8^th Grade Drama Syllabus

Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School, 2007-2008

Course Description:

8^th grade drama is a course designed to allow students to discover their “niche” in theater arts. Everyone can find some aspect of drama or theater that they like. Along with basic communication knowledge, students will experience more detailed areas of drama including acting techniques, history, literature, stage make-up, production design, script writing, and auditioning.

1.      Perform alone and in groups and complete accompanying written assignments.

2.      Exhibit appropriate audience behavior in class & during performances.

3.      Attend school drama productions and complete accompanying assignments.

4.      Rehearse for performances during and outside of class.

5.      Participate in all class activities and class performances/plays.

6.      Keep and maintain a folder/binder containing all assignments, notes and handouts.

7.      Read published plays during and sometimes outside of class.

Necessary Supplies: bring these to each class period.

1.      Binder/folder to keep your work in

2.      Loose-leaf notebook paper

3.      Pencil or pen

CLASSROOM RULES:

We will abide by the “4 P’s”: Be Prompt, Prepared, Polite and Productive.

In order to foster a creative environment, we will:

…value one another as unique individuals,

…recognize every effort and applaud it,

…help one another whenever possible,

…use good manners and audience etiquette for all performances (classmates’ and teacher’s),

…help things run smoothly by following classroom procedures,

…cheer each other to success!

Consequences will be determined on an individual basis and will be in alignment with the BIEMS discipline plan using the mark system.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:

1.      Sit in your assigned seat and begin working immediately on the warm-up activity.

2.      File warm-ups, assignments, graded work and notes in the appropriate sections of your notebook.

3.      Homework and other completed assignments are to be placed in your class’ file box.

GRADING POLICY

Grades are weighted evenly and based on:

1.      Participation/preparation – student will arrive to class with all necessary materials (notebook, pencil, assignment) and be prepared to participate in daily class activities, exercises, performances and discussions. This is worth 20 points each class period.

2.      Assignments/Tests

COME SEE ME! If you are having trouble with anything, please chat with me about it. There is always a positive solution to the problem and I am happy to help you find it.

TESTS

The following procedure will be followed regarding written test-taking.

1.      Students will receive a reminder two class periods before the written test.

2.      Students will receive a review one class period before the written test.

3.      Students who are absent on one of the above days will still be held responsible for the test.

4.      Students who are absent on both days will be responsible for taking the test one class period after they return to class.

5.      Students who are present for both days, but absent for the test will be responsible for taking the test upon returning to class.

ATTENDANCE

We will be doing something new and different all the time. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get makeup work. Please check with me for missed assignments and get missed notes from a classmate.

TARDIES

3 tardies = mark. It is a silly reason to get a mark and besides that, why would you want to be late to DRAMA??!! Tardies will only be excused with a note from the appropriate authority.

BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE!

·  NO GUM!! Even if you are a veteran gum-chewer, this class is physical and we do plenty of speaking. The risk of sucking it down the wrong tube is just too great. The idea of me sticking my hand in your throat or performing the Heimlich maneuver should be motivation enough. J

·  PUT THEM AWAY. Any hair-care products, makeup, perfume, or toys used during class will be collected and become property of the BIEMS costume closet.

·  CHECK YOUR AGENDA! Notification of all due dates will be posted on the agenda each day. Write the agenda down each day.