WELCOME, STORYTELLERS!!!!

It’s GREAT to have each of you in Theatre class and I look forward to getting to know and work with you this semester.  I hope you had a wonderful summer, even though the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many hardships. However, WOHS has now placed that word on the profanity list. And we are NOT going to allow it to define our year. We’re going to have a fun time in this class and get more familiar with the Theatre arts. Maybe you’ve performed in a school play, or at church. Maybe you’ve taken dance or voice lessons. Perhaps you’ve performed scenes or read poetry aloud in English class. Or, maybe you’ve had no experience at all.  It’s all good. If you’re new, we’ll help you “get your feet wet.”  If you’re experienced, we’ll add to and enrich those experiences.   Bottom-line?   I want this class to be meaningful, as well as a good memory for you

Here are my expectations for this class:

1.  ALWAYS BE ON TIME. Use you five minute passing time between classes and be prompt in getting to class. If there is a writing prompt on the board, begin work immediately. If you have a performance or project that is due that day, do a mental run-through of your assignments or check your work when you arrive and while roll is being checked. The classroom door is closed when the tardy bell rings and you will have to go upstairs to the attendance office and get a pass to class. Tardies are recorded and kept up with, too. Three or more of them will earn the disciplinary consequences. So, be on time.

2. SMARTPHONES RULES. They must be silenced and placed in the pouch that is on my classroom door as you enter the classroom. Smartphones are not allowed in my classroom….no exceptions. On the rare (if ever) occasion that a situation requires use of your smartphone, Mr. Higginbotham will authorize it. It should never be assumed that it is okay to use the phone in the classroom without his permission. If you do so, your phone will be taken up and sent to the office. It will cost you $15 dollars to get it back. Headphones will also not be worn and, if you are wearing a smart watch and are caught using it, it will have to be removed and placed in the phone pouch, too.

3.  COURTESY COUNTS. Treat me and your fellow classmates the way you want us to treat you.  Be polite, fair, supportive, and encouraging. Never belittle anyone, in any way….even those that might not have the same abilities that you do in learning, or in skills behind the microphone. We want everyone to feel safe, and unthreatened in this environment. Also, when I give a critique following one of your radio projects, listen and try to learn.  Don’t become defensive.  Be pleasant, gracious, and open-minded. Say “thank you.” Remember, I’m trying to help you, so react accordingly.  Ask questions if you’re unclear or don’t understand, but don’t argue, disagree, or take issue during the comments.  It is impossible for you to perform and watch yourself at the same time, so trust me to do that.

4.  BE SAFE.  Take care of your voice and body. Don’t force your voice or yell as that could result in vocal damage. Relax and allow your natural voice to be its most effective whenever you are speaking. Of course, vocal expressiveness, proper grammar, good volume, and clear articulation are always necessary; however, an attitude of relaxation will help put both your voice and body at ease and strengthen your performance projects. And it will help keep you safe.

5.  COME PREPARED.  From a performance perspective, there is NO substitute for preparation. This holds for written homework and classwork, too. It’s important that you are ALWAYS prepared with your class assignments and projects.

6.  PARTICIPATE.  This class isn’t about me….it’s about you. So, roll up your sleeves and get busy. Things are always more enjoyable when you’re involved. Regardless of what you expect from this class, you’re still responsible for the work. The year will be much more enjoyable if you are taking an active role in class activities. In group assignments, not actively participating could also hurt the grades of others.

7.  GRADING (critiques).  ALL assignments, including performance projects, both written and produced, are due on the day that they’re due. Pretty simple. Be ready with your work.  If you are not prepared on the day that your work is due, you will not be able to receive higher than a 70 on the next day, and a 50 on the day following that. After that, it goes into the gradebook as a zero. With this being the case, and in order to ensure that your grade average doesn’t suffer, it’s imperative to turn in your homework ON TIME. Folks, this is “real world” stuff. If you don’t learn to be dependable, you won’t be able to hold down a job, support a family, or find success anywhere. Also, if you are given an assignment’s due date before a planned absence, the work is due when you return to class. In cases where sickness (or, other unexpected situations occur), students will be given one day for each day missed to make up work.

8.  FINAL THOUGHTS.  I’m here to help you be successful. And I will help in any way that I can. But don’t be afraid to ask. Before school, during class, after school…..I will do whatever it takes to help you be successful.  Just let me know. So, let’s get rolling and have a GREAT semester!

BREAK-A-LEG!!!!