Welcome to BEGINNING DRAMA Elective – 2013 – with Mrs. Messing
Beginning Drama is a one-semester elective that will explore different types of performing arts and public
speaking. This course allows students to experiment with a variety of forms of theatre. Part of the class grade
is audience behavior, since I believe that a safe learning environment is supportive and compassionate.
Students are required to participate in all the different class activities and to demonstrate how to be an
observant and caring audience member. It is my goal that the class is challenging and fun for both extroverts
and introverts in the class!
We will explore connections within and across the arts, to other disciplines, life, cultures, and work. Students
will learn stagecraft, movement, acting, and directing skills. We will be introduced to many forms of vocal
performance, such as choral reading, Readers Theatre, poetry, and speech. In class, students will perform
scenes from different plays, give speeches, learn monologues, and create scripts for actors and for puppets. In
January, we will invite families to watch the performance of the class play. The final assessment will culminate
in this performance and by turning in the Drama Journal that each student is required to create to explain
vocabulary, illustrate stage movement, and help with script analysis. This will be a fun and busy course!
Expectations:
 In a class like drama, a positive and supportive classroom atmosphere is crucial to our success.
 Respect for classmates, self, and the teacher is expected at all times.
 Proper behavior and language use is very important.
 The primary expectation is to create an environment where the instructor may teach without distractions
and all students are free to experiment and learn.
Students are expected to act in accordance with Cedar Heights Expectations:
 Act in a safe and healthy manner.
 Respect yourself and others
 Treat all property with respect
 Take responsibility for learning.
Other Expectations:
To have fun while learning about drama
To be on time and in assigned seat when bell rings (no tardiness)
To take care of bathroom and water needs during passing period.
To be a polite and attentive audience member
My response to inappropriate behavior is as follows:
1. A gentle reminder
2. Move student from distraction of peers or activity
3. Student conference, with student writing an apology and getting a demerit slip
4. A phone call to student’s parent
5. Detention Referral
My response to tardiness: Students that arrive late to class disrupt instruction for the entire class. Students
are required to be in their seat, with paper and pencil out, and beginning the daily entry task when the bell
rings. This is also a Cedar Heights rule.
 After two tardies, we will have a Student Conference
 After three tardies, a phone call to parent
 Three or more a referral to the Dean of Students
Grading:
 20% Participation which includes the following: Daily notes, activities, assignments
 80% Assessment (tests, performance). There will be a final assessment in January.
Grading Scale:
By Student By Standard. I grade using a 4 point scale. All tests/projects can be redone only after the
student has met with the teacher to relearn content/concepts. Participation is also graded in this
class. Students earn participation points by being on task, getting work completed on time, asking
questions, working with partners, and not bothering others.
4 – A- 100%
3.5 – B+ - 87%
3 – C – 75%
Hints for Success
 Stay on top of your projects! There will be at least three major projects, as well as many smaller
projects this semester.
 Practice your speeches and oral presentations many times, out loud, (to yourself and to a friend) before
performance.
 Keep communication open. Let me know any problems or difficulties.
Please tear off and keep the bottom portion
Contact me:
Mrs. Teresa Messing
Phone: 360-874-6020 ext. 4544
E-mail: messing@skitsap.wednet.edu
School Website: http://www.skitsap.wednet.edu/Domain/893
Class Goal: All students pass with a “C” or better
I update my website every Sunday Evening. I also e-mail grade reports home every week. Please feel free
to call or e-mail me with any questions or comments. E-mail is the best way to reach me.
Parent Signature_______________________________ E-mail___________________________________
Print Student Name____________________________________ Class Period__________