Thurgood Marshall Middle School
THEATRE
Mrs. Sullivant
Bldg C - Room 201
jsullivant@sandi.net
jsullivant@cox.net

Welcome to Theatre!
It’s going to be such an exciting year in theatre. Fun and memories are waiting to happen!

Curriculum & Assignments:
This class is based on California state standards for visual and performing arts. To meet the standards, you’ll sometimes perform individually, sometimes with a partner, and frequently in a group. Most projects will be completed during class, but a few might require homework. We will explore the following areas:
• gesture / body language & awareness / pantomime / facial expression
• theatre games / improvisation / ensemble activities
• observation / evaluation and critique
• voice projection / enunciation / inflection / dialects
• readers’ theater / choral reading / poetry recitation / puppetry
• scene practice /dialogue & monologue performance / characterization
• theater vocabulary / backstage basics / play structure
• Study of the American musical /study of Shakespeare

Participation / Attendance:
To explore the many facets of theatre you need to participate. It requires effort and a willingness to go beyond your comfort zone. It might be difficult for you at first, but the rewards you’ll achieve in self-esteem, confidence, and skill development are so worth it. Be ready to perform when it’s your time to do so. If you’re in class, but unprepared for your scheduled performance or “can’t perform” for some reason, your grade will suffer.
This is a participation course, so too many absences will lower your grade. Be here unless you are ill. Please notify me ASAP if you have to miss a class performance and I will do my best to reschedule your performance, but if it is impossible, then your group will need to “go on” without you and your grade will suffer. If you miss a solo performance, the same policy applies. In cases of emergency absence, we will work together to devise a make-up assignment.
We will provide HEAPS of support and encouragement, but students who are often absent or unprepared for performance need to talk to me about this class as their elective choice.

Assignments/Exams:
Although most grades will come from performances and participation, there will be some written assignments, including original scenes, character analyses, and group projects.
You’ll also be required to attend one professional play or musical each semester
and submit an observation/ evaluation on it. I’ll give out a list of theatre opportunities around town to choose from. Share this information with your family ASAP so you you can plan your theatre event in advance and not wait until the last minute.
There will also be 2 or 3 exams to assess your knowledge of theatre. Don’t worry. We will always review the material to help you remember the important information. Test scores are final, and there are no retakes, however, if you pay attention during class and spend a bit of time in review, these tests will not be hard.

Supplies:
You’ll get a theatre folder for class notes and assignments. Bring it to every class. You will also need a black pen for taking notes and a highlighter for script study . For performances, you might also choose to bring props or costumes.

OUR SHOWS
Show dates are being arranged and will be given to you as they are confirmed. Productions include a winter showcase and an end-of year production. Theatre students may also audition for choir’s spring musical “Once Upon A Mattress,” directed by Ms. Palmer. Information on shows, auditions, and rehearsal schedules will be announced.

GRADES
Academic: Percentage grades are given to all written work and exams. Specific rubrics are used for each specific performance assignment. Overall performances and daily work (such as improv and ensemble exercises) are graded using the general performance rubric (attached) and translated into a percentage grade. Performance evaluations are inherently subjective. I strive to be fair, so please try to accept and trust my experience and expertise.
GRADE % CHART
100-91=A
90=A-
89-87=B+
86-81=B
80=B-
79-77=C+
76-71=C
70=C-
69-67=D+
66-61=D
60=D-
59-0=F

Citizenship: Refer to this link for the rubric which explains the standards.

Missing Work receives a ZERO and lowers your class grade. An absence, even if valid, does NOT excuse you from the work, especially a long-term assignment.
Academic Honesty: You learn by doing your OWN work. Copying an assignment or test from another student is dishonest and earns a grade of ZERO. Allowing a student to copy from you is also dishonest and will result in similar consequences. In cases of academic dishonesty, citizenship grades will be lowered, and other
consequences may also result.

Extended Absences/Contracts:
In a participation class, attendance is important. Contact me if you’ll be out for a long period. If you plan to miss school for at least 5 days, your parents must request a contract in advance.

Help After School:
If you’re having difficulty memorizing your lines, understanding your character, or completing assignments, I’m here after school at least 2 days every week. You can also come in after school to work with a group on a project or performance. Let me know in advance when you want to come in.

Parent Communication/Conferences:
I welcome parent contact. Parents can e-mail me to clarify assignments or for conference appointments. I also ask for parent signatures on memos I send home. If you get a memo requiring a parent signature, give it to your parents on the day you get it, get it signed, and return it to me the next class. Failure to do so will result in a lower citizenship grade. (Forgeries = referral )

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!
I LOVE THEATRE! I DO!. But I am also strict about respect for everyone, conscientious preparation, and common courtesy. So while I’ll plan REALLY FUN theatre experiences for us, I will also hold you to the highest standards of behavior. The more cooperative you are, the more fun the class will be. Class atmosphere starts with you! Let’s make it GREAT !

YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT:
Get the attached “Parent Signature” paper signed and bring it back at our next class meeting !
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I have read the syllabus, performance rubric, and citizenship rubric for Mrs. Sullivant’s theatre class and understand the policies, curriculum, and grading standards.

STUDENT NAME _____________________________PERIOD _________

STUDENT SIGNATURE ________________________________________

PARENT 1 - NAME ____________________________________________

PARENT 1 - SIGNATURE _______________________________________

PARENT 1 - E-MAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________

PARENT 2 - NAME ____________________________________________

PARENT 2 - SIGNATURE _______________________________________

PARENT 2 - E-MAIL ADDRESS___________________________________

PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Occasionally we might need some assistance in the following areas.
Are you interested?
If so, circle the item(s) that interest you, and I’ll call you if you’re needed!
(This does not obligate you in any way.)
• Organize/ Inventory Costumes and Props in Drama Room
• Assist with fund raiser - processing orders, counting money, etc.
• Sets - assembling and/or construction and/or painting for a show
• Refreshments at shows (contributions and/or set-up/clean-up)
• Props - collection and/or preparation for a show
• Costumes - laundering and/or ironing and/or sewing for a show
• POSSIBLE Theater field trip driver, chaperone - how many students your vehicle can accommodate _____
• I’ve read about the opportunities to assist, but I am unable to do so at this time.