Beginning Drama 2010-2011
Instructor: Lindsay Krumbein
lindsaykrumbein@gmail.com
_______________________________________________________________
Through drama, we examine the human condition, exploring thoughts, ideas, emotions, and questions. In this class, we will use movement, sound, and dialogue to help audiences learn, feel, and understand.
This class is workshop based. Your first project involves Physical Theatre – experimenting with new concepts through movement. For the second project, we use what we’ve learned through movement techniques to engage in script study and development, and explore the elements that go into staging performances and writing plays. To close the year we will study and perform Shakespearean comedy.
rules:
1. Be safe! Keep everyone in the room safe – that means both physically, and emotionally.
2. Work hard! Take risks! Be brave! Try every activity, even those that make you nervous or uncomfortable.
3. Maintain focus and a positive attitude throughout the whole period.
4. Show up on time for class every day! In-class activities are how we learn – you won’t pass if you’re not there.
5. Dress appropriately – we remove our shoes, jewelry, and other accessories for the safety of both your body and your possessions. You MUST be able to move in your clothes.
6. Audience etiquette – watch and listen supportively and attentively when your classmates perform. Applaud enthusiastically when they finish.
what you will learn:
Group Dynamics
• How to be successful in a group and develop leadership skills
• How to work closely and comfortably with all sorts of people
Theatre Technique
• Movement elements (which show specific emotion or point of view)
• Devising a piece (around theme, character, music, props)
• Analyzing, interpreting and critiquing dramatic texts and peer performances
• Writing artist statements, monologues & one-act plays
Freedom of Expression
• Try new activities without fear or self-consciousness
• Overcome shyness and stage-fright
• Perform with confidence
projects:
Project 1: Afghanistan: Activism through Art - Physical Theatre
Project 2: Who Am I? Self-Reflection through Dramatic Writing - Monologues & One-Act Plays
Project 3: Mardi Gras: a Wild Romp with Shakespearean Comedy - The Comedy of Errors
grading:
Each assignment you complete is worth 10 points, and will fall into one of five categories, which are listed below. At the end of the marking period, I will average your scores in each category to calculate your final grade. Late work is worth ½ credit. After any absence, you must check the table of contents and request your missing notes or handouts.
Mastery of Knowledge – 20%
• line memorization
• quizzes & tests
Application of Knowledge – 20%
• performances
• rehearsal & the creation process
Reflection – 20%
• written self-reflections
• discussion & critique
• audience etiquette
Leadership Skills – 20%
• collaboration
• creative voice
• reliability
Daily Participation – 20%
• self-assessment at the end of each class
_______________________________________________________________
Please keep in mind that in this drama class, you have complete control over your success; if you genuinely try your hardest, you will be successful. You do not have to be a great actor to do well in this class. As long as you engage with every activity, treat your classmates and yourself with respect, complete your work, and take the class seriously, you will do well!
