Instructor – David Gay Email: james_d_gay@dekalbschoolsga.

org
Office: Auditorium Concessions Website:
davidgaydunwoodyhsdrama.weebly.com

Text: An Introduction to Theatre and Drama by Marshall Cassady and Pat Cassady
Play Production Today by Jonniepat Morely
Theatre – Art in Action

Course description: Drama II/III/IV delves further in the craft, utilizing the actor’s body, and
linking performance to that of body and mind. Students will gain knowledge in theatre skills,
traditional styles of acting, directing, character development and analyzation, cultural and
historical research and improvisation necessary for an actual production. Elements of technical
theatre will also be explored.

Drama II/III/IV is an advanced course, an extension of other classes in theatre with

higher levels of information and greater expectancies. Expanding upon basic skills
acquired in the first course, you will find this class to be more challenging and demanding
along with its customary sense of fun and play.
We will explore and develop acting styles, playwriting skills, and aspects of audition
technique. Mask improvisation, stage combat, characterization technique, movement,
accent work and emotional discovery will also be emphasized in this class. Memorization
for monologues and scenes, writing of scripts and papers, and outside reading will be
required of all students.

Throughout the semester, we will be exploring:

Technical Theatre Improvisation/Acting Performance Studies
Puppetry Direction Accent Work Movement
Play Analysis Playwriting Resume Preparation/Auditioning Technique

GRADING CATEGORIES: Pre-assessment Prior to Learning (Formative Assessments) – 0%

Assessments During Learning – 25%
Guided, Independent, or Group Practice – 45%
Summative Assessments or Assessments of Learning – 30%

A 90-100 B 80-89 C 71-79 D 70 F Below 70

Teacher does not subscribe to grade inflation. Thus, “A” means that you have shown me
superior understanding, preparation, and, or execution of any given assignment/task. A
“B” means above average work (you did a bit more than was asked of you), a “C” means
average (you did exactly what was asked of you – no more, no less) or worse .
District Expectations for Success:
Student Progress - Semester progress reports shall be issued four-and-a-half, nine, and thirteen-and-a-half
weeks into each semester. The progress of students shall be evaluated frequently and plans shall be generated to
remediate deficiencies as they are discovered. Plans shall include appropriate interventions designed to meet the
needs of the students. (See Board Policy IH)
Academic Integrity – Students will not engage in an act of academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to,
cheating, providing false information, falsifying school records, forging signatures, or using an unauthorized
computer use ID or password. (See the Code of Student Conduct – Student Rights and Responsibilities and Character
Development Handbook)
Homework – Homework assignments should be meaningful and should be an application or adaptation of a
classroom experience. Homework is at all times an extension of the teaching/learning experience. It should be
considered the possession of the student and should be collected, evaluated and returned to the students. (See
Board Policy IHB)
Make-up Work Due to Absences – When a student is absent because of a legal reason as defined by
Georgia law or when the absence is apparently beyond the control of the student, the student shall be given an
opportunity to earn grade(s) for those days absent. Make-up work must be completed within the designated time
allotted. (See Board Policy IHEA)

Materials for class – Notebook to take notes and organize all handouts. Every day, bring in a writing utensil
and paper to write on. Often I will have you write journals.

Class Participation and Effort – So much of your success in this course is dependent upon your participation
and effort. Your attitude applied to each task assigned is important for your success. Students will receive a
bi-weekly participation grade and you will receive feedback to help push you to be your very best.

Written Assignment – Required writing opportunities include journals, reflections, and self evaluations. Be
sure to always be prepared with notebook, paper and pen. At least one formal paper will be
required this semester. Guidelines will be provided for you to structure your paper.

Other graded assignments will include tests and quizzes, group projects, performances, & a final exam.

This syllabus and calendar are subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.

Commitment for Success: Please remember that I am committed to

your success this year. Visit me if you have any difficulties or
questions. It is best to make an appointment, sometimes my rehearsal
schedule may interfere. My free period is 1st block.

RULES OF THE HOUSE

Behavior/Classroom Expectations:
All students are expected to . . .
1. Be on time. What is a tardy? At the bell, you are expected to be in your seat with notebook and pen,
ready for class. You will be considered tardy if you are outside of the auditorium when the bell rings or
in mid-flight to your seat.
2. Our auditorium is not a traditional auditorium, but students are expected to respect the space as they
would a classroom. No lounging on the floor or propping up feet. Use the time at the end of class to
 dispose of any trash and put up materials, props and costumes used. No tobacco products – that means
VAPE!!!
3. Absolutely no drinks or food in the theatre. Water is permissible, but not on the stage.

4. No ear buds, music devices, or cellphones during class. They will be taken and return at the
end of the period. Some assignments you may need your phone– but a phone should be out
ONLY during those times.
5. No backpacks. They must remain in your locker. Girls who bringing in the world’s largest
purses will be asked to take them to their locker.
6. Stay on task. Avoid distractions that prevent you from completing or executing an assignment.
7. Respect one’s self and others.
8. Leaving class without permission will lead to administrative referral. Sometimes we may need to break
into groups to work in the lobby. Do not walk away from lobby or auditorium. Ask, and I will provide
you with a note toward the end of the period. I am responsible for you and must know your location
during the class period. No one has permission to go to his or her car during school day.
9. Attendance/Tardy Policy - Your attendance is expected every day. Many assignments are group or
partner related, and you have a responsibility to yourself and others to show up for class. If you arrive
late to class, quietly take a seat in the back of the house if a student is performing.
10. Be attentive to due dates for performance assignments. When working with a partner or the class as a
group, your absence will prevent the show from going on. With performances assigned in advance, you
must perform on your day or trade time slots with someone else. For many assignments, you will not be
assigned a performance day and must be ready to perform on the first day of performances.
11. Grades are determined solely on individual basis and are based on personal progress, not group
comparison. Please do not compete with other class members. If you must compete with anyone,
compete with yourself.
12. Attitude. Your attitude is important to your success in this class, as well as, the success of every
individual taking this class. This is an elective, not a required core course. Remember, you chose to be
here. If you don’t want to be here, if acting or technical theatre is not for you, then do yourself a favor
and take another class. You will not succeed in this class with a negative attitude.
13. This class is a hate-free zone. Respect will be demonstrated for all participants of various backgrounds
and abilities.
14. Maintain self control. Although we will engage in many fun theatre games and improvisations, these
exercises should never be a signal for you to lose control. I love to laugh and have fun; however, rules
and self-discipline must exist within games and improvisations.
15. Be your own censor. Remember we are in an educational setting not Comedy Central or a nightclub
and you have a captive audience. Be your own censor. Avoid material that is distasteful or will offend or
 be hurtful. B In a class that relies so heavily on a relaxed atmosphere to express ideas and opinion, I will
not tolerate hurtful comments or words of hate.

* Scenes, monologues, and dramatic situations that are not school appropriate could result in your
grade being lowered. If you worry your material is not appropriate, please come talk to me and I can
help with changes or coming up with another idea.
14. Throughout the semester, we will strive to maintain a classroom atmosphere that insures individual
artistic freedom of expression. Students must be supported so they can perform openly in a safe
environment. No photographs or filming of performances will be tolerated. If an individual attempts to
film another via cell-phone and post on internet sources such as My Space, Facebook, Instagram,
Twitter, YouTube, etc., he/she could face the possibility of academic suspension. Each student has
ownership of his/her own performance, NOT YOU! There will be occasions where I will need to
videotape a performance for purpose of grading and can provide you with a copy of your performance.
15. Please note that any physical contact that transpires during a classroom exercise, improvisation, or
rehearsal/performance must be mutually agreed upon by all parties involved.
16. Don’t forget to have fun!
17. Remember that I am here to help and guide you to success. If you have any problems, difficulties, or
concerns, please contact me immediately.

This year we will have many theatrical opportunities outside of class for students to become involved:
~ Fall and Spring Musical
~ Be part of Dunwoody Wildcat Theatre and Thespian Troupe
~ Dunwoody Speech Team – travel in and out of state and for performance competition
 ~ Dunwoody Improv Troupe

Go to the website http://DunwoodyWildcatTheatre.com and become a member of our

Facebook group, Dunwoody Wildcat Theatre.

SYLLABUS VERIFICATION FORM

Sign and return to Mr. Gay by Friday, August 10, 2018

Students:
In order to effectively convey all the information of this course, please review
your calendar and class rules. I suggest you place performance dates, written
assignment/testing dates, and work weekend dates in your student agenda to
assure promptness.

I have received and read the syllabus and guidelines for this course, and I
understand my responsibilities.

Student Signature
Student printed name ______________________________

Student email ____________________________________

Student cell phone _________________________________

(for texts for assignment reminders)

Parents:
As the education of students is all of our responsibility, please take the time to
read the syllabus, course overview and guidelines that I have sent home with your
student. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me:
james_d_gay@dekalbschoolsga.org

I have read the course overview, syllabus, and guidelines and understand my
student’s responsibilities in this course.

Parent/Guardian Signature
Parent Printed Name ______________________________

Best number for contact:

Parent email: