Theatre Arts
Grades 6 - 8
Course Standards
Student Leadership Academy
200 Field Avenue East
Venice, Florida 34285
Mrs. Cathleen Francis, Room 109
2009 - 2010 School Year
Skills and Techniques
Standard 1:
The student acts by developing, communicating, and
sustaining characters in improvisation and formal or
informal productions. (TH.A.1.3)
1. develops characters, relationships, and
environments from written sources (e.g., plays,
stories, poems, and history).
Standard 2:
The student directs by interpreting dramatic texts and
organizing and conducting rehearsals for formal and
informal productions. (TH.A.2.3)
1. uses the elements of dramatic form (e.g., plot,
character, dialogue, conflict and resolution, and
setting) to stage a play.
Standard 3:
The student designs, conceptualizes, and interprets
formal and informal productions. (TH.A.3.3)
1. safely selects and creates elements of scenery,
properties, lighting, costumes, make-up, and
sound to signify a character and setting.
2. develops and uses technical sound effects such as
microphones, synthesizers, tapes, and CDs to
emphasize and enhance the meaning of a play.
Creation and Communication
Standard 1:
The student improvises, writes, and refines scripts based
on heritage, imagination, literature, history, and personal
experiences. (TH.B.1.3)
1. collaborates with actors to refine original scripts
and justify writing choices.
Cultural and Historical Connections
Standard 1:
The student understands context by analyzing the role
of theatre, film, television, and electronic media in the
past and present. (TH.C.1.3)
1. understands how social and universal concepts in
various cultures and historical periods are
expressed through universal themes in theatre.
2. understands the social impact of historical and
cultural events on the theatre (e.g., art imitates life;
life imitates art).
3. understands the lives, works, and influences of
representative theatre artists from various cultures
and historical periods.
Aesthetic and Critical Analysis
Standard 1:
The student analyzes, criticizes, and constructs meaning
from formal and informal theatre, film, television, and
electronic media. (TH.D.1.3)
1. understands a character in a play through
exploration of internal characterization (e.g.,
emotions and motivations) and external
characterization (e.g., background, posture,
mannerisms, and dress).
2. understands the relationship of plot, conflict, and
theme in a play.
3. develops criteria for the evaluation of dramatic
texts and performances.
4. understands that theatre experiences involve
empathy (e.g., vicarious identification with
characters and actions) and aesthetic distance (e.g.,
recognition that the play is not real life).
Applications to Life
Standard 1:
The student understands applications of the role of
theatre, film, television, and electronic media in
everyday life. (TH.E.1.3)
1. understands the influence various arts media have
on theatrical productions.
2. understands the reasons for personal reactions and
audience reactions to various media and multiple
art forms (e.g., staging environment, past
experiences, and culture).
3. knows pertinent skills, discipline, and knowledge
needed to pursue careers and recreational
opportunities in theatre, film, television, and
electronic media.
4. understands the value of collaboration in creating a
theatrical production.
5. knows about significant playwrights, performers,
directors, and producers and their contributions to
theatre.
Course Materials:
Currently no materials are required, however throughout the year emails may
be sent requesting assistance with materials for props and costumes.
Course Presentation Methods:
• Drama Exercises
• Directing plays and monologues
• Field trips
• Guest speakers
Student Expectations:
Student Leadership Academy is a Community of Caring school. The principles
of Community of Caring include caring, respect, responsibility, trust and
family. When students are involved in drama it requires them to stand in
front of their peers and perform. This takes courage, as well as trust in
your fellow classmates. Therefore, the Community of Caring principles will
be essential in drama class.
Grading Scale:
90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C
60 - 69% = D 0-59% = F
SLA Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones are for emergency purposes only.
Cell phones are to remain in backpacks at all times.
When this policy is violated, the following consequences will occur:
1. The teacher will take the cell phone for the remainder of the day.
2. The office will keep the cell phone until the parent picks it up.
3. The principal will keep the cell phone until the last day of
school.
Classroom Rules:
1. Always show respect for self, others and property.
2. Come to class prepared to learn.
3. Do not disrupt the learning environment of others.
Positive consequences for adhering to rules:
P.A.T. or Preferred Activity Time: Each period will be able to earn P.A.T.
time. When a sufficient amount of time has been reached, the students will
suggest fun activites and the chosen activity will be decided by a class vote.