instructor: Kelli Sutton
E-Mail: Kelli.Sutton@pisd.edu
Phone: 469 – 752 - 8300 Ext:28461
Tutorials:  By Appointment Only

Overview

This course is an advanced level theater class. Acting techniques, technical theatre, and the fundamentals of play production are taught. The course also includes the training of the speaking voice, the study of stage diction, and an exploration of theatre history. Students will be required to read plays and see local productions.

Foundations of Theatre
Students will understand the value and purpose of using listening, observation, concentration, cooperation, and emotional and sensory recall. They will develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques. They will develop and practice stage movement techniques such as mime, pantomime, Laban, Lecoq, or Viewpoints consistently to express thoughts, feelings, and actions non-verbally. They will develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings. They will analyze characters by describing attributes such as physical, intellectual, emotional, and social dimensions through reading scripts of published plays. They will demonstrate a working knowledge of the language of theatre such as stage terminology, elements of theatre, or theatrical conventions. They will analyze and describe the interdependence of all theatrical elements

Creative Expression: Performance

Students will be able to demonstrate the safe use of the voice and body and employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings. They will define creativity as it relates to personal expression. They will use 

Production Process 

Students will be able to identify and safely utilize tools and materials; demonstrating design and execution of scenery, scenic painting, costumes, lighting, sound, marketing, stage management, and properties.  They will be able to identify the various roles in the production process while being able to identify paperwork for each. Each student will be required to be apart of each theatrical production. 

 
Historical & Cultural Relevance

Students will research to establish historical and cultural accuracy in theatrical design. They will also get to explore multi-cultural heritages of key figures, works and trends in the United States and world dramatic literature. They will explore production and technology innovations in the area of lighting. Students will research the impact live theatre and electronic media has on contemporary society.

Critical Evaluation & Response

Students will understand the use of resumes and portfolios and create their own. We will cover constructive self and peer evaluation in regards to theatre as an art form in addition to critiquing live theatre, film, T.V. etc.   They will connect theatre skills and experiences to higher education and careers. 

Rising Stars Productions Student Contract

I pledge to follow the classroom expectations, fulfill the course requirements and maintain academic success to the best of my ability. 

I understand  that I will be expected to adhere to the following requirements of the course and will also be graded on the following.

1. Show Attendance: Student must attend 2 shows per nine weeks and write a critique following the provided guidelines.
   
   
2. Grading & Absences: Student understands and takes responsibility for work missed for any excused or unexcused absence. Student understands the grading policies outlined in this packet and  is responsible for following their grades and communicating any discrepancy.
   
   
3. Course Participation: Participation is a large part of the student’s daily grade.  Failure to participate or partially participation will result in a subtraction from their grade.  See rubric.
   
   
4. Preparedness: Students will be asked to provide certain materials throughout the course as it pertains to class. Failure to bring items may result in a zero if the student is unable to participate in the activity due to lack of proper materials or appropriate attire.
   
   
5. Safety: Safety is of the utmost importance in this course.  Students will participate in active and physical exercises and activities. Students must follow stage safety rules covered at the beginning of the course. Failure to do so may result in removal from the course or alternative written assignments.
   
   
6. Dress Code: To ensure the safety of the student and student’s personal belongings there is a dress code in place for participating in class projects and activities. 
1. Dance and Movement: Students must wear appropriate clothes that they are able to move in on the stage. No sandals, open toed shoes, dresses, or skirts.
2. Shop: Comfortable pants and shirts allowing for movement (no dresses); No dangling jewelry or clothing; Closed toed, hard soled shoes; Hair ties (for long hair); 
3. Painting: Close toed, hard soled shoes, comfortable pants and shirt that paint can get on (no dresses)
4. Crew (if participating in a production as a crew member): Black long sleeve shirt, pants and dark close toed, hard soled shoes.
   
   
7. Technology: Computer usage will be granted upon teacher approval. Cell phones need to be off/silent and will live in the cell phone parking lot when not in use. You may use them at the teacher’s discretion. Music devices may also be used with headphones upcon teacher’s approval.
   
   
8. Facility: We often use a shared theatre space for activities and projects, it is important that proper procedures are followed and the space is well maintained by all students.
   
   
9. Collaboration and Critique: Students will be asked to collaborate and critique themselves, their peers and events. Students are expected to be constructive and respectful of each other in and outside of the classroom.

Materials
Spiral Notebook

1”  Binder w/ cover sleeve

1 package of Sheet Protectors/Dividers

Pencil (everyday)

Pen (everyday)

Box of Kleenex/Expo Markers 

Student Expectations
Respect every individual in the classroom

• Respect the school and its contents
• Active participation
• Attempt every activity
• Turn in quality work
• Ask for help
• Assist your peers
• Take responsibility for your actions and your work
• Every student will create and maintain a portfolio which will be reviewed each grading period and will be a part of a semester review.
• If interested in participating in productions outside of the classroom, ASK!!
• Challenge yourself, don’t be afraid to fail. It’s the best way to learn.
• Follow the policies and procedures in the School Handbook
• Advocate for yourself.

Grading Policy
Daily Grades ………………………...  25%
Formative Assessments, homework, class participation, completion and checkpoint grades

Major Grades ………………………….. 75%
Project Assessments, Performances Tests, Portfolio and Quizzes

Late Work and Absence Policy

Daily Grades: No late work will be accepted 

Major Grades: Students will be deducted 10 points per school day.  No late assignment will be accepted after 2 days.  No work will be accepted after grading period ends.

Reassessments: If a student scores below a 70% on a major grade, students may retest or redo up to two major grades per semester for up to a 70%. Students must work with the teacher to relearn the material or master the necessary skills before they retest or redo the assignment or test. There are no Reassessments on Projects, Presentations, or Performances.

Absence Makeup Work: Students will be given two days for the first absence and an additional day for every subsequent absence. It is your responsibility to check with teacher for missing work. 

Technical Theatre I & II

Williams High School – Room C103

Instructor: Kelli Sutton
E-Mail: Kelli.Sutton@pisd.edu 
Phone: 469-752-8300 ext:28461
Tutorials:  By Appointment Only

Overview
Students will develop a perception of self, human relationships and the world using elements of technical theatre. Through creative expression, students learn to communicate concepts of technical theatre practices through set construction, theatrical lighting, sound system operations, stage and shop safety, stage management and engage in artistic thinking, build positive self concepts, relate interpersonally, and integrate knowledge with other content areas in a relevant manner. Students increase their understanding of heritage and traditions in theatre and the diversity of world cultures as expressed in theatre. Through the pre-production process through concept to performance, students learn to accept constructive criticism, revise personal views to promote creative and critical thinking and develop the ability to appreciate, construct and evaluate live theatre.

Foundations of Technical Theatre 
Students will develop a standard vocabulary in technical theatre in costuming, lighting, makeup, theatre management, properties, scenery and sound. They will learn and practice theatre safety. Students will have an opportunity to read and apply basic script analysis techniques to theatrical elements.  Theatre production systems are at the core of producing a play, students will gain an understanding of production calendars, technical rehearsals and production staff roles. Students will also explore the technical elements of a theatre and types of stages.

Pre-Production Process

Students will be able to identify and  use technical elements in various production styles and genres. They will be able to define creativity as it relates to personal expression in technical theatre and recognize the theatrical production design process - including being able to identify the production team and their duties.  They will learn to articulate the not only the  importance of collaboration between team members and the leadership skills but the methods used by each to communicate design.

Production Process 

Students will be able to identify and safely utilize tools and materials; demonstrating design and execution of scenery, scenic painting, costumes, lighting, sound, marketing, stage management, and properties.  They will be able to identify the various roles in the production process while being able to identify paperwork for each.

 
Historical & Cultural Relevance: 

Students will research to establish historical and cultural accuracy in theatrical design. They will also get to explore multi-cultural heritages of key figures, works and trends in the United States and world dramatic literature. They will explore production and technology innovations in the area of lighting. Students will research the impact live theatre and electronic media has on contemporary society.

Critical Evaluation & Response: 

Students will understand the use of resumes and portfolios and create their own. We will cover constructive self and peer evaluation in regards to theatre as an art form in addition to critiquing live theatre, film, T.V. etc.   They will connect theatre skills and experiences to higher education and careers. 

Technical Theatre I/II  Course 

I pledge to follow the classroom expectations, fulfill the course requirements and maintain academic success to the best of my ability. 

I understand  that I will be expected to adhere to the following requirements of the course and will also be graded on the following.

1. Show Attendance: Student must attend 1 show per nine weeks and write a critique following the provided guidelines.

1. Lab Hours: Everyone is required to work at least 10 hours on a theater production for each grading period. You may help before or after school, during advisory, or volunteer somewhere outside of theater. You can see an additional play and write an additional theater reflection to count for 5 of your hours.
   
   
2. Grading & Absences: Student understands and takes responsibility for work missed for any excused or unexcused absence. Student understands the grading policies outlined in this packet and  is responsible for following their grades and communicating any discrepancy. 
   
   
3. Course Participation: Participation is a large part of the student’s daily grade.  Failure to participate or partially participation will result in a subtraction from their grade.  See rubric.
   
   
4. Preparedness: Students will be asked to dress appropriately and provide certain materials throughout the course as it pertains to class. Failure to bring items may result in a zero if the student is unable to participate in the activity due to lack of proper materials or appropriate attire.
   
   
5. Safety: Safety is of the utmost importance in this course.  Students will have the opportunity to use power tools and are expected to adhere to shop and stage safety rules covered at the beginning of the course. Failure to do so may result in removal from the course or alternative written assignments.
   
   
6. Dress Code: To ensure the safety of the student and student’s personal belongings there is a dress code in place for participating in class projects and activities. STUDENTS MUST PASS SAFETY EXAM utilizing tools in the Shop.
1. Shop: Comfortable pants and shirts allowing for movement (no dresses); No dangling jewelry or clothing; Closed toed, hard soled shoes; Hair ties (for long hair); 
2. Crew (if participating in a production as a crew member): Black long sleeve shirt, pants and dark close toed, hard soled shoes.
   
   
7. Technology: Computer usage will be granted upon teacher approval. Cell phones need to be off/silent and will live in the cell phone parking lot when not in use. You may use them at the teacher’s discretion. Music devices may also be used with headphones upon teacher’s approval. 
   
   
8. Facility: We often use a shared theatre space for activities and projects, it is important that proper procedures are followed and the space is well maintained by all students.
   
   
9. Collaboration and Critique: Students will be asked to collaborate and critique themselves, their peers and events. Students are expected to be constructive and respectful of each other in and outside of the classroom.

Materials
Spiral Notebook

1”  Binder w/ cover sleeve

1 package of Sheet Protectors/dividers

Pencil (everyday)

Pen (everyday)

Work clothes & close- toe shoes

Box of Kleenex/Expo Marker

Student Expectations
Respect every individual in the classroom

• Respect the school and its contents
• Active participation
• Attempt every activity
• Turn in quality work
• Ask for help
• Assist your peers
• Take responsibility for your actions and your work
• Every student will create and maintain a portfolio which will be reviewed each grading period and will be a part of a semester review.
• If interested in participating in productions outside of the classroom, ASK!!
• Challenge yourself, don’t be afraid to fail. It’s the best way to learn.
• Follow the policies and procedures in the School Handbook
• Advocate for yourself.

Grading Policy
Daily Grades(Minor) ………………………...  25%
Formative Assessments, homework, class participation, completion and checkpoint grades

Major Grades ………………………….. 75%
Project Assessments, Tests, Portfolio and Quizzes

Late Work and Absence Policy

Daily Grades: After the first late day, 20 points will be removed, on the second day an additional 10 points. Late work is accepted but communication will help to have no points taken off.

Major Grades: Students will be deducted 10 points per school day.  No late assignment will be accepted after 3 days.  Communication is the key to avoid points taken off..

Reassessments: If a student scores below a 70% on a major grade, students may retest or redo up to two major grades per semester for up to a 70%. Students must work with the teacher to relearn the material or master the necessary skills before they retest or redo the assignment or test. There are no Reassessments on Projects or Presentations. 

Absence Makeup Work: Students will be given two days for the first absence and an additional day for every subsequent absence. It is your responsibility to check with teacher for missing work.