As learners become involved in theatre, they extend their abilities to communicate, and they acquire new symbolic literacy. Theatre content becomes a stimulus for cognitive development through problem-solving and creative thinking. As students perceive, comprehend, imagine, and evaluate, they develop interpretive, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Integrating theatre knowledge and skills also helps learners develop and enhance their critical thinking abilities. (Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts, CEDFA.org,)
Course Offerings
Theatre Arts Beginning
This course introduces students to the basic aspects of movement, vocal expression, and ensemble work. Class activities include pantomime, improvisation, vocal development, playwriting, and solo/collaborative presentations in acting and theatre production (costumes, lighting, makeup, scenery, and sound). The course offers opportunities to present before an audience.
Technical Theatre Beginning
Students explore the various aspects of design and production for theatre. Areas of study may include scenery, lighting, sound, makeup, properties, costumes, and stage management.
Theatre Arts Intermediate
Students continue to develop vocal and physical acting skills (including in-depth character analysis and development) and playwriting. Various acting styles are introduced along with opportunities to explore directing. Students focus on the history and development of theatre in Western Civilization. Class activities include more challenging improvisation, vocal development, solo/collaborative presentations in acting, directing, and theatre production (costumes, lighting, makeup, scenery, and sound). Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.
Technical Theatre Intermediate
Students develop technical skills through design and production. Technical support for school productions is expected in after-school rehearsals and performances.
Theatre Arts Proficient – Honors
Students apply acting, directing, playwriting, and production skills developed in previous theatre training. Students produce polished and complex works for an audience. Additional acting styles are introduced and developed. Participating in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.
Technical Theatre Proficient – Honors
Students who have demonstrated a high skill level in technical theatre can continue to study various areas of technical theatre by focusing on more advanced design and production skills. Students are expected to participate in after-school rehearsals and performances as well as provide technical support for school-based events. (Community Services Event Support-Paid Internships available)
Theatre Arts Advanced – Honors
Students advance acting, directing, playwriting, and production skills developed in previous theatre training. Students assume leadership roles in the production of polished and complex works for an audience. Various acting and directing styles are practiced. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, and extensive knowledge of all areas of theatre including production and directing, and an in-depth study of a variety of dramatic literature. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of theatrical styles and work with others to produce experimental, culturally significant works of art. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.
Theatre Arts Independent Study – Honors
The student works independently in a special area of concentration selected by the student with the theatre teacher’s approval. A student must have a sponsoring teacher and must have arranged a program of study prior to registering for this course.
Honors Credit
All students taking Theatre IIIH, IVH, and Technical Theatre IIIH must complete an honors project for the year. (There will be a mid-term progress check prior to winter break for year-long classes and a progress check after the first grading period for semester classes.)
Project Scope
To be determined each year and include an acting and technical theatre component.
Digital Classroom Procedures (Online learning)
The following are classroom guidelines and are always in effect.
Designate a quiet area for your classes! (sitting at a table or desk if possible)
Raise your hand! (virtually for questions or post in the chat)
Arrive on time! (be prepared to create and perform)
Mute your microphone! (upon arrival)
Audience Etiquette! (watch, listen, participate and learn)
Daily Classroom Procedures (face to face learning)
The following are classroom guidelines and are always in effect.
The rooms are kept orderly and neat. All backpacks, textbooks, and personal articles must be stored in designated locations as specified by the teacher.
All electronic devices must be in the “OFF” position and stored in book bags or purses immediately after crossing over the threshold of the auditorium. Permission may be granted by the teacher for educational use. Permission must be granted for each occurrence.
All students will be in designated seats/areas at the tardy bell! (do not procrastinate)
Plain unflavored water is allowed during class.
Gum and food/drinks must be disposed of appropriately upon entering the auditorium.
All assignments turned in will be managed through the Learning Management System. (Google Classroom or Canvas) Email submissions will not be accepted for graded work.
The construction workshop, paint shop and all other equipment are not to be used unless a student is properly supervised and specific permission has been granted by the teacher.
Grading/Make-up Work
Weekly Skills Assessment 30%
All Students are expected to develop an understanding of theatre arts and demonstrate comprehension of skills through major assessments. Students are not evaluated on the amount of talent or skill they possess but will be evaluated by their growth over time, therefore daily attendance and work is extremely important. (Final Projects, Unit Tests, etc)
Daily Attendance
Each student has the responsibility to engage in class meetings online or offline regularly. Due to the ephemeral nature of class time experiences, lack of engagement can affect the student’s individual grade negatively.
Performances 25%
All Students are expected to develop an understanding of theatre arts and demonstrate comprehension of skills through minor assessments. (Classroom Performances, Small Group Work, In Class Critiques, etc.)
Quizzes 30%
All theatre students will periodically be evaluated individually on terms and concepts introduced in class. These can include vocabulary, theatre environment, safety, use of theatre equipment, etc.
Critiques/Homework 15%
All theatre students will periodically be evaluated on the successful completion of work after class time. This may include performance critiques, play critiques, worksheets, vocabulary, flash cards, etc. (Asynchronous assignments)
Exams
Mid-term Exam
There is NO MIDTERM exam for theatre class however there are progress checks throughout the term.
Final Exam
The final exam is an integral part of a student’s grade. The exam grade is based on successful assessment of concepts learned in class and may contain a performance grade, written grade and/or Major Project grade for all actors and technicians. There may be final exam exemptions based on WHS policy.
|
Nine-weeks grade weights |
Semester Average |
||||
|
A |
89.5-100 |
Weekly Skills Assessment |
30% |
1st Nine Weeks Average |
40% |
|
B |
79.5-89.4 |
Performances |
25% |
2nd Nine Weeks Average |
40% |
|
C |
69.5-79.4 |
Quizzes |
30% |
Final Exam |
20% |
|
D |
59.5-69.4 |
Critiques/Homework |
15% |
||
|
F |
Below 59.4 |
TOTAL |
100% |
Make-up work
Any student who misses a class due to an excused absence is entitled and expected to make up missed assignments. The student is responsible for getting the missed assignments from the teacher and scheduling times to make up any missed assignments or tests. Assignments that are assigned prior to an absence will be due upon return; this includes tests that are scheduled for the day of return. If the make-up work has not been assigned in advance, for absences of one (1) to three (3) days, the student will have a minimum of one (1) day for each day of absence to complete the missed assignments. For absences exceeding three (3) days, the student will have a minimum of two (2) days for each day absent to complete missed assignments. Students will receive full credit for all make-up work following an absence if the work is completed within the prescribed time limit and to teacher expectations. Students will not be able to receive any grade higher than 70% for work due to unexcused absences. Make-up work can be arranged with teachers. Students will be given full credit for semester exams. For late work, students will earn a minimum of 70% of the grade they would have received if turned in on time for academic classes. (60% for honors) Work that is submitted on time and meets the minimal completion requirements will receive a score no less than 50%. Teachers do not have to accept late work after one week prior to the end of the grading period.
Anything not addressed here will be consistent with the Wakefield High School or WCPSS make-up work policies.
Wakefield High School Honor Code
The students of Wakefield High School are committed to being honest and responsible in the completion of academic materials and interactions with the school administration and community. Cheating, stealing, plagiarism (passing off another’s work, words, or ideas as one’s own), and lying (including willful distortion or misrepresentation) are considered violations of the Honor Code. Through a joint fulfillment of this code, students and faculty will achieve their fullest potential in academic excellence and character.
Social Media
Per the Wakefield HS Honor Code, students are expected to display the highest level of integrity. With the unavoidable presence of online media, students must be cautious about their public profiles. Posts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Vine, etc. while meant to be private can often become public knowledge. Make smart decisions and think before posting. A disregard for the reputation of Wakefield or Wakefield Theatre on these accounts will lead to a disciplinary referral to administration.
Extracurricular Ensembles
In addition to the free regular classroom showcases, other performance groups are organized during the school year for other performance experiences. Participation in these ensembles is an added time commitment and members are expected to attend all extra rehearsals and performances.
Drama Club – This theatre group is open to the whole school. Students do not need to be in a theatre class to participate. There are monthly meetings led by ITS officers for ongoing projects as well as theatre games and social activities throughout the year. This is a great way to get to know other students and become active in the theatre department.
International Thespian Honor Society – The Wakefield High School theatre arts department sponsors ITS Troupe # 6326. Students are eligible for induction if they have acted or worked production for shows and accumulated 100 hours. (amended for 20/21 Covid-19) Students must pay a yearly membership fee. Initial benefits include: one-year subscription to Dramatics magazine, Membership Card, and Membership Certificate and pin.
Wakefield Theatre Company – This is an auditioned group chosen from the entire student body. Auditions are held for main stage productions over the course of the school year. Participation in this ensemble is an added time commitment and after school rehearsal time is mandatory. Wakefield Theatre Company hosts artists and speakers who actively work in the performing arts. The company periodically sponsors a trip to a major theatre city. Some past examples include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando and London.
Final Exam
