Introduction and Syllabus

Theater Grades 7 & 8

Dear Students and Guardians,
Welcome to Theatera one semester course! This course is designed to introduce you to the many aspects of the theater
discipline. In addition to being fun and engaging, studying or participating in theater has many benefits for students.
Research has shown that students who are active in theater can see improvements in test scores, reading comprehension,
attendance, verbal and non-verbal communication, small and large group presentation skills, overall academic
performance, and even self-esteem.
I have attached a list of expected behaviors, and a list of the school supplies needed in order to fully participate in this
classroom. If you have questions or problems obtaining the supplies, please let me know immediately.
Please sign the signature form and send it back tomorrow to let me know that you have read and understand how our
class works. When you finish obtaining the supplies and reading the information, these sheets should be kept in the front
of the students binder as a reference.
Grading Procedures
Students and parents have access to grades through STI Home on the Internet. The office will provide you with
information on accessing this information. I strongly recommend parents and students check grades online regularly.
The following grading categories are set by the district:
Class I: 55%--Unit tests, mid unit tests, benchmarks (Global Scholar), major projects, essays, performance tasks
Class II: 35%--Quizzes, minor projects, minor writing assignments, vocabulary, quizzes, etc.
Class III: 10%--Classwork, participation, signed papers, materials, etc.
Course Outline
In this course we will focus on a basic understanding of the theater discipline. Students will learn how to evaluate
performances, how to be good audience members, important theater terminology, how to memorize lines, how to perform
monologues and/or duets, and engage in improvisation activities. It also my goal to have students learn about the many
technical aspects that do not involve acting (sets, lighting, costume, makeup, management, etc.)
Communication
I have several ways of communicating with you throughout the year. The best way to contact me is via email, as I am
typically able to reply quickly. I can communicate with you via phone as well, although it may take me a little longer to
respond to you. If you leave a voicemail message, please endeavor to make it detailed, so I can best help you when I
return your call. If you feel you need to arrange a conference, I am happy to do that as well. Below I have included
information regarding the different ways I handle mass communication for my class. The parents of my past students have
found these resources to be VERY helpful, and I hope you will as well!
WebsiteI have a website for my classroom, and the link is provided below! There you will be able to access
helpful information and links related to work, assignments, and activities in my class. I place documents there for
you to download as well. You can access it through my page on our schools website, in addition to using the link
below.
o http://mcginnislucindaclassroom.weebly.com/
Remind 101a wonderful (and safe!) way for you and your student to receive reminders! If you and/or your
student sign up for my class in Remind 101, I am able to send you text message reminders about homework, tests,
projects, and more. It is free, however, standard text message rates do apply. To sign up, follow the instructions
included with this letter, or go to the links page on my website.
o http://mcginnislucindaclassroom.weebly.com/links.html
I hope some of your questions have been answered by this initial correspondence. Please try to have the required
materials as soon as possible since we will begin regular class today. (Yes, that means work!) Feel free to come to me if
you have any further questions. I am looking forward to an exciting and successful school year!

Thanks,

Introduction and Syllabus

Theater Grades 7 & 8
Mrs. Lucinda McGinnis
Mcginnis.lucinda@lee.k12.al.us
http://mcginnislucindaclassroom.weebly.com/

Theater Supply List

Grades 7 & 8
I expect my students to come to class prepared with the required supplies. If you have any difficulty obtaining these items, please let me
know as soon as possible.

Planner
o The Coole School Planners might be available for purchase again this yearplease contact the office.
o They are excellent planners and very affordable.
o Otherwise, be sure to have a planner that has both weekly and monthly pagesonly monthly pages will be too small!
Loose Leaf Paper
o multiple packs; students will need paper on a daily basis
Multi-colored Pens
#2 Pencils/#2 Mechanical Pencils and Lead
Writing utensil holderif desired
o small bag, designated place in backpack or trapper keeper, etc.
o this helps keep you organized, which leads to success!
Pencil Sharpenermanual
o I do not have a pencil sharpener in my room! Please do not use battery operated sharpeners in my room as they are
distracting
Three-Ring Binder
o STURDY, as large as you can find if you are sharing with another class
5 Pack of Tabbed Dividers (as desired)
Other Items
o As this is a theater class, students may perform monologues/scenes in class. They may wish to bring props or where
costumes for these scenes in order to improve their performance. You should have notice when these items are
needed.
Five Keys to Successful Learning
Expected Classroom Behaviors

1. Be prepared and on time.

2. Respect yourself and others at all times. Do not bully or gossip. 4. Do as you are asked the first time and without complaint.
3. Accept responsibility for your actions. Do not make excuses.
5. Make learning your top priority.

Introduction and Syllabus

Theater Grades 7 & 8

Theater Signature Form

Grades 7 & 8

L. McGinnis

Please fill out and return the following form to Mrs. McGinnis. Thank you!

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the paperwork for Mrs. McGinnis Theater course.
This includes the Introduction and Syllabus, Supply List, Expected Classroom Behaviors, and Rules (etc.) sheet.
I understand that if I have questions about anything or trouble obtaining supplies that I should contact
Mrs. McGinnis.

________________________________
Guardian Name (please print)
____________________________________
Guardian Signature

_______________________
Relationship to student
___________________
Date

______________________________________
Student Name (please print)
_______________________________________
Student Signature

_________________
Date