Cedar Ridge High School
Theatre Handbook
2012 - 2013
August 27, 2012
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the Cedar Ridge High School Theatre Department. We hope you have had a relaxing summer and are looking forward to another exciting school year. The theatre department is anxious to begin a new year as we continue to encourage students to imagine, create, act and discover their potential as artists. It is going to be a wonderful year for Theatre at the Ridge and our campus as we continue to establish a tradition of success at Cedar Ridge.
Please read this handbook carefully and keep it as a reference. The handbook contains information concerning policies and expectations for this school year. Membership in this organization requires discipline, pride and a mutual respect for others. Participation in this department will offer each student many opportunities for growth as performers, designers and lifelong learners.
We encourage parents to become involved in their student’s theatre education through volunteer opportunities and by joining the Theatre Booster Club. If you are interested in getting involved in the booster club, please complete the information form that is attached to your handbook and return it to your child’s theatre director. We will also have other service opportunities for parents to volunteer and get involved with the theatre program.
We look forward to meeting each of you and welcoming you to the theatre program. We are honored to be the theatre directors for the Visual and Performing Arts Academy. If you would like to learn more about the theatre department, you can view the Cedar Ridge Theatre website at http://www.crhstheatre.org. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns throughout the year.
Kristie Copeland Will Jones Laura Kieler
(512) 704-0264 (512) 704-0261 (512) 704-0261
Kristie_Copeland@roundrockisd.org William_Jones@roundrockisd.org Laura_Kieler@roundrockisd.org
Classroom Expectations
It is a privilege to participate in the Cedar Ridge High School theatre program. Students are expected to demonstrate responsible behavior, dependability and respect for their fellow thespians at all times. With this philosophy in mind, the following guidelines define our behavior expectations.
1. Be Prompt. Students should be in their assigned warm-up space when the bell rings.
2. Be Prepared. Students should have the appropriate materials for class and be ready for the day’s activity.
3. Be Present. Students should listen and follow the teacher’s instructions at all times. Cell phones and electronic devices should remain silent and out of view during class. (RRISD policy will be enforced at all times.)
4. Be Productive. Students should use their class time wisely to work on projects, scene work or other theatre assignments.
5. Be Polite. Students should exhibit proper theatre etiquette at all times. They should be respectful of their peers during class, rehearsals and performances.
Grading Policy
Students will receive a weekly grade based on their daily participation in class. Students will also receive a weekly grade based on the productivity of their collaboration with others and productivity during class time. Classroom infractions that affect student performance will result in deductions from weekly grades.
Each six weeks we will be studying a different unit based on the theatre course description. Students will be assigned a six weeks project to assess their understanding of the material. The six weeks project is a wonderful means for allowing students to create fresh and innovative ideas for theatrical participation.
Theatre is a performance course. Therefore, students are required to attend one live theatrical performance per semester. Students must turn in a program from the production and complete a short critique based on each experience within a week following the performance. We will have numerous opportunities for students to attend productions on the Cedar Ridge campus. Students are also encouraged to attend other theatrical events in the community. The deadline for fulfilling this requirement will be December 14th and May 28th.
Theatre grades will be averaged according to the following percentages:
Participation 40%
Projects and Assessments 30%
Journal / Warm-Ups 15%
Performance Critiques 15%
Performance Opportunities
Cedar Ridge theatre students enrolled in production courses will have the opportunity to audition for main stage productions. Production courses at Cedar Ridge fall under the Visual and Performing Arts Academy and include Children’s Theatre, Comedy and Improv, Shakespeare, Musical Theatre and Theatre Production. Our technical theatre students will be responsible for serving as the technical crew for productions.
Please know that being cast or selected for a main stage show is an honor and requires a great deal of responsibility. Eligibility will be monitored closely and students will be required to turn in a grade sheet every two weeks to their director. Students must be passing all of their classes in order to participate in a production. If a student is struggling to keep up their grades during the rehearsal period, the director reserves the right to reassign the student’s role in the show to allow the student more time to focus on their coursework. Please refer to the 2012-2013 RRISD Student and Parent Handbook for further information regarding eligibility requirements.
Rehearsal Expectations
It is an honor to be cast in a production at Cedar Ridge. Students should exhibit a sense of humility and gratitude when given this special privilege by meeting the rehearsal expectations of the Cedar Ridge Theatre Department. All students involved in main stage productions must adhere to the following guidelines:
– Students should arrive at the theatre at least ten minutes before the rehearsal is scheduled to begin. This should allow students plenty of time to use the restroom, get a drink, converse with other cast members or review previous blocking.
– Students should be in their warm-up space preparing for rehearsal at least two minutes prior to the scheduled rehearsal time.
– Actors are expected to have their scripts, character workbooks and pencils during rehearsals.
– Students should respect their director by always listening and following instructions.
– Actors should respectfully consult with their director prior to changing their appearance during a rehearsal period. Please do not change your hair color, hair length or style prior to speaking with us about the show’s time period and your character’s physical appearance in the show.
– Cast and crew members should remain focused during rehearsals. Outside distractions such as cell phones and other electronic devices should remain silent and out of view during rehearsals.
– Rehearsals will be closed to those individuals not involved in the production. Outside spectators will only be allowed in rehearsals with prior approval from the director.
– Students are required to be present for all scheduled rehearsals. Students will be given a rehearsal schedule the first day of each rehearsal process. Parents and students are encouraged to mark their calendars accordingly. Rehearsal conflicts should be addressed immediately upon casting. You may also view rehearsal calendars on the theatre website.
– Cast or crew members who have a previous commitment that prevents them from being at a rehearsal must submit a note signed by a parent or legal guardian at least one week prior to the rehearsal in order to be excused. An unexcused absence from rehearsal can result in a student losing their role or other disciplinary action.
– Food and drinks will not be allowed in the black box theatre or on stage during rehearsal. Students are encouraged to bring bottled water to rehearsals.
– Rehearsals should be an innovative and collaborative process for the actors, technicians and director. It is important that we respect one another’s space, creativity and input at all times.
Audience Etiquette
Cedar Ridge parents and students should exhibit appropriate audience behavior at all times. A theatrical or concert experience is a sharing between the performer and the audience. The performers are giving their time and energy to provide an entertaining and educational experience to the audience. In return, the audience should give its full attention to the performers. In order to do this, the following will apply:
· Nobody moves from his/her seat or up and down the aisles once the performance begins. Any latecomers must wait until a selection, event or act is finished before taking a seat.
· During the actual performance, remain silent, except in those rare moments of planned audience participation. Avoid excessive movement or extraneous noise.
· Please avoid calling attention to yourself as an audience member by yelling at a performer, cheering him/her on, etc. In turn, be sure that performers on stage do not wave or acknowledge audience members.
· Appropriate response is simply clapping, but if you particularly enjoy a piece of music or act, it can be vigorous applause. Verbal or whistle sounds are never appropriate. If you especially appreciate a particular performer or act, it is fine to offer a standing ovation.
· Please adhere to our licensing agreement for all shows and do not use recording devices during performances.
An announcement will be made at the beginning of each performance to remind you to keep all electronic devices to a non-audible mode during the production.
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the Cedar Ridge High School Theatre Department. We hope you have had a relaxing summer and are looking forward to another exciting school year. The theatre department is anxious to begin a new year as we continue to encourage students to imagine, create, act and discover their potential as artists. It is going to be a wonderful year for Theatre at the Ridge and our campus as we continue to establish a tradition of success at Cedar Ridge.
Please read this handbook carefully and keep it as a reference. The handbook contains information concerning policies and expectations for this school year. Membership in this organization requires discipline, pride and a mutual respect for others. Participation in this department will offer each student many opportunities for growth as performers, designers and lifelong learners.
We encourage parents to become involved in their student’s theatre education through volunteer opportunities and by joining the Theatre Booster Club. If you are interested in getting involved in the booster club, please complete the information form that is attached to your handbook and return it to your child’s theatre director. We will also have other service opportunities for parents to volunteer and get involved with the theatre program.
We look forward to meeting each of you and welcoming you to the theatre program. We are honored to be the theatre directors for the Visual and Performing Arts Academy. If you would like to learn more about the theatre department, you can view the Cedar Ridge Theatre website at http://www.crhstheatre.org. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns throughout the year.
Kristie Copeland Will Jones Laura Kieler
(512) 704-0264 (512) 704-0261 (512) 704-0261
Kristie_Copeland@roundrockisd.org William_Jones@roundrockisd.org Laura_Kieler@roundrockisd.org
Classroom Expectations
It is a privilege to participate in the Cedar Ridge High School theatre program. Students are expected to demonstrate responsible behavior, dependability and respect for their fellow thespians at all times. With this philosophy in mind, the following guidelines define our behavior expectations.
1. Be Prompt. Students should be in their assigned warm-up space when the bell rings.
2. Be Prepared. Students should have the appropriate materials for class and be ready for the day’s activity.
3. Be Present. Students should listen and follow the teacher’s instructions at all times. Cell phones and electronic devices should remain silent and out of view during class. (RRISD policy will be enforced at all times.)
4. Be Productive. Students should use their class time wisely to work on projects, scene work or other theatre assignments.
5. Be Polite. Students should exhibit proper theatre etiquette at all times. They should be respectful of their peers during class, rehearsals and performances.
Grading Policy
Students will receive a weekly grade based on their daily participation in class. Students will also receive a weekly grade based on the productivity of their collaboration with others and productivity during class time. Classroom infractions that affect student performance will result in deductions from weekly grades.
Each six weeks we will be studying a different unit based on the theatre course description. Students will be assigned a six weeks project to assess their understanding of the material. The six weeks project is a wonderful means for allowing students to create fresh and innovative ideas for theatrical participation.
Theatre is a performance course. Therefore, students are required to attend one live theatrical performance per semester. Students must turn in a program from the production and complete a short critique based on each experience within a week following the performance. We will have numerous opportunities for students to attend productions on the Cedar Ridge campus. Students are also encouraged to attend other theatrical events in the community. The deadline for fulfilling this requirement will be December 14th and May 28th.
Theatre grades will be averaged according to the following percentages:
Participation 40%
Projects and Assessments 30%
Journal / Warm-Ups 15%
Performance Critiques 15%
Performance Opportunities
Cedar Ridge theatre students enrolled in production courses will have the opportunity to audition for main stage productions. Production courses at Cedar Ridge fall under the Visual and Performing Arts Academy and include Children’s Theatre, Comedy and Improv, Shakespeare, Musical Theatre and Theatre Production. Our technical theatre students will be responsible for serving as the technical crew for productions.
Please know that being cast or selected for a main stage show is an honor and requires a great deal of responsibility. Eligibility will be monitored closely and students will be required to turn in a grade sheet every two weeks to their director. Students must be passing all of their classes in order to participate in a production. If a student is struggling to keep up their grades during the rehearsal period, the director reserves the right to reassign the student’s role in the show to allow the student more time to focus on their coursework. Please refer to the 2012-2013 RRISD Student and Parent Handbook for further information regarding eligibility requirements.
Rehearsal Expectations
It is an honor to be cast in a production at Cedar Ridge. Students should exhibit a sense of humility and gratitude when given this special privilege by meeting the rehearsal expectations of the Cedar Ridge Theatre Department. All students involved in main stage productions must adhere to the following guidelines:
– Students should arrive at the theatre at least ten minutes before the rehearsal is scheduled to begin. This should allow students plenty of time to use the restroom, get a drink, converse with other cast members or review previous blocking.
– Students should be in their warm-up space preparing for rehearsal at least two minutes prior to the scheduled rehearsal time.
– Actors are expected to have their scripts, character workbooks and pencils during rehearsals.
– Students should respect their director by always listening and following instructions.
– Actors should respectfully consult with their director prior to changing their appearance during a rehearsal period. Please do not change your hair color, hair length or style prior to speaking with us about the show’s time period and your character’s physical appearance in the show.
– Cast and crew members should remain focused during rehearsals. Outside distractions such as cell phones and other electronic devices should remain silent and out of view during rehearsals.
– Rehearsals will be closed to those individuals not involved in the production. Outside spectators will only be allowed in rehearsals with prior approval from the director.
– Students are required to be present for all scheduled rehearsals. Students will be given a rehearsal schedule the first day of each rehearsal process. Parents and students are encouraged to mark their calendars accordingly. Rehearsal conflicts should be addressed immediately upon casting. You may also view rehearsal calendars on the theatre website.
– Cast or crew members who have a previous commitment that prevents them from being at a rehearsal must submit a note signed by a parent or legal guardian at least one week prior to the rehearsal in order to be excused. An unexcused absence from rehearsal can result in a student losing their role or other disciplinary action.
– Food and drinks will not be allowed in the black box theatre or on stage during rehearsal. Students are encouraged to bring bottled water to rehearsals.
– Rehearsals should be an innovative and collaborative process for the actors, technicians and director. It is important that we respect one another’s space, creativity and input at all times.
Audience Etiquette
Cedar Ridge parents and students should exhibit appropriate audience behavior at all times. A theatrical or concert experience is a sharing between the performer and the audience. The performers are giving their time and energy to provide an entertaining and educational experience to the audience. In return, the audience should give its full attention to the performers. In order to do this, the following will apply:
· Nobody moves from his/her seat or up and down the aisles once the performance begins. Any latecomers must wait until a selection, event or act is finished before taking a seat.
· During the actual performance, remain silent, except in those rare moments of planned audience participation. Avoid excessive movement or extraneous noise.
· Please avoid calling attention to yourself as an audience member by yelling at a performer, cheering him/her on, etc. In turn, be sure that performers on stage do not wave or acknowledge audience members.
· Appropriate response is simply clapping, but if you particularly enjoy a piece of music or act, it can be vigorous applause. Verbal or whistle sounds are never appropriate. If you especially appreciate a particular performer or act, it is fine to offer a standing ovation.
· Please adhere to our licensing agreement for all shows and do not use recording devices during performances.
An announcement will be made at the beginning of each performance to remind you to keep all electronic devices to a non-audible mode during the production.
Download the Handbook here
Below are the PDF versions of the handbook and photo release.
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