Course Rationale:
Drama is a discipline that originates in the impulse to depict experiences, communicate an understanding of these experiences, and give them form and meaning. It has evolved over time to include a variety of forms and techniques. Drama education provides opportunities to examine human experiences through imagined roles and situations and to value the essential contribution of drama to the quality of life.
Program Units:
PLUS ONE ADVANCED UNIT (ROTATING ANNUALLY) OF EITHER:
Performance Opportunities:
Outline of Course Content:
Drama provides students with opportunities to examine the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions of themselves and the world. Drama focuses on expression, trust and critical analysis. It also offers students opportunities to develop diverse dramatic skills to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. Drama reflects and affects the aesthetic, cultural, historical, and global contexts in which it exists. It is also applicable to a variety of career and life situations.
This class will be structured like a theatre company in that we expect quality work that will be publically adjudicated by professionals from the theatre industry. That means you need to do your homework (character analysis work, acting method / role work, line memorization work, etc.) in order to be successful. We will cover many different styles/areas of acting performance… but we want to also make you part of the planning process, just like other theatre companies collaborate in planning. We will have heightened expectations for our Grade 12 students and expect a full year commitment from all student actors.
Assessment and Evaluation:
Students will be assessed in a variety of ways: one on one interviews, self/peer evaluations, & teacher observations of work. All assessment is based on criteria clearly stated to the student at the beginning of each lesson and unit/project.
Active Learning Performances (100%) - Made up of two different types:
- Formative Process Performances/Learning Activities -
These are the in class performances that you create throughout the year. They will usually be the ‘less rehearsed’ pieces that we do in our class. They will follow the “Know, Do, Understand” model and use the creative process. These should help prepare you for our summative performances.
- Summative Performances -
Each term you will be given major projects / performances. These will usually be, but are not limited to, the final performance in a unit that we are studying.
A HEADS UP -- Major Performance Events for our Advanced Class:
Event: Surrey 1 acts WA IE’s NSS 1 acts Surrey IE’s BC Thesp. WA Thesp.
Host: Enver Creek Mountlake North Surrey Bell Center North Surrey Western Wa.
Secondary Terrace HS Secondary Sullivan Hts Secondary University
Date: NOV 8th DEC 7th JAN 16/17th JAN 23rd FEB 21/22nd MAR 19-21st
Plays: Sandbox Sandbox Sandbox
??? Play A ??? Play A ??? Play A
?LC Play B ?LC Play B ?LC Play B
Cost: Minimal TBA None Minimal TBA TBA
Remembrance Day – Anyone Interested (Likely Done As A Lunch Hour Extra)
Halloween – Sandbox cast, Improv Team and MC’s (Maybe a second short one act)
Surrey IE’s – Act One: Jan 23rd – Bell Center, Act Two: June 3rd - Location TBA
Sr Improv Team – Thursday or Friday after school – 3 to 5pm (Extra Opportunity)
***This course is in semester 1. However you must be committed to our Thespian competition production(s) throughout semester 2. If this is a concern please let Mr. Wrotniak know immediately.
Theatre Acting Advanced Class – Student Learning Roadmap
Staging Basics:
· Know & Apply Stage Directions
· What is Picturization
· How to Block a Scene on Stage
· Build Focus on Stage / Mental Discipline
· Cheating Out/Opening Up/Suffering Up/Staying Grounded
· Actor Stage Awareness
· Pinning the Corners &Triangulation & Stage Cross Lengths
· Using Ensemble As Stage Focussing
· Stage Power Positions
Vocal Exploration:
Used to tell stories, create characters, and communicate the character’s emotions & subtext. Using the following language manipulation tools:
· Pitch
· Pace/Tempo
· Pause
· Tone
· Stressing Select Words
· Annunciation/Articulation
· Volume/Projection
· Stage Whisper
· Express Emotion or Subtext
· Create Dramatic Tension or Comedic Situation
· Dialects (if required)
Movement & Physical Exploration:
Used to tell stories, create characters, and communicate the character’s emotions and subtext. Using the following physical manipulation tools:
· Space (direct/indirect) and movement patterns
· Weight (strong/light)
· Time (sudden-quick/sustained)
· Flow (bound/free)
· Pace (fast/slow)
· Pauses (stillness/movement)
· Levels (high/low)
· Character Walks
· Basic Mime Actions
· Gestures & Facial Expressions
· Using Space
· Mime
· Grounding and Finding Neutral Relaxation
· Interpretive Dance/Embodying Emotion
Preparation:
· Memorization Techniques
· Performance Slating (IE Prep)
Acting Techniques:
Emotional Believability Through:
· Objectives - In the moment Objective (ITMO)
· Objectives – Super Objective
· Character Status vs. Power
· Obstacles & Stakes
· Actor as a Detective (GC’s & Actor Choices)
· Actions/Tactics – Archetypal Actions
· Actions/Tactics - Verbing
· Beats
· Beats – Vocal & Physical Connection
· Stanislavski & His Method
· Movement/Voice Integration
Script Study/Text Analysis:
· High Light Lines / Honour Lines
· Cold Reading
· Beats
· Stage Direction History & Purpose
· Given Circumstances
· Characters
· Moments Before Bits with Smudging
· Subtext
· World of the Play & Director’s Concept - Context and Rules to Follow
Ensemble Techniques:
· Intensity = Energy + Focus (Commitment to the Moment)
· Chemistry & Trust Development
· Team Work
· Listening (action/reaction) Techniques
· Relaxation
· Focus Tools
· Ensemble Awareness
Improvisation:
· Making & Accepting Offers
· Advancing
· Long Form Harold / Theme Event
· Character Development
· Endowing
· Justification
· Impulse/Association/Energy
· Storytelling/Narration
· Style
Theatre Careers:
· How to get an agent – Extra, Principal, Commercial
· TV/Film vs. Stage Acting & Opportunities in each
· Post Secondary Programs & Career Linkages
· Audition Prep
Specialty Theatre Skill Units: (ALTERNATING UNIT EVERY OTHER YEAR)
Comedic Acting:
· 8 Types of Comedic Characters
· Large Vocally & Physically - Vulnerable Characters
· Set-up & Strike and then Build up again – The Rhythm of Comedy
· Laughter - always serve never eat first
· Pacing
Stage Fighting & Loving:
· Punches
o Jab
o Cross Punch
o Upper Cut
o Pulling a Punch
o Head Lock Punch
· Slaps
o Forehand
o Backhand
o Comedic group on knees
· Hair Pull
o Drag on Floor
· Smash into wall
· Chicken wing half nelson hold with release
· Gauge out eyeball
· Elbowing
· Biting
· Safe Falling/Fainting Technique
· Kicks
o Kick to gut
o Kick on ground/pulled kick
o Kick between the legs (front and behind)
o Knee to the Midsection
· Stage Impaired
o Drunk
o High
· Kisses
o Hand
o Lips
o Make Out
Drama is a discipline that originates in the impulse to depict experiences, communicate an understanding of these experiences, and give them form and meaning. It has evolved over time to include a variety of forms and techniques. Drama education provides opportunities to examine human experiences through imagined roles and situations and to value the essential contribution of drama to the quality of life.
Program Units:
- Ensemble Building (1 week)
- Stanislavski - Objectives, Tactics/Actions, Stakes & Obstacles (2 week)
PLUS ONE ADVANCED UNIT (ROTATING ANNUALLY) OF EITHER:
- Character - Comedic Character Type & Creation (3 weeks)
- Advanced Movement - Stage Fighting & Choreography (3 weeks)
Performance Opportunities:
- District One Acts/Halloween Show - Prep and Polish (3 weeks)
- Monologue & Scene Work - Seattle IE Prep (3 weeks)
- Final One Act Play Performances & Thespian Festivals Prep (6 weeks)
- District IE Festival – Performance Prep and creation (1 week)
Outline of Course Content:
Drama provides students with opportunities to examine the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions of themselves and the world. Drama focuses on expression, trust and critical analysis. It also offers students opportunities to develop diverse dramatic skills to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. Drama reflects and affects the aesthetic, cultural, historical, and global contexts in which it exists. It is also applicable to a variety of career and life situations.
This class will be structured like a theatre company in that we expect quality work that will be publically adjudicated by professionals from the theatre industry. That means you need to do your homework (character analysis work, acting method / role work, line memorization work, etc.) in order to be successful. We will cover many different styles/areas of acting performance… but we want to also make you part of the planning process, just like other theatre companies collaborate in planning. We will have heightened expectations for our Grade 12 students and expect a full year commitment from all student actors.
Assessment and Evaluation:
Students will be assessed in a variety of ways: one on one interviews, self/peer evaluations, & teacher observations of work. All assessment is based on criteria clearly stated to the student at the beginning of each lesson and unit/project.
Active Learning Performances (100%) - Made up of two different types:
- Formative Process Performances/Learning Activities -
These are the in class performances that you create throughout the year. They will usually be the ‘less rehearsed’ pieces that we do in our class. They will follow the “Know, Do, Understand” model and use the creative process. These should help prepare you for our summative performances.
- Summative Performances -
Each term you will be given major projects / performances. These will usually be, but are not limited to, the final performance in a unit that we are studying.
A HEADS UP -- Major Performance Events for our Advanced Class:
Event: Surrey 1 acts WA IE’s NSS 1 acts Surrey IE’s BC Thesp. WA Thesp.
Host: Enver Creek Mountlake North Surrey Bell Center North Surrey Western Wa.
Secondary Terrace HS Secondary Sullivan Hts Secondary University
Date: NOV 8th DEC 7th JAN 16/17th JAN 23rd FEB 21/22nd MAR 19-21st
Plays: Sandbox Sandbox Sandbox
??? Play A ??? Play A ??? Play A
?LC Play B ?LC Play B ?LC Play B
Cost: Minimal TBA None Minimal TBA TBA
Remembrance Day – Anyone Interested (Likely Done As A Lunch Hour Extra)
Halloween – Sandbox cast, Improv Team and MC’s (Maybe a second short one act)
Surrey IE’s – Act One: Jan 23rd – Bell Center, Act Two: June 3rd - Location TBA
Sr Improv Team – Thursday or Friday after school – 3 to 5pm (Extra Opportunity)
***This course is in semester 1. However you must be committed to our Thespian competition production(s) throughout semester 2. If this is a concern please let Mr. Wrotniak know immediately.
Theatre Acting Advanced Class – Student Learning Roadmap
Staging Basics:
· Know & Apply Stage Directions
· What is Picturization
· How to Block a Scene on Stage
· Build Focus on Stage / Mental Discipline
· Cheating Out/Opening Up/Suffering Up/Staying Grounded
· Actor Stage Awareness
· Pinning the Corners &Triangulation & Stage Cross Lengths
· Using Ensemble As Stage Focussing
· Stage Power Positions
Vocal Exploration:
Used to tell stories, create characters, and communicate the character’s emotions & subtext. Using the following language manipulation tools:
· Pitch
· Pace/Tempo
· Pause
· Tone
· Stressing Select Words
· Annunciation/Articulation
· Volume/Projection
· Stage Whisper
· Express Emotion or Subtext
· Create Dramatic Tension or Comedic Situation
· Dialects (if required)
Movement & Physical Exploration:
Used to tell stories, create characters, and communicate the character’s emotions and subtext. Using the following physical manipulation tools:
· Space (direct/indirect) and movement patterns
· Weight (strong/light)
· Time (sudden-quick/sustained)
· Flow (bound/free)
· Pace (fast/slow)
· Pauses (stillness/movement)
· Levels (high/low)
· Character Walks
· Basic Mime Actions
· Gestures & Facial Expressions
· Using Space
· Mime
· Grounding and Finding Neutral Relaxation
· Interpretive Dance/Embodying Emotion
Preparation:
· Memorization Techniques
· Performance Slating (IE Prep)
Acting Techniques:
Emotional Believability Through:
· Objectives - In the moment Objective (ITMO)
· Objectives – Super Objective
· Character Status vs. Power
· Obstacles & Stakes
· Actor as a Detective (GC’s & Actor Choices)
· Actions/Tactics – Archetypal Actions
· Actions/Tactics - Verbing
· Beats
· Beats – Vocal & Physical Connection
· Stanislavski & His Method
· Movement/Voice Integration
Script Study/Text Analysis:
· High Light Lines / Honour Lines
· Cold Reading
· Beats
· Stage Direction History & Purpose
· Given Circumstances
· Characters
· Moments Before Bits with Smudging
· Subtext
· World of the Play & Director’s Concept - Context and Rules to Follow
Ensemble Techniques:
· Intensity = Energy + Focus (Commitment to the Moment)
· Chemistry & Trust Development
· Team Work
· Listening (action/reaction) Techniques
· Relaxation
· Focus Tools
· Ensemble Awareness
Improvisation:
· Making & Accepting Offers
· Advancing
· Long Form Harold / Theme Event
· Character Development
· Endowing
· Justification
· Impulse/Association/Energy
· Storytelling/Narration
· Style
Theatre Careers:
· How to get an agent – Extra, Principal, Commercial
· TV/Film vs. Stage Acting & Opportunities in each
· Post Secondary Programs & Career Linkages
· Audition Prep
Specialty Theatre Skill Units: (ALTERNATING UNIT EVERY OTHER YEAR)
Comedic Acting:
· 8 Types of Comedic Characters
· Large Vocally & Physically - Vulnerable Characters
· Set-up & Strike and then Build up again – The Rhythm of Comedy
· Laughter - always serve never eat first
· Pacing
Stage Fighting & Loving:
· Punches
o Jab
o Cross Punch
o Upper Cut
o Pulling a Punch
o Head Lock Punch
· Slaps
o Forehand
o Backhand
o Comedic group on knees
· Hair Pull
o Drag on Floor
· Smash into wall
· Chicken wing half nelson hold with release
· Gauge out eyeball
· Elbowing
· Biting
· Safe Falling/Fainting Technique
· Kicks
o Kick to gut
o Kick on ground/pulled kick
o Kick between the legs (front and behind)
o Knee to the Midsection
· Stage Impaired
o Drunk
o High
· Kisses
o Hand
o Lips
o Make Out