Junior High Drama

Junior High Drama is a semester-long class that requires students to perform individually, in small groups, and as a large ensemble on stage. Students will complete a number of acting and writing activities, including performances of (and writing reflections on) a one-act play for the school and for the public.

GOALS

Students in junior high drama will:

• interact positively with other performers
• participate in improvisation activities
• study and practice voice control
• learn vocabulary related to the stage
• model appropriate audience behavior
• practice and perform on stage
• memorize short and long passages of text
• write reflections on dramatic productions

 

EXPECTATIONS

I expect you to be your BEST! This means that you will ...

• Believe in yourself
• Embrace challenge
• Support your classmates
• Take responsibility for your actions

 

ASSESSMENT:

Grades for Junior High Drama will be based on successful completion of the following:

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

Each student will select, prepare, memorize, and perform a silly joke, one or two monologues, and an audition in front of the class, and will be expected to serve as a respectful audience for their classmates. Students will work on all aspects of play production, including set design, costuming, movement of props, publicity, and learning to act and react. 

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

Students will write brief reflections on scenes we read, view, and/or perform. There may also be opportunities for creative writing, for example, original scenes or play extensions.

PARTICIPATION

Students will be required to participate in a variety of group and individual activities designed to teach or practice skills needed on (or back) stage. Students are expected to come to class ready to cooperate with all tasks. 

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES  

Each student will be assigned specific responsibilities as a member of the cast and backstage crew of a play.  Points will be earned based on the student’s ability to demonstrate:

• cooperation with all members of the class
• sensitivity to and consideration of the efforts of other class members
• respect, safety, and maintenance of classroom rules and standards
• commitment to assigned tasks
• attention to detail in assigned tasks
• meeting assigned deadlines

There will be one performance scheduled in school and one scheduled outside of school hours. Every effort will be made to agree on a date and time that works for the class. Students are expected to attend this performance.

HOMEWORK

Most activities for drama will take place in class, however some time may need to be spent at home memorizing lines.