Course Syllabus

Course Overview:

At its core, this introductory-level class fosters ensemble building and encourages reflection on individual actor strengths while developing solo performance skills.  Tailored to enhance acting, observation, and listening skills, this course utilizes a variety of engaging exercises. Participants delve into various techniques, from creative movement to improvisation, voice exploration, dramatics, pantomime, and theatre activities. Students will also explore a dynamic workshop format designed to keep you active, with 75% of the time spent on your feet and 25% in your seat.

Major Assignments & Projects:

Self-Awareness/The Ensemble Ethic/Theatre Etiquette

Movement for the Stage

Pantomime Performances

Developing the Actor's Voice

Acting Play Study

Script Analysis Ensemble Building

Play Writing

Creating Character/Monologue

Class Text:

We will work from one classroom text, Theatre Art In Motion, provided digitally. Other texts will be referenced, but I will ensure you receive handouts from these texts.

Course Objectives and Outcomes:

At the end of the semester, the student should be able to:

  • Converse in the vocabulary of the discipline.
  • Understand theatre history as it relates to the history and time of performance.
  • Understand the principles of voice, body, ensemble, movement, and motivation.
  • Make connections among disciplines of study.
  • Read critically
  • Recognize the differences among facts, opinions, and judgments
  • Express aesthetic critique and insight
  • Solicit feedback, evaluate and revise creative products

Course Expectations:

Weekly Assignments and Canvas: Students must complete weekly assignments, primarily posted through Canvas. The work assigned will align with what topics are being covered in class.  Please note that students must carry a notebook for this class for all open-reflection and journaling activities (this will serve as low-tech functionality).

Environment and Safety in the Classroom: To have a significant experience in this course, we must observe two types of safety rules: physical and emotional. Our basic physical safety rule is no unplanned bodily contact. Without this rule, someone may be physically harmed. Just as important are emotional hurts. You and your peers put yourselves on the line when you present for each other. You openly share yourself with us and then allow others to comment on your expression. To preserve the integrity of and maintain positive feelings about your work, the following rules apply to all comments about presentations:

  • Respect the effort of each member of the class.
  • Be prepared and prompt - the classwork only functions with your presence and materials.
  • Appreciate the choices made by each person
  • Be constructive in any criticism
  • Include positive responses as part of any full critique
  • Focus your comments on the individual presenting 
  • When considering a remote/hybrid/full in-person model it will be important to remember our social distant guidelines, maintain our body space awareness beginning with 6-feet apart.  

In this class, we form a community. It is essential that we care for each other and work well together to achieve the common goal of a meaningful classroom experience.

Class Participation and Attendance: You must be present and engaged in theatre class activities to benefit from the course and your peers; thus, your attendance is imperative. Active participation is a significant part of the course, and collaborating with peers in various settings constitutes a significant portion of your participation grade.  You are encouraged to have your video feature turned on during class meets - while this will be the expectation, there will be screen breaks when you can turn your camera off.  Please refer to the remote learning handbook for more details.  

 

In an absence, you are responsible for obtaining and completing all information/assignments you may have missed.  As per WHS policy, students have one day to make up work per one day of absence.  If you are absent on the due date of a long-term assignment (i.e., an in-class performance), you will be expected to present with your group the day of your return.  For additional information on absence policies, please refer to the WHS handbook.

Rules and Regulations of the Little Theater and the Katherine L. Babson Auditorium: We are fortunate to have a state-of-the-art performing arts facility, and it takes cooperation from all of us to maintain it. Upon entering this theatre, you at this moment agree to abide by and enforce the following rules: 

  • No food, drinks, or gum in the space at any time 
  • No feet on the seats, seat arms, or backs
  • Do not climb over the back of the seats 
  • Persons may be backstage or onstage with permission only 
  • Students may only be in the space with adult supervision 
  • Cell phones are not to be used during class or breakout rehearsals

Device Use: The cell phone policy prohibits cell phones from being used or visible during the school day. 

See above. 

Grading and Evaluation: You will be evaluated in this class through a variety of assessments aligned to the MA Performing Arts Standards:

*Engaged Learning - MIN: (40%): assesses participation and involvement in class activities, journal responses, and script reading reviews. Everyone is expected to be an active participant when appropriate AND respectful members of the audience when observing others’ performance. This will be coded in PowerSchool as Minor.

 

*Performance—MAJ: (60%) Assess students’ creative process, performances, some weekly assignments, and reflections. All assessments are graded on rubrics. This will be coded in PowerSchool as Major.