CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Mrs. Jo Lane, teacher, jolane@pps.k12.or.us,503.916.5260 ext. 71424

Course Description:
Students will study multiple examples of children’s literature for character development, setting, plot, and other literary elements. Then, they will develop their own story theatre. Also, they will rehearse and perform a children’s theatre production which may tour to local elementary schools or those schools may be invited to attend the performances on site.

Resources Available:
Students will have a variety of resources available to help them achieve their best performance. These resources include, but are not limited to, anthologies and files of children’s literature and plays, theatre arts textbooks, theatrical videos, and in class work. Additionally, Mrs. Lane will provide support.

Classroom Expectations (Show your Rider PRIDE!):
Personal Responsibility: Bring supplies to class daily: PENCILS, ERASER, pens, paper, theatre notebook, and any other materials required for each class. Wear clothing that is comfortable and in which you are able to move.
Respect: Treat fellow students, teachers, and others with respect. THEATRE IS A COLLABORATIVE ART THAT REQUIRES TEAMWORK. Without respect, the classroom team fails. With respect, it flourishes.
Integrity: Push yourself to work hard and cooperate in groups. Put your best work forward and be proud of what you share. THEATRE IS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPATION CLASS. Effort, cooperation, and participation will be rewarded. Attitude and cooperation warrants additional participation in showcases.
Discipline/Diligence: Be present and ON TIME daily, ready to learn. Rehearsals are not effective when you are late or absent.
Empathy: Cooperation in group activities and willingness to share work. Encourage others to share. Give and receive constructive criticism for all to become better artists.

*Required Events:
All students enrolled are required to participate in the major production outside of the class in order to complete the course and the hours necessary to receive full credit.
• Children’s Theatre Production performs at least one matinee on Friday. Family and friends are invited to see the students perform their children’s show.
• This production may tour to local elementary schools if scheduled.

Non-participation in the major children’s theatre production will result in a full letter grade drop per event missed. No exceptions. (i.e. If you earned an A, but miss the major production, you will receive a B.)

Additional Theatrical Optional Opportunities:
Examples: Productions, Field trips, Participation in Drama Club/Thespians, and more!
Please note: You must attend school at least one half day in order to participate in any after school opportunities. No pass, no play policy applies, too.

Attendance Policy:
This course meets Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. It is imperative and expected that students attend every class, every week. If students are absent, whether excused or unexcused, during any pre-planned performances or tests, students may not be able to retake or makeup the performances or tests. Teacher discretion will be used to determine any credit awarded and makeup options. See ACT attendance policy.

Homework and Grading:
Theatre does require homework! Complete and turn in all assignments on time. Students will receive grades for daily participation, preparation and rehearsal, and performance. All work is scored with a point system and/or with rubrics to be distributed in class. Assessments include daily attendance, on task rehearsal, memorization by deadlines, completion of theatre arts notebook, discussion and cooperation, in class performances, and analyses of characters and scenes. No late work can or will be accepted. Any late work credit, if any, is at the teacher’s discretion. Bonus points can be earned for attending additional crew days or theatre performances.

Tentative Children’s Theatre Calendar
The following units of study are approximate and subject to change:

February: Introduction to children’s theatre; finding common themes in children’s literature; fairy tales and picturization

March: Readers' Theatre and its role in children’s theatre; developing a children’s theatrical production from children’s literature—adapting story to stage

April: Audition and character development for a children’s theatre production; Rehearsal and pre-production for children’s theatre production

May: Technical development and final performances for children’s theatre production; possible touring a children’s theatre production

June: Final Exam