Instructor: Wendy Pratt
wpratt@tmisd.us/ ph. 361.903.6700 ext #3147
Theatre Arts I
Course Description: Theatre Arts I is an introductory course incorporating basic acting techniques, the
role of the actor in interpreting dramatic literature, the historical evolution of performance styles and an
overview of the technical elements necessary to theatre production. The class involves theatre games and
exercises, as well as working from textbooks and acting scripts. Memorization skills are a necessity. In
this class, we will strive to collectively create an atmosphere full of people who enjoy theatre and love
to have fun, but who also know the importance of artistic discipline and diligent work.
Scope and Sequence*
TEKS/PRIORITY OBJECTIVES
UNIT
First 6 Weeks
Introduction to
Theatre , Audience
Etiquette, Stages
and Stage
Directions,
Pantomime and
Improvisation
OBJ
Second 6 Weeks
Voice and Diction
Auditioning and
Monitoring
OBJ
Third 6 Weeks
Approaches to
Acting
OBJ
Fourth 6 Weeks
Theatre History
TEKS
1
1
7.
6
4
C3A
C3B
TEKS
TEKS
OBJ
TEKS
Fifth 6 Weeks
Production Staff
and Process,
Stagecraft
OBJ
Sixth 6 Weeks
Performance
Projects
OBJ
TEKS
TEKS
1
1
7.
6
4
1
1
7.
6
4
1
1
7.
6
4
1
1
7.
6
4
1
1
7.
6
4
C3A
C3B
C3B
C3F
C3A
C3B
C3B
C5D
C1F
C3B
SAMPLE
ACTIVITIES
Develop and practice theatre preparation and
warm-up techniques.
Define and give examples of theatrical
conventions (time, setting, fourth wall, visual
elements.
employ stage movement and pantomime
consistently to express thoughts, feelings, and
actions;
1. Warm ups
2. Identify parts of the
Stage
3. Label parts of the stage
4.Solo and Duet
Pantomimes
5. Improvisation of a
story line
Demonstrate safe use of the voice and body
Employ stage movement and pantomime
consistently to express thoughts, feelings, and
actions.
Analyze a character from a script, describing
physical, intellectual, emotional, and social
dimensions.
1. Demonstrate proper
breathing techniques
2. Define pitch, volume,
rate, emphasis, and pause
3. Slate for an audition
4. Character analysis
Improvise, using emotional and sensory recall.
Analyze and describe the interdependence of all
theatrical elements.
Improvise, write, and refine monologues, scenes,
and vignettes to convey meaning to the audience.
Analyze a character from a script, describing
physical, intellectual, emotional, and social
dimensions.
Portray theatre as a reflection of life in particular
times, places, and cultures.
Relate historical and cultural influences on theatre
and analyze the roles of live theatre, film,
television, and electronic media in American
society.
1. Blocking Exercises
2.Duet Scenes
3. Defining acting styles
4. Character Analysis –
Face book Exercise
Analyze and describe the interdependence of all
theatrical elements.
Develop and practice stage-craft skills.
Safely apply technical knowledge and skills to
create and/or operate functional scenery,
properties, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup,
and publicity.
Define the director's responsibility to the author's
intent, script, actors, designers, technicians, and
the audience.
Concentrate in one or more areas of theatre
production (acting, technical theatre, theatre
management), demonstrating responsibility,
artistic discipline, and creative problem solving.
Perform the roles of actor, ensemble member, and
director in production decision making and
collaborates with others to produce theatre with a
unified production for public performance.
1.Discuss theatre as a
*Dates and syllabus are subject to change or adjustment based on student needs
1. Identify productions
and playwrights from
different time periods
2.Write a modern day
Morality play
career or vocation
2. Define the elements of
design
3. Describe methods of
publicizing a play
1. Class Performances
Instructor: Wendy Pratt
wpratt@tmisd.us/ ph. 361.903.6700 ext #3147
Course Requirements
A. Materials needed for class
1. notebook
2. pen and pencil
B. Attendance(compliance with TMISD policy)
C. Readiness to read, write, speak and perform
D. Completion of all written assignments on time
E.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Class Participation
consistent attendance
effective use of rehearsal time
responsible partnership
active class discussion
F.
1.
2.
a.
b.
Performance
monologues/scenes effectively memorized and polished
ready to perform on designated day
students/groups will draw for order
If you are absent on your designated performance day, you MUST perform
the day of your return!! Failure to do so will result in a zero for the
assignment.
Late work is accepted for reduced credit. Ten points will be deducted for each
day it is late.
Absent? You are responsible for obtaining all missed work and notes.
Note to Students
Performance oriented classes such as band, art, choir, orchestra and drama are not like
other classes. At the time of a scheduled performance, all members who have
committed themselves to the process must present in order for the full product to be
exhibited. Since creating art is often a collaborative effort, your attendance and work
ethic greatly affect the group’s effort. The only fair way to reflect the importance of
this concept is to heavily penalize those people who choose to ignore it.
Many areas are taken into consideration to arrive at a grade for this course. Remember:
a “C” grade is for average work. If you are interested in earning a higher grade, then
you must work for it! It is very possible for a strong actor to get a low grade in this
course, and for a weak or inexperienced actor to earn an “A”. Your effort, in addition
to the areas mentioned above, is vital.