Drama 30s Course outline

Mrs. Ramsden
________________________________________________________________
Acting is half shame, half glory. Shame at exhibiting yourself, glory when you can forget yourself.

COURSE AIM: This course is designed to enhance your self-confidence, self-expression

and creativity while developing your teamwork and leadership skills. This course is not
intended to train you for a career in performance. Rather, the main goals are to improve
communication skills and gain a greater sense of self. At the same time, this course is a
performance class, and you will be expected to take risks and perform. This is all a part
of learning by doing and being.
This course will focus on four major components:
Foundation: Confidence and trust building
Movement: Use of the body for self-expression
Speech: Enhancing communication through vocal delivery and listening critically
Theatre/Script Interpretation: Developing and sharing performances
EVALUATION: Students will be expected to participate in group, duo and solo activities.
Evaluation of these exercises will be based on a combination of evaluation strategies
announced in advance including the process of preparation and the formal performance
in class. The value assigned to these components will vary in order to reflect relative
importance. Expectations for leadership and dedication will be higher for those students
who are receiving 30, and especially 40S credits. Your final grade will be calculated as
follows:
Term Performances & Variety Show
Final Performance Process (Monologue)
Written Work/Reflections
Personal Growth*

50%
20%
20%
10%

*Personal Growth will be assessed by observing student participation, risk taking, reflection, respect and
sensitivity for others (see personal growth evaluation criteria)

lramsden@srsd.ca

Ste. Anne Collegiate

September 2015

SUPPLIES:
1-1 binder, paper, pens/pencils
comfortable/appropriate clothing (you should be able to move freely)
PLAGIARISM: (unaccredited use of others work/copying) is a serious offence and will
result in a mark of zero. Ensure that individual assignments are just that individual.
The Show Must Go On!
Performance dates will be announced in advance. It is expected that all students will be
ready to perform when called. Postponements and no-shows are not acceptable
without prior arrangement and approval. Failure to perform as scheduled may result
in a penalty grade of zero percent. The final date for written work and documentation
will be the date of performance.
ATTENDANCE/TARDINESS:
10 unexcused absences could mean no course credit
3 lates equal 1 unexcused absence (If the bell has rung, you are officially late.)
If you know you are going to be absent, please notify me in advance.
If you are absent without an excuse on the day of a performance, your group will
perform without you and you will receive a 0 for the presentation mark.
Perhaps most importantly, if you develop a reputation for being absent, others
may not want to work with you as unreliable group members are a liability.
SUPPORT AND RESPECT: Since this is a drama class, respect is of the utmost
importance. For people to participate and interact, they must feel safe and comfortable.
Therefore, verbal or physical behavior that has the intent of harming another individual
either physically or emotionally will not be tolerated. It is a misuse of power that can be
displayed by name calling, racial references, sexual references, put-downs,
inappropriate language, etc. This behavior may result in temporary or permanent
removal from class, class apology and/or parent contact.
KEYS TO SUCCESS:
Regardless of the reason for your absence, you are responsible for the work you
missed. Have a person in class fill you in on what happened on days you are
absent BEFORE the next class.
Your attitude and work habits in this course are a clear reflection of the habits you
take to the real world. Act the way you would like to be and soon youll be the
way you act.
RESPECT yourself, your teachers, each other and the materials in this room.
Remember, I am here to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, please
come and talk to me immediately.
Have fun and try new things. This is an excellent opportunity for you to step
outside of your comfort zone and realize your potential.

lramsden@srsd.ca

Ste. Anne Collegiate

September 2015

Dramatic arts 30s

Course timeline
Note: This course outline is just a guide and may be altered at the teachers discretion
due to activity changes/time constraints.
Week 1-2: Orientation Stage Fright, Confidence and Trust Building Exercises
Week 3: Movement: Tableau & Mime Projects 1 &2
Week 5: Stage Theory Project 3: Stage Blocking an Open Scene
Week 6-8: Open Scenes & Improvisation Project 4: Infomercial
Project 5: Television Newshour Live!
Week 9: Stage Movement & Vocabulary Review Written Test
Week 10-13: Scene Study Project 6: Scene Performance at Variety Show
Week 14: Selected Monologue Project 7: Character Monologues
Week 15-16: Dramatic Monologue Project 8: Monologue Process Preparation
Week 17-19: Rehearsals Final Performance

lramsden@srsd.ca

Ste. Anne Collegiate

September 2015