If you are interested in volunteering your time to help us with any production please contact me at mdeboer@westmichiganacademy.org
Past Productions
Theatre at West Michigan Academy
Improvisation
This course follows the study of Improvisation, the emergent form of Theatre. This course will cover the basic tenets of improvisation: spontaneity, learning to not negate on stage, and reincorporation. Improv is a serious study of theatre that utilizes techniques that greatly enhance and actor’s skills. For example, spontaneity is a skill, that when developed, can create more life-like responses to a situation.
Theatre History 2
In this course we will learn about the history of theatre from the Shakespearean times through modern times (including musical theatre). Students will learn about the time period, the playwrights, and the plays. They will also study a play from each period and perform a scene from that same play.
3rd & 4th grade choice
This class focuses on entry-level theatre skills. Students will study grade level national art standards in deeper depth. Topics studied range from stage directions, simple characterizations and identification of story elements. Students will perform in skits and will develop basic improvisational skills. They will explore performing a story and explore original story creation.
Creative Drama
This class explores dramatic activities that help to grow as a theatrical performer. Students will perform a monologue, a duo, and a group skit as well as participate in many other forms of acting including improvisation. Any student interested in auditioning for a show should take this class. Creative drama focuses on the “process,” for example, what are the tools and actor needs to enhance his or her performance.
Grading
Participation/Effort/Prepared for Class- 100 pts. each 3 weeks
Daily Journal Entries- 100 pts. each 3 weeks
Small Assignments, Performances, and Tests- varies
Late Work Policy
All homework is due the day after it is assigned, unless another date is given. If homework is late your grade will be lowered by 20%. (Example: if assignment is worth 10 points and is late, you will receive an 8 automatically.) Late homework needs to turned in immediately the next day. At the end of the week no late homework will be accepted. (FRIDAY DEADLINE). If you have an excused absence you will be allowed one day per day you were absent to get your work in for full credit (Example: absent one day, you have two days to make up the work).
*For long term projects late assignments will only be accepted one day late, and will be deducted by 30% unless otherwise specified.
Attendance Policy
Three unexcused tardies equals an SSR. Contact will be made with parent(s) if there are excessive absences. Alternative assignments may be assigned (due to the performance nature of theses class) based on attendance.
Expectations
Every community will follow guidelines to ensure success. These are our classroom rules:
Cooperation: Students listen to directions and demonstrate respect for other students.
Concentration: Students keep focused on the task at hand.
Control: Students practice physical self control. They plan out actions so as not to hurt others physically or verbally.
Creativity: Students take risks by trying new things and solving problems
in different ways.
Consequences
1st offense- Warning
2nd offense- Thinking time
3rd offense- Silent Supervised Recess (SSR)- served during lunch recess
4th offense-To the office, conference with administration will determine consequence
*The teacher reserves the right to skip any of these if the circumstances are warranted.
Theatre Class Requirements
- Clothing that does not constrict movement
- A pen or pencil to journal or make assessments
Classroom Entrance Procedure
1. Enter class quietly
2. Get Journal
3. Begin Journal Assignment
If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at mdeboer@westmichiganacademy.org
