Theatre Arts
Course Syllabus 2014/2015
Instructor: Jamie Oettle
Room: J33
joettle@goddardusd.com
* Syllabus subject to change.
Course Description: This course will introduce the student to the many different
aspects of the theatre arts including acting, acting theories, technical work, analysis,
history, costuming, design, hands-on set building, script writing, improvisation,
etiquette, theatre structure, and the roles and responsibilities of both the theatre
professional and the audience member. This course will require the student to take
an active role in his/her educational experience through trial and error as well as
synthesis and application of material.
Course Goal: Students who complete theatre arts will have a working understanding
of how theatre will benefit a student in any career. Students will gain skills in
communication as well as analysis, and an in depth understanding of human
behavior. Students will practice leadership skills through a variety of projects.
Students will be able to describe the functions of theatre and practice essential roles
of a successful production.
 Grading and Requirements: Each assignment carries a point value associated with the
final grade. Grading scale follows Goddard High School grading standards. Grades will
consist of: daily grades, memorization checks, acting assignments, tests, quizzes,
notebook checks, projects, and participation. Grades do not start over at the beginning
of the 2nd nine weeks. Make every assignment count!!
Classroom Policies and Assignment Overview
 Memorization checks: Memorization will be graded on each acting assignment that
requires memorization for the performance. Memorization will be graded prior to the
performance on a designated date as well as during each performance. The sooner the
material is memorized the earlier the actor can begin to create and polish the character.
 Acting Assignments: Formal acting assignments will be given during the course and will
be graded according to the objectives clarified when the acting assignment is assigned.
Performances will be graded not only on the actual performance, but the process,
including time on task and other preparation. Monologue, duet, group, and dialect
assignments will be given. All acting assignments must be taken from a published script
unless otherwise stated.
 Tests: Whereas some material will be objective, most tests will be application-oriented.
This means that the students must synthesize and apply material discussed and studied to
solve problems, or answer questions based on real-life situations (you must be able to use
what you learn in different situations then the context you learned it in).
 Late Policy: All papers, homework, or otherwise are considered late after they have been
collected. Acting assignments are due for everyone on the due date specified unless
arrangements have been made with Mrs. Oettle at lease 24 hours in advance. If you stay
on task in class you should be well prepared to perform on time. Late homework will
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receive a 10% reduction each day that it is late. Major projects will receive a 20%
reduction on the first day they are late and 10% each day thereafter. Late work will not
be accepted for credit if it is turned in after the nine weeks when the assignment was
given. Work due on a day the student is absent should be turned in on the day he/she
returns.
Absences and Make-Up work: Be sure you read the attendance policy in the Goddard
High School handbook, this will be strictly enforced. If you know you will be absent prior to
a class period you must notify the teacher at least 24 hours in advance to obtain
homework which will be due on the date you return, if not handed in before you leave.
This includes school functions such as participation in a sports activity or other academic
function. *note: it is your responsibility to obtain make-up work—not the teacher’s
responsibility to make sure you do
Finished Form: Because good communication skills are important in any career you
chose and written communication is often used, each assignment will also be graded on
presentation, correct mechanics (including complete sentences) and legibility.
Occasionally some assignments will be graded according to 6-trait writing. All homework
should be submitted in blue or black ink on a whole sheet of paper (no ½ sheets), unless
otherwise specified by the teacher. Typed assignments must be submitted in 12pt New
Times Roman font, using 1” or smaller margins. All papers must have your name and date
on the top of the page.
Grade reporting and Parent Responsibilities: Progress reports will be distributed during
each nine weeks. If a parent is concerned about his or her student’s grade, or if the
student does not arrive home with a progress report, the parent should make initial
contact. The instructor has grades available for the students weekly, usually on Fridays. If
the student is not meeting parental expectations, the parent can call for weekly reports.
The student will be responsible for ensuring that they obtain a grade printout from the
instructor during non-class time.
Food Drink and Seating: There is absolutely NO food or drink (unless it is water) in the
drama classroom. There is ABSOULTLY NO food or drink in the auditorium or theatre!!
Students caught with food or drink in either location will receive a classroom detention,
and if the problem persists the instructor will call parents and then the student will be
turned over to the office.
Extra Credit: Extra credit is meant to enhance a student’s education, not make up for it.
If you chose to attend the plays produced at Goddard High School or any other
professional production in the Wichita area (provide a program), you may earn up to
25pts. extra credit for each production you attend. The catch is that you must write a
formal review of the production according to the instructions given in class. Extra credit is
due 1 week after the date you attended the production. No extra credit will be
accepted for points after this deadline.
Discipline Problems in the Classroom:
1. If a problem occurs in the classroom the student will first receive a verbal warning (based
on the level of the offense).
2. If the problem persists the student will receive a 30min. classroom detention to be served
before or after school, parents will be called if necessary. Students will have 2 days after
the detention is given to complete this time. If the student does not serve his/her
detention he/she will then need to serve a 60-minute detention before or after school,
parents will definitely be contacted. If the student chooses not to serve the detention
he/she will receive a discipline referral, and the matter will be turned over to his/her
principal, parents will be contacted.
3. If the problem is severe the student will immediately be sent to the office, and
appropriate actions will be taken according to the Goddard High School regulations,
parents will be contacted.
This will be a great year if you put forth your best effort. Remember to support each other.
This class will be fun, but the fun will come from the work!!