Syllabus for Theatre/Film Classes

Room - 811 (Black Box Theater) or 704 (Scene Shop) or the Olathe South Auditorium 

Course Descriptions –

• History of Film: This course examines the impact of the film industry on American history and culture as advances in technology have changed the film industry over time. Students will view and write about a series of required classical films, from different genres, from silent films to the present. Research, critical thinking, analyzing, and utilization of extensive writing strategies are emphasized for all assignments and projects.
• Theatre Production I: This course gives students the opportunity to develop exciting theatrical projects. Students will gain knowledge of what goes into theatrical performance and will explore the production process from page to stage. The use of computer technology in theatre production will also be explored. Guided Enrollment Note: Some out of class time may be required including attendance at out of school performances or productions.
• Theatre Production II: This class continues where Theatre Production I left off. Students will find out more about the areas of theatre, while still getting the chance to develop exciting theatrical projects. Learn what is happening behind the scenes and figure out your theatre preferences. Guided Enrollment Note: Some out of class time may be required including attendance at out of school performances or productions.
• Acting I: Here is a chance to discover the basics of what it takes to perform on stage. Acting in its various forms is showcased throughout the semester. This class gives students the chance to work on acting techniques and performance skills. Students will be required to memorize dialogue for presentation during this class. Guided Enrollment Note: Attendance at performances is a graded part of the class.
• Acting II: This class increases acting training and expands students' knowledge of the theatrical world. This course takes students through audition processes, production skills, writing, analysis, and Shakespeare. Students will be required to memorize dialogue for presentation during this class. Guided Enrollment Note: Attendance at performances is a graded part of the class.
• Technical Theatre I: This course is a basic study of technical theatre production with an emphasis on construction techniques used in theatre production. Other technical aspects such as costuming, make-up, lighting, sound, publicity, and properties are introduced. Projects completed in class will be in conjunction with plays produced. Some out of class time may be required. Guided Enrollment Note: Attendance at performances is a graded part of the class.
• Technical Theatre II: This course is the advanced study of technical theatre production with a continued emphasis on construction techniques used in theatre. There will also be further exploration of costuming, make-up, lighting, sound, publicity and properties. This class also includes an introduction to theatrical leadership. Projects completed in class will be in conjunction with plays produced. Some out of class time may be required. Guided Enrollment Note: Attendance at performances is a graded part of the class.
• Repertory Theatre: This is a course for the serious theatre student. Aspects of theatrical production, advanced acting techniques, and theatrical leadership will be addressed. Career exploration and preparation for theatre post high school will be covered, including auditioning skills and portfolio creation. Guided Enrollment Note: Audition or instructor recommendation required. Outside of school rehearsals, performances and attendance at performances is a graded part of the class.
• Advanced Repertory Theatre: This is a course for the serious theatre student who would like to expand on the knowledge gained in repertory theatre. There will be further theatrical production and acting experiences throughout the year. Increased auditioning skills, portfolio creation, theatrical leadership, and exploration into post high school theatrical opportunities will be offered. Guided Enrollment Note: Audition or instructor recommendation required. Outside of school rehearsals, performances and attendance at performances is a graded part of the class.

​Students Earn Graduation Requirements for Taking Theatre/Film classes​

• APPLIED COMMUNICATION
  • ​Acting I & II
  • Theatre Production II
  • History of Film
  • Repertory Theatre
  • Advanced Repertory Theatre                ​
•  FINE ARTS
  • Acting 1 & II
  • Technical Theatre I & II
  • History of Film
  • Theatre Production I & II
  • Repertory or Advanced Repertory Theatre
• PRACTICAL & CONSUMER
  • Technical Theatre I & II                                                                      
•  TECHNOLOGY
  • Theatre Production I

Textbooks - We have many different textbooks for theatre/film classes including The Stage and the School (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1999), Scene Design and Stage Lighting (Thomson/Wadsworth, 1996), Lighting and the Design Idea (Harcourt Brace, 1997), Stanislavski for Beginners (Writers and Readers, Inc., 1999), Audition (Bantam, 1980), Types of Drama: Plays and Context (Longman Pub Group, 1997), and Drama for Reading & Performance: Collection Two (Mind Resources, 2000). We will also use a variety of scripts and resource books. Students may check books out, but most of our textbooks with be used in the classroom.

Supplies - Students need to bring their laptop and charger, a pen and a pencil, notebook paper, and a folder to keep assignments. ​

Classroom Rules

• Be Prompt
  • ​All students need to be in their assigned seat when the bell rings.
• Be Prepared
  • ​Students need to bring all assignments and materials to class every day. Assigned projects are due at the beginning of the hour.
• Be Respectful
  • ​Students who choose to participate in Olathe South Theatre are expected to follow the Educational​ Theatre Associations' Core Values.
• Follow School Rules
  • ​All school rules can be found in the Olathe South student planner.​​

Educational Theatre Association Core Values

• People Matter
  • Every individual has the opportunity to make a difference.
  • Take care of yourself and your ‘peers.’
  • Cultivate each person’s skills, strengths & talents.
  • Be respectful, considerate, and honest with each other.
• Strive for Excellence
  • Define Success.
  • Be open to and embrace positive change.
  • Look outside the walls of our ‘classroom.’ Learn and document new ways to do things better.
  • Take risks – turn both successes and failures into lessons learned.
• Work Together
  • The best ideas, performance, and results come through collaboration. 
  • Focus on the objective and challenge ideas, not people.
  • Be kind, assertive and supportive, even when there is disagreement,
• Be the Person You Want to Work With
  • Celebrate individuality and honor diversity.
  • Engage Fully.
  • Bring joy and optimism to your work.​

Grading - Grades will be comprised of preparation for performances, quizzes, written reviews, research papers, and class participation. The grading scale will be based on the percentage of points earned.

• A=100-90%
• B=89-80%
• C=79-70%
• D=69-60%
• F=below 60%

Participation Points - Students will earn 5 points every day (10 points on seminar days) for participation in theatrical/film activities. It’s not possible to make up these classroom activities, but students can earn additional credit through the ways listed below.

Out of Class Additional Credit Assignment

• Students in Acting, Tech Theatre, Theatre Production or Rep/Adv Rep Theatre can earn additional credit in two ways:
• • Attending & Reviewing a Live Theatrical Play or Musical: Students will earn 25 points for each additional live theatrical play or musical they attend during the semester, if they complete the following Theatrical Review GoogleForm. This form of extra credit is unlimited. ​
  • Reading & Assessing a Play or Musical: Students will earn 25 points by reading a play selected by Mr. Hastings from one of our textbook anthologies, if they complete the following Script Assessment Googleform.
• Students in History of Film can earn additional credit  in the following way:
  • Watching & Evaluating a Film: Students will earn 25 points for each additional film they watch from these films on the AFI Top 100, if they complete the following Film Review GoogleForm.
• ​Any Additional Credit Assignments are due within one week of the date students attended the show. No reviews will be accepted after the final day of class for the semester.