•  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Welcome to MMHS Drama I

     

    Dear parents and students,

                Welcome to a great year of experiencing Performing Arts here at Murrieta Mesa High School.  Your exploration begins today as we learn not only basic skills in acting, but strategies for  a pathway to the profession of acting.

    Our course description:
    Course # 6500

    Prerequisite: None
    Length: Year

     

    This course is meets UC/CSU and District graduation requirements for Visual and Performing Arts credit.

     

    Drama activities focus on orientation to the stage, performance standards, novice live improvisation, and entry-level understanding of character development as well as theatrical and historical terminology, etc. Activities also focus on an overview of technical theater and its’ components. Students will perform in front of a live audience as well as complete a written final exam.

     

    Class Syllabus:

     

    1st Semester…

    1.  Covering basic acting skills
    2. Learning set staging and basic stage design
    3. How to organize information through outlining
    4. The art of public speaking
    5. Characterization
    6. Script writing (a variety of different challenges)
    7. Pantomime, Improvisation and imagination
    8. Use of body and voice in acting
    9. Introduction to choral singing
    10. Auditions and resumes

     

    (both semesters end with written finals on the skills learned throughout the term)

    2nd Semester

    1. Production (the art of putting on a show). This section will include learning about scenery, rehearsals and how to memorize lines.
    2. Script writing (including being assigned a One Act Script -10 minutes)
    3. The art of argumentation (National Forensic Debate)
    4. Performing opportunities including theater and film
    5. Elements of style (Historical perspective)
    6. Live production in front of an audience for our One Act Competition

     

     

     

    Recommended Classroom supplies

    1.  A spiral notebook (at least 80 pages)
    2. A variety of pens and pencils
    3. Graph Paper

    Supply Donation:  We are always in need of colored copy paper, Kleenex and dry board markers.  If you would like to make a donation, it is VERY MUCH appreciated.

     

    I have some basic classroom rules that I would like to share with you:

    1. “Everyone does the work” is the theme for my class.  We promote a strong work ethic and encourage students to try (“I can always try”) every assignment and to turn in each requirement on time.
    2.   Students stay on task and remain in their seats during class.  Wandering or doing other things can be a distraction not only to the student, but also to the others in the class.
    3. Students are encouraged to talk and ask questions using the procedure of “raising hands”.  This way, everyone in the class gets the chance to be heard.  I also feel that there are no “dumb questions.” I want every student to feel completely comfortable in my class so that all comments and questions can be openly shared.
    4. Students need to demonstrate respect, politeness and courtesy to both teacher and students in the classroom.  We wish to promote a very positive environment for each student in our class.
    5. Students who are absent need to take the responsibility to get and make up all missed work.  In our classroom, we have a calendar that lists all of the homework for each semester.  Students are welcome to come in before or after class and get the information and ask questions if necessary.

     

     If a rule is broken, or a student acts inappropriately in class, we work with the following procedures…

    1. The first infraction of a rule is given a warning (unless it is a severe violation – fighting, inappropriate language, etc.).  For severe behavior, refer to the fourth infraction.
    2. The second infraction is a time-out and a short meeting with the teacher about classroom rules and teacher expectations. This is a very positive meeting to get us both on the same page.
    3. The third infraction is a meeting with the teacher and a quick note home to the parents (a letter of concern or a quick email sharing the problems we are having in school).
    4. The fourth infraction will result in a meeting with school administration and parents, getting everyone in the loop and solving the problem together.

     

     

    Our goal is to create the best learning situation for each and every student.  If you ever have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

     

    Christopher J. Ryan

    Drama Director

    Murrieta Mesa High School

    cryan@murrieta.k12.ca.us

    www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/156720114185053

     
Last Modified on May 26, 2023