Rockdale County High School Theatre

Paige Hutchinson, Theatre Director phutchinson@rockdale.k12.ga.us

770-483-8754 Office Hours 3:15 PM 3:45 PM Daily

Theatre Fundamentals COURSE SYLLABUS

2017-2018
Overview
The study of Drama will develop the talents and capacities of all students physical, emotional, intellectual, social,
spiritual, creative and expressive as well as developing self-confidence and self-esteem. This theatre course
provides opportunities for students to develop a range of skills and the opportunity to concentrate on areas of personal
interest. It is designed for students who have completed other Drama courses and for those who are studying Drama
for the first time. The skills and knowledge acquired through the study of this class may be further developed and
employed in a variety of professions including, but not confined to, theatre, media, communications and community
cultural development.
We will explore the basic elements of the theatre through a series of performance/viewing activities designed to focus
on the theme of collaboration. The activities in the course will generate a range of evidence demonstrating student
understanding of the following: - Basic stage terms - Concentration and Improvisation - Point of Focus - Movement,
mimes and mask - Character and motivation - The Actors Voice - Oral Interpretation and Storytelling - Performance
Technical Design - Theatre History - Playwriting (adaptation of a piece of literature into a script)

Expectations
Students will come in prepared with scripts and lines memorized.
Students will be open to trying new acting techniques and styles.
Students will respect each others talents, gifts, and efforts.
Students will approach performances with specificity, energy, volume, and articulation.
Students will show respect to the stage, equipment, rules, and personnel.
Students will not eat, drink, or chew gum in any theatre space (bottled water is okay).

Restroom/Leaving Class Policy

Use time in between classes to take care of restroom and water fountain needs. No one will be permitted to leave class
for any reason during the first or last 15 minutes of class.

Course Standards
The course standards are aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards for theatre.
TAHSFTI.1 Analyzing and constructing meaning from theatrical experiences, dramatic literature, and
electronic media
TAHSFTI.2 Developing scripts through improvisation and other theatrical methods
TAHSFTI.3 Acting by developing, communicating, and sustaining roles within a variety of
situations and environments
TAHSFTI.4 Designing and executing artistic and technical elements of theatre
TAHSFTI.5: Directing by conceptualizing, organizing, and conducting rehearsals for performance
TAHSFTI.6 Researching cultural and historical information to support artistic choices
TAHSFTI.7 Integrating various art forms, other content areas, and life experiences to create
theatre
TAHSFTI.8 Examining the roles of theatre as a reflection of past and present civilizations
TAHSFTI.9 Exploring the business of theatre
TAHSFTI.10 Critiquing various aspects of theatre and other media using appropriate supporting
evidence
 Rockdale County High School Theatre
Paige Hutchinson, Theatre Director phutchinson@rockdale.k12.ga.us
770-483-8754 Office Hours 3:15 PM 3:45 PM Daily

TAHSFTI.11 Engaging actively and appropriately as an audience member in theatre and other media
experiences

Consequences
Step 1 Verbal warning
Step 2 Teacher-student conference
Step 3 Parent contact via telephone or E-mail
Step 4 After school detention assigned
Step 5 Office referral

Technology and Digital Citizenship

Cell phone use is strictly prohibited during rehearsal and instructional time.
One-to-one technology use will be restricted to specific assignments. Students will be notified in

advance as to when they may use their devices in class.

Charging stations may only be used to charge school-issued Dell laptops. Cell phones and other

personal devices should never be charged in the classroom.

Rehearsals and Performances

All rehearsals and performances are mandatory
Any student who anticipates an absence from an after-school rehearsal or performance must fill
out an Absence Request form. This form must be completed, signed, and returned to the director one week prior
to any anticipated absence. Please note that submitting the form does not guarantee that the absence will be
considered excused.
An absence will only be considered excused for one of the following reasons:
Illness requiring an absence from school
Death or serious illness in the immediate family
Major religious observance
Personal conflicts such as work, homework, family vacation, birthday celebrations, etc.
are NOT excused.
Students with an unexcused absence from a rehearsal will receive a zero
Students with an unexcused absence from a performance will be provided a make-up
assignment. This assignment will be due one week after the date of the performance.

Materials
Students should be prepared with the following items daily: pencil, paper, script, and laptop

Grading Policy & Assessment

100-90 = A 89-80 = B 79-71 = C 70 = D BELOW 70 = F

Progressive Assessments (65%) Summative Assessments (35%)

 Rockdale County High School Theatre
Paige Hutchinson, Theatre Director phutchinson@rockdale.k12.ga.us
770-483-8754 Office Hours 3:15 PM 3:45 PM Daily

Daily Participation, Quizzes, Performances, Major Projects, Final

Rehearsals Exam or SLO post assessment

Late Work

Students turning in late work must complete a late assignment form and turn it in at the same time as their late
assignment.

A Statement on Grading in the Theatre:

I will grade on effort, accomplishment of a technique, and understanding of the material only. Talent level of the student
will hopefully rise as technique is learned. However, talent will never be a qualifier for a higher grade in drama class.

Academic Dishonesty

Cheating is strictly prohibited. Please refer to page 32 (Rule 21) in the RCPS Parent Handbook.

Remediation
Students may remediate written and performance-based assignments at the discretion of the teacher.
 Rockdale County High School Theatre
Paige Hutchinson, Theatre Director phutchinson@rockdale.k12.ga.us
770-483-8754 Office Hours 3:15 PM 3:45 PM Daily

Class Syllabus Parent and Student Acknowledgement

(Please return by Friday, August 4th)

Student Name __________________________________

Class ___________________________________

It is the intent of this class to provide a positive experience through the

exploration of theatre However, it is necessary to have a system to assist
students who have trouble adapting to the rehearsal atmosphere. Discipline
concerns will be dealt with in the most expedient ways possible, and
according to the RCPS Code of Conduct.

I have read and understand the syllabus concerning the RCHS Theatre class.
We agree to all policies contained within.

Parent Signature__________________________ Date_________

Student Signature_________________________ Date_________

*The teacher reserve the right to alter this syllabus in the interest of more
effective instruction.