Observation Paper: Due Dec 16

Theater III/IV (Yanchak/Lyssy)

Observation Paper (SUMMATIVE)

Guidelines:

·      Observation papers require you to attend a theatrical production AS AN AUDIENCE MEMBER. 

(Shows that you perform a role or function in – whether acting or technical – do not count.  See us if you have questions or concerns about this.)

·      You must stay for the ENTIRE performance.

·      Take notes on the performance at intermission (if there is one) or immediately following the performance.  Do not write during the performance!!!

·      The PROGRAM and/or TICKET STUB for the show MUST be stapled to your observation paper.  Don’t forget to get a program!

This paper is about your experience as an audience member.  Write about what happens from START to finish. 

Guiding questions that must be answered in as much detail as possible:

1. Explain the atmosphere of the front of house.  Who sold your ticket?  Was there a box office?  Ushers?  Any concessions (t-shirts, candy, soda, etc)?  Write about your first impression of the theater upon walking in. (10%)

2. Describe the atmosphere of the theater itself.  How big was it?  What kind of stage (proscenium, thrust, arena)?  Describe any technical elements that helped you to know the show was about to begin.  How did the audience respond to them? (10%)

3. Describe the show.  Give a brief description of the plot and characters.  Could you follow the story line?  Why or why not?  Did anything specifically catch your interest?  What was it?  Was there anything in the show that you wondered about – how something was accomplished on stage (costume changes, props, set)?  What was interesting about the actors’ performances?  Were they believable?  Why or why not? (20%)

4. Take a look at the audience.  Who came to see the show?  Describe the audience demographic.  How old are they?  Are there families?  Couples?  Older?  Younger? (10%)

5. Describe anything else that you find interesting about the theater, the show (technical or acting), or your experience as an audience member. (20%)

Above all, OBSERVE EVERYTHING!!!

Paper requirements:

·      Must be 3-5 pages, typed, double-spaced.  No more than 1” margins.  10-12 point font. (10%)

·      Must be titled. (10%)

·      Must include answers/descriptions that correspond to all of the 5 guiding questions. (see above list)

·      Show program must be stapled to the final observation paper. (10%)

·      Paper is due no later than __________. Papers may be turned in as soon as they are completed.  DO NOT PUT THIS OFF UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!!!

POSSIBLE PERFORMANCES FOR OBSERVATION

These are not the only shows!  Check out the web and do some research for others!

ELLISON HIGH SCHOOL

Website: http://facebook.com/ellisondrama

Night of the Living Dead – 7:00pm - October 20, 21, & 22 ($3)

CSI: Improv Show – Dec 2 – 7pm (donations accepted)

KILLEEN HIGH SCHOOL

Website:

Dracula – October 27 & 29

Advanced Theater Scene Show – Dec 1-2

SHOEMAKER HIGH SCHOOL

Website:

You Can’t Beat the House – October 27-28

Winter Shows – December 9-10 and January 13-14 (All Student Tickets - $3)

HARKER HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

Website:

October 7th - 6:30 pm - HIT Improv show ($3.00)
November 4th, 5th and 6^{th  -} 7:00 pm - SPOOFALOT  (at least three non-perishable food items)
December 3rd all day (starting time TBD) Senior Directed plays (free)

TEMPLE HIGH SCHOOL

Website:  http://www.thespiansr.us

Putnam County Spelling Bee: Thursday-Friday-Saturday, September 22-23-24 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 2 p.m.-- Tickets $8 in advance, $10 at the door

Elvis People: Thursday-Saturday, October 6-8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 9, at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $7 in advance, $10 at the door (limited availability)

Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play: Thursday-Saturday, November 10-12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets $7 in advance, $10 at the door

COPPERAS COVE HIGH SCHOOL

Website: http://www.ccisd.com

TEMPLE CIVIC THEATRE

Website: http://www.artstemple.com/

(254) 778-4751

SALADO SILVER SPUR THEATER

Salado, TX

Website: www.saladosilverspur.com

VIVE LES ARTS

Killeen, Tx

Website: www.vlatheatre.com

BELTON HIGH SCHOOL

Website: www.bisd.net

Check website for upcoming performances or contact by phone.

Reflection Paper Guidelines: Due Mon, Oct 3

Theater III/IV (Yanchak/Lyssy)                                                            Due: Monday, October 3

Two Islands: Reflection Paper

SUMMATIVE – 100%

Objective: Students will provide evidence that they understand and can synthesize and reflect upon the concepts and principles of Creative Drama used throughout the “Two Islands” project.

Directions:  Students will produce a well-written and thought-out response to important guiding questions.  Theater III students must choose to fully answer two (2) of the Guiding Questions listed below.  Theater IV students must choose to fully answer three (3) of the Guiding Questions listed below.  Students should refrain from making generalizations about the experience, but instead focus on their own personal experience.  Students should also refrain from making judgments regarding other students involved in the experience. 

Format: Reflection papers must be typed (10-12 pt “plain” font), double-spaced with margins no greater than 1”.  Students should give their paper a title.  Due to the amount of detail and thought required for each response, we expect papers to be approximately 2 pages in length.   For more detail, please see “FORMAT” in rubric below.

Grading: Students will be graded using the rubric below.

20% FORMAT	Proper format includes: the student’s name, class period, title, correct font/size, correct margins. (4% each)
20% CLARITY	Are your ideas and reflections clear and understandable to the reader?  This includes things like spelling, punctuation, coherent sentence structure, paragraph structure (main idea, supporting details, closing and/or transition sentences). (5% each)
THEATER III: 30% each TOPIC/GUIDING QUESTION ADDRESSED	Fully answer two of the guiding questions below.  Make sure to use examples from the project/process to help you describe and analyze your experiences.  Detail, detail, detail!  Examples, examples, examples!
THEATER IV: 20% each TOPIC/GUIDING QUESTION ADDRESSED	Fully answer three of the guiding questions below.  Make sure to use examples from the project/process to help you describe and analyze your experiences.  Detail, detail, detail!  Examples, examples, examples!

Guiding Questions:

·      What have you learned about yourself through this project?  What parts of the process helped you to learn those things?

·      Reflect upon the plot of the story used throughout the project.  What events stand out in your mind?  Why?

·      Throughout this project you have worked in small and large groups.  What strengths and weaknesses do you believe you have in regards to group collaboration?  What parts of the process helped you to realize those strengths/weaknesses?

·      What skills have you learned that you might use in children’s theater and/or working with children from this project?