Contract & Course Expectations
Shilind Wheaton
Drama I, II, (III, IV- Advanced Drama), Technical Theater I & II Conference Period:5
I.
Professional Background:
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree - California School of the Arts
Clear Teaching Credential, K - Adult, Multiple Subject with authorizations: Theatrical and Performing Arts - National
University and California State University, San Diego
II.
Course Goals:
Proficiency in theatrical terminology, as well as a general knowledge of sets, costume, and prop construction and
design. Students will be exposure to the historical eras of theatrical development and gain confidence in stage
presence, theatrical techniques and production elements. Drama I and Technical Theater I students will accomplish
basic theatrical and technical skills. Upon the completion of Advanced Drama, students will obtain a level of expertise
necessary to audition or apply for a position in the professional arena.
III.
Grading Policy:
A. Demonstration of Progress = 55% of semester grade
This includes: Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Oral Presentations, Performances, etc.
B. Process: Completion of Course Requirements = 45% of semester grade
This includes: completion of homework, participation in classroom activities, completion of in class
assignments, Journaling checks and class notes
IV.
Classroom Standards
A) Homework and Class work:
1. Much of the homework will consist of memorizing terms, or lines.
2. Memorized assignments will be given specific due dates as well as for quizzes or presentations.
3. HOMEWORK AND PRESENTATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE.
I understand that homework will not be accepted late.
______________________
________________________
(Student Initials)
(Parent Initials)
I understand that it is my responsibility to get any assignments that I miss due to an absence from Mrs. Wheaton before or
after class, during break or lunch the first day scheduled day that I return to school.
______________________
________________________
(Student Initials)
(Parent Initials)
B) Journal
1. Every student should have a Drama class Journal. The Drama class Journal will be brought to class
EVERY DAY. In this Journal, students will keep all: homework, daily notations, costume and set
designs, lighting plots, and vocabulary.
2. Every student will use the Journal on a daily basis. The Journal entries will occur on a daily basis, and
will always occur at the beginning of class. They will be given within a limited time frame. These entries
may not be made up. Class attendance is essential to your grade!!!
3. Most daily assignments will be completed in the Journal, and submitted in the journal. Do not use this
journal for other classes. You will also need a binder for your drama projects later in the school year.
I understand that I must have my journal with required contents in class EVERY DAY.
______________________
________________________
(Student Initials)
(Parent Initials)
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C) Oral Participation
Each student is expected to make an effort to participate theatrically in Drama class on a daily basis.
Participation points will be given by the teacher for class improvisational activities, technical activities, responses
to questions, contributions to discussions or any attempt at participation by the student.
I will make every effort to participate theatrically in Drama class on a daily basis.
______________________
________________________
(Student Initials)
(Parent Initials)
D) Quizzes
1. Quizzes may or may not be announced in advance.(Drama I and Tech I will ALWAYS have advance
notice for quizzes.)
2. Quizzes may not be “re-taken” for a better grade.
3. Students may make up a quiz only if their absence was excused and by appointment with the teacher.
4. Quizzes must be made up within one week of the student’s return to class.
5. There may be open note quizzes as well as closed note quizzes.
I understand that it is my responsibility to check with Mrs. Wheaton about any quizzes that I missed before or after class,
during break or lunch.
______________________
________________________
(Student Initials)
(Parent Initials)
If I am absent, I will make an appointment with the teacher to make up missed quizzes as soon as I return to school. I
understand that if I do not make up quizzes within one week, I will receive a 0%.
______________________
________________________
(Student Initials)
(Parent Initials)
E) Final Exams
1. Exams will always be announced at least five days in advance.
2. Students may make up an exam only if their absence was excused and by appointment with the
teacher.
3. Exams must be made up within one week of the student's return to class.
4. Cheating = “F”
5. Talking during a quiz or test = “F”
If I am absent, I will make an appointment with the teacher to make up missed tests as soon as I return to school. I
understand that if I do not make up tests within one week, I will receive a 0%.
______________________
(Student Initials)
________________________
(Parent Initials)
F) Bill of Rights
1. Everyone has the right to a safe and clean work area. Please put away all materials and pick up trash
from the floor before leaving the classroom. There will be absolutely no food or drinks allowed in class or
technical booths at any time. Anyone breaking this rule will spend the class period in OCI. (On
Campus Detention)
2. Everyone has a right to express feelings, opinions, and ideas without being interrupted, harassed or
punished.
3. Substitutes are to be honored as the highest nobility and ALWAYS obeyed. If a student is disruptive,
disrespectful while a substitute is in the classroom, that student will spend the next class period in OCI
and will receive a 0% for their daily participation points.
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4.
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8.
The theater is a very special place and should be treated with respect. No chewing gum, eating or
drinking in the PAC. Water is allowed. Students breaking this rule will receive a zero for the day and
spend the following class period in OCI.
If it is not your prop ( item used for a play or scene) do not touch it. In theater we use many interesting
items and some can be perceived as toys. Some items can be borrowed from local businesses and must
be returned in good working order. Fees are charged if anything is returned damaged. If the prop has not
been assigned to you. Do not touch it.
If you get something out, put it away. Crew days are very busy and we have lots of tools and pieces
pulled from our storage. If you take it out, you put it away no matter who else used the item.
Keep your hands to yourself. This is an active classroom, and you will experience lots of fun, interesting
games and activities. This is not a license to “monkey around” anyone breaking this rule will receive a
zero for the day and be sent to OCI immediately.
Be nice. It can be difficult to get up in front of others and perform. Encourage your fellow artists; treat
them with respect and compassion, and positive reinforcement. You would want the same.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------Students, please read and sign:
I have read and understand these guidelines. I understand that I must follow these guidelines if I wish to receive a
passing grade in this class.
_______________________________________________________________
(student’s signature)
Parents, please read and sign:
I have reviewed the above guidelines with my son/daughter. I understand that if he/she is to receive a passing grade in
Drama or Technical Theater, he/she must follow these guidelines.
I will encourage him/her to attend class and be on time everyday.
I will encourage him/her to complete his homework on a daily basis.
I will NOT expect my son/daughter to be graded based on extra credit projects assigned at the end of the semester. I
understand that the semester grade reflects the completion of assignments and progress made throughout the semester.
I will also monitor his/her progress by checking on line at least once every three weeks.
I will be part of the social media programs offered by the drama department, so I can be thoroughly informed.
If I have any questions, I will contact Mrs. Wheaton at swheaton@murrieta.k12.ca.us (951)696-1408x5906.
I will also verify that the school has my current daytime telephone number and current email so that Mrs. Wheaton can
contact me if necessary.
I will make every effort to attend Back to School Night, Parent Teacher Conferences, and Open House so that Mrs.
Wheaton can further describe this fascinating, exciting and monumental course, as well as brag about my wonderful
son/daughter.
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________
(parent’s signature)
Print name
Parent contact email and Phone ________________________________________
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