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Rachel Carothers
CarothR@FriscoISD.org
555-555-5555

 
Unit One: Introduction to the Theatre

"You need three things in the theatre: the play, the actors and the audience, and each must give something."

-Kenneth Haig

 

***Remember: The dates below are tentative! We can get "off schedule" so you need to pay attention to what day you are assigned work and what day it is due. If homework is "due next class" that means it is due the next meeting of class after it is assigned.

 
Wednesday, August 29: What is art?

In-class discussion:

  • Webster’s definition: “The quality, production, or expression of what is beautiful, appealing or of more than ordinary significance.”
  • Aristotle’s definition: “As a mimetic reproduction or imitation of something natural or imagined.”
  • Goethe’s 4 points: Art must be entertaining, art must be exalting, art must edify, art must be economical
  • What is your definition? (Value & Worth, Creativity & Imagination, Product vs. Performance, Realism vs. Abstract)
  • Can/should art be useful and to whom?
  • Who is an artist?

Homework – due next class:

  • Using only your current knowledge, create your own definition of theatre.

If you are absent:

  • Same homework as above.
  • Also, pick the definition above you most agree with and defend your choice in 1-2 paragraphs.

 
Thursday, August 30 - Friday, August 31: What is theatre?

In-class improvisation:

  • Break into groups and create a 1 minute “skit” centered on the following phrases:
    Theatre is work.
    Theatre is artistic work.
    Theatre uses actors who impersonate characters.
    Theatre results in a live performance.
    Theatre uses a scripted play.
    Theatre is a collaborative enterprise.

If you are absent:

  • Write two sentences for each of the above prompts, explaining what the prompt means to you personally.

 
Tuesday, September 4 - Thursday, September 6: The Audience

In-class improvisation:

  • Break into groups and improvise the following scenes:
    A breakup
    Teacher confronts student about catching them cheating on test
    Argument over what channel to watch on television
    Student opening college acceptance letter with parents
    Blind date
  • As you watch each scene you will be one of the following types of audiences:
    Small children
    Senior citizens
    Rowdy and commenting
    Attentive and quiet
    Laugh out loud

In-class discussion:

  • How does the audience affect the performance?
  • What is good and appropriate audience behavior?

In-class worksheet - 5 Things to Think About:

  • On your own, list questions you could ask in each category that would help you analyze a performance’s success.

Homework – due next class:

  • Write a 1-2 paragraph (a paragraph is roughly 3-5 sentences on a common topic) reflection paper discussing the thought process of an engaged audience member.

If you are absent:

  • Complete the above worksheet and homework.

 
Friday, September 7: What's in a theatre?

In-class worksheet - The Stage terms:

  • Take a tour of our theatre, learning terminology.
  • When finished, fill in the stage directions grid.

If you are absent:

  • Get with a classmate to ask any questions you have about the above worksheet and fill in the stage directions grid.

Monday, September 10 – Tuesday, September 11: Important players in the theatre?

In-class worksheet - It’s All Who You Know:

  • Break into groups to research one of the five major players in the theatre. Then regroup to learn about the other four.

If you are absent:

  • Complete the above worksheet on your own.

 
Wednesday, September 12: Notebooks
***You need your notebooks, dividers and all assignments on this day***

In-class handout - Notebook Guidelines:

  • Go over how to put together an A+ notebook.

In-class handout - Notebook Unit One Table of Contents:

  • Use class time to put together notebook.

If you are absent:

  • Get with a classmate to ask any questions you have about the above handouts.

 
Thursday, September 13: Video – American Theatre

In-class video:

  • Take notes over video

Homework – due next class in notebook:

  • Pick your favorite event from the video (examples: a major show opens, a new style of drama begins, et cetera) and write a 1-2 paragraph paper analyzing how you think this event has shaped modern theatre in America. Use evidence from theatre you have experience with if possible.

If you are absent:

  • See me to work out when you can make up viewing/assignment.

 
Friday, September 14: Improv game Day

In-class:

  • Notebook due at the beginning of class (TEST GRADE).
  • Play improve games

If you are absent:

  • Your notebook is due when you return!!