Miss Baumgartner’s Theatre Syllabus 2018-2019 1 of 5

Introduction to Theatre • Mountainside Middle School

Teacher: Miss Alexis Baumgartner

Room: 151
Phone: 484-5500, ext. 4151
E-mail: abaumgartner@susd.org (e-mail contact is preferred)

“Your job as actors is to understand the size of what you say, to understand what's beneath the word.”
― Stella Adler, The Art of Acting

Curriculum
This is an introductory study of theatre and theatre appreciation with topics to include:
improvisation; acting; audience behavior; listening, viewing, and analysis of the
structure of theatre; evaluations of literature and playwright techniques; make up and
costuming; and technical design as per state and district standards.

Course Goals
● Create a cooperative learning environment
● Develop and expand self-esteem and performance confidence
● Express oneself clearly through voice and body
● Develop an understanding of the elements of theatre
● Understand the role of theatre in history, across cultures, and today
● Appreciate theatre arts’ role in society
● Promote higher, creative thinking and life-long learning

Supplies You Will Need to be Successful in Class

❖ Pencils
❖ Pens (3 colors; red, black, and blue)
❖ Loose-leaf lined paper
❖ Composition notebook
❖ Highlighter (multiple colors preferred)
❖ 1 pack of 3x5 notecards
❖ 2-3 glue sticks
❖ Eraser
❖ Sticky notes (regular size, any color)
❖ 1 pack of markers (and/or other coloring supplies)
❖ A fantastic attitude and willingness to “put yourself out there”!

Come to class prepared with these items each day. If you are unable to purchase
the supplies listed, please let me know within the first week of school.

Note: Policies are subject to teacher discretion and exceptions will be made for extreme/rare circumstances. Please
contact the teacher as soon as possible if this applies. Teacher may amend these policies at any time, and will notify
parents and students accordingly of changes.
Miss Baumgartner’s Theatre Syllabus 2018-2019 2 of 5

Classroom Procedures
Conduct
Students of this class are held to high standards and expectations. First and foremost, I
require that all of my students are respectful, kind, courteous, and mindful. This
class aims to allow students to explore, create, and question on a deeper level, within a
safe space for students to share and receive support from peers. Harassment, bullying,
or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. ROAR to be Kind!

Keep the Drama related to class— I care very much about how your day to day lives affect you,
but I won’t allow moods and acting out in the classroom or during theatre sessions. ABSOLUTELY
NO NEGATIVE COMMENTS about other students’ performances will be allowed.

Rules and Expectations

 Be respectful to both peers and instructor(s).
 Be in class on time.
 The teacher excuses you, not the bell.
 Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses and will be immediately reported to
parents and administration. Don’t do it.
 Zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol, or weapons.
 Obey all rules and guidelines detailed in your student code of conduct.

Cell Phones and Technology

As per the updated technology policy of Mountainside Middle School, all technology is
to be turned off and stowed in a backpack during passing period and class time.
Students may freely use cellphones before school, after school, or at lunch. If an
emergency occurs, students must consult a teacher or administration before using the
device. Students who do not follow this guideline will be subject to a minor infraction.

Bathroom
All students receive 5 bathroom passes per quarter, and may use them to be excused
for the bathroom during class or kept to be “cashed in” for prizes at the end of the
quarter. These will NOT be replaced if lost, so keep them safe! Note: Bathroom passes
are only in effect during class time (bell to bell). Students may arrive to class before the
bell and ask to use the bathroom (so I know you have arrived on time) without using a
pass.

Homework
Any assigned homework and classwork will be collected at the start of each class period
in which it is due (unless otherwise instructed by teacher) and will be turned into the
period homework basket. Students should expect that homework will be graded and
returned in a reasonable and timely manner (up to two weeks).

Note: Policies are subject to teacher discretion and exceptions will be made for extreme/rare circumstances. Please
contact the teacher as soon as possible if this applies. Teacher may amend these policies at any time, and will notify
parents and students accordingly of changes.
Miss Baumgartner’s Theatre Syllabus 2018-2019 3 of 5

Quality of Work

Take pride! Work must be completed on full-size notebook paper. Unless otherwise
noted, you should always write in complete sentences with proper spelling, punctuation,
and structure. In addition, badly wrinkled, dirty, illegible, torn, and/or sloppy work will not
be accepted.

Redo’s/Retakes:
Students who wish to redo or retake an assessment will need to complete a
Redo/Retake form, located near the Absent Work folders and return it to the teacher.
Teacher must approve this form before students will be allowed to redo or retake the
assignment. Once approved, the student must come in at lunch to redo or retake the
assessment.

Grading

A = 90% - 100% Weighting: Parents have full access to their student’s

B = 80% - 89% 70% Assessments grades via Synergy/ParentVUE.
C = 70% - 79% 30%
D = 60% - 69% Homework/Classwork
F = 59% or below

Extra Credit
Graded extra credit will be a rare occurrence in this classroom and will have little impact
on student’s grades if it is given. Instead, point systems will be in place for each class,
providing students with an opportunity to earn points for their teams as well as extra
enrichment opportunities.

Absences and Late Work

Make-up Work Policy
Make-up work is accepted without penalty for an excused absence only, and is to be
turned in within one class day per absent day (example: if a student has two days of
consecutive excused absence, he/she has two days to submit the class work for full
credit). Late work for unexcused absence will follow the late work policy detailed below.
Students must write “Absent” at the top of the paper before submitting to the
Late/Absent Work basket.

Late Work Policy

All late work is subject to a 10% late penalty and must be submitted by the end of mid-
quarter or quarter in which it was assigned. This date will be written on the front board
at the beginning of that unit so all students are aware of the final acceptance deadline.
Students must write “Late” at the top of the paper before submitting to the Late/Absent
Work basket.

Note: Policies are subject to teacher discretion and exceptions will be made for extreme/rare circumstances. Please
contact the teacher as soon as possible if this applies. Teacher may amend these policies at any time, and will notify
parents and students accordingly of changes.
Miss Baumgartner’s Theatre Syllabus 2018-2019 4 of 5

Absence Policy
All students are expected to contact the teacher as soon as possible for any known
absences (such as a sport event, family travel, scheduled appointments, etc.). Students
should check the Absent Work folders for missed assignments and ask table
leaders/classmates about missed notes before asking the teacher for assistance.

See Make-up Work Policy for information on absences and late work.

Performances
Part of being involved in theatre is the willingness to get up in front of an audience.
Individual and group performances and assignments will be a major component of this
class. Memorization, working extensively in groups, and performance in front of
the class and an audience are required. You will participate in monologues, partner
scenes, group skits, and other formats. Some class time will be devoted to work and
prepare, but there will be some preparation required at home. Grades may be adjusted
based upon individual contributions and preparation within each group.

Guidelines for Performances

● Always know your part and what you are responsible for as a team player.
Remember – there are no small parts.
● Talking while others are performing is inconsiderate and not tolerated. If you
need to get out of your seat for any reason, wait until the performer is finished.
● Do not give a performance with candy or gum in your mouth or cell phones in
pockets. Points will be deducted from a performance if a performer/group
member has gum, candy, or phones.

Live Performance Observation

As part of your assessment grade for theatre, you will be required to attend at least one
live play or musical performance this semester and complete a review and acting
critique. This performance can be high-school (Desert Mountain recommended),
community theatre, professional, or any live theatre performance you attend. The
deadline to turn in your critique is Wednesday, December 12, 2018. Details on the
critique and review specifications will be made available on Google Classroom. Contact
Miss Baumgartner with any questions or concerns regarding this assignment.

Questions for Miss Baumgartner

Please do not hesitate to see me before/after school or to email me at
abaumgartner@susd.org. Also, I will be available at lunch on Mondays, or by
appointment.

Note: Policies are subject to teacher discretion and exceptions will be made for extreme/rare circumstances. Please
contact the teacher as soon as possible if this applies. Teacher may amend these policies at any time, and will notify
parents and students accordingly of changes.
Miss Baumgartner’s Theatre Syllabus 2018-2019 5 of 5

2017-2018 Student / Parent Theatre Contract

Please complete this form and return to teacher.

Student Section
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read the syllabus and have agreed to
its terms and conditions and will behave in accordance to the terms. If changes are
made to this contract, you will be notified in print by the teacher immediately.
Student Signature:___________________________________________________

Student Name (Please Print):__________________________________________

Parental/Guardian Section
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to contact me at any time with questions,
comments, or concerns. I firmly believe in the value of having open parent-teacher
communication. My contact details are provided on the front page of the syllabus,
should any questions, comments, or concerns arise please let me know as soon as
possible.
Parent/Guardian Signature
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read the syllabus and have agreed to
its terms and conditions. If changes are made, you will be notified in print by the teacher
immediately.

Parent/Guardian Signature:________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print):_______________________________________

Phone Number: (_______)_________--_______________

Email Address:
____________________________________@____________________.___________

Note: Policies are subject to teacher discretion and exceptions will be made for extreme/rare circumstances. Please
contact the teacher as soon as possible if this applies. Teacher may amend these policies at any time, and will notify
parents and students accordingly of changes.