THEATRE II-IV

Course Description

Theatre II is a continuation of Theatre I and is designed for students with a genuine interest in theater. Topics include advanced stage movement, voice and diction development, audition techniques, and character analysis. Performance work consists of memorized monologues, duets, and one act plays. Attendance at two home campus theatre performances (evening or weekend) per semester is required.

Theatre III is designed for students with an intense interest in theater. This course focuses on advanced voice and diction, stage movement, and character analysis with heavy concentration on acting styles, script analysis, and performance techniques. Performance work consists completely of scripted work.

Theatre IV is a continuation of Theatre III and is designed for students dedicated to perfecting their acting skills. Topics include professional acting techniques, theater theory and criticism, and basic directing techniques. Students are introduced to theater sources for purposes of research, scripts, auditioning, education, and play attendance.

Learning Objectives

To review basic theatre terminology and other theatre fundamentals
To explore characterization through intermediate and advanced improvisation skills and games
To explore advanced techniques of physicalization as an extension of characterization
To develop and apply rudimentary cold reading skills
To analyze and critique live performance through oral and written criticism
To select, analyze, rehearse, and perform scenes and/or monologues in front of a peer audience

Expectations

Be on time. Tardiness will not be tolerated.
Work hard. Come to all class periods with all necessary materials.
Love each other. Life is too short to be ugly to one another -- lift each other up.

Materials

Blue or black pen
Pencil
Highlighter
1 subject spiral notebook (three hole punched preferred)
1” binder for notes and class handouts

Grading

Major grades are projects, assessments, and/or other in-class presentations that account for 60% of the nine weeks grade. Daily grades are participation grades or homework assignments that account for 40% of the nine weeks grade. Per district policy, there will be a minimum of two (2) daily grades recorded per week and one (1) major grade recorded every other week, with a minimum of four (4) major grades being recorded during a nine week period.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend two (2) Ovation Theatre performances per semester as a fulfillment of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for high school theatre. Attendance will be part of the course grades.