PLAYBILL

INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE CLASS

USING YOUR NOTEBOOK:
“THEATER IS A VERB
BEFORE IT IS A NOUN, AN
ACT BEFORE IT IS A
PLACE.”
MARTHA GRAHAM
WHAT IS A PLAYBILL?
A PLAYBILL is a program for a play. 

When you walk into a Theater (a place where you go to see Theatre- don't be confused. We will talk about both spellings later) you
will be handed a PLAYBILL or a PROGRAM….

Looking through the PLAYBILL or PROGRAM  will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know before the play starts. 

It won't spoil the PLAY. But it just gives you some details about what to expect.

This is what this PLAYBILL UNIT does (hopefully), tell you everything you need to know about how THEATRE CLASS is going to run. 

MEET YOUR DIRECTOR, OUR COMPANY, & ENSEMBLE CAST

One of the first things you read about in a PLAYBILL is the people involved in the production.

A Theatrical Show has several different kinds of people making the MAGIC happen....

First let's meet your DIRECTOR: Surprise, it is ME, Mr. HD!

DIRECTOR: The person who provides the vision of how a show should be presented, who works with the actors on their roles,
develops the blocking, and is in charge of the rehearsals.

From the Latin word dirigere: to guide.

MY INTENTION (and get ready to hear the word intention a lot) as a human being is to do IMPORTANT & EXCELLENT work &
HAVE A GREAT TIME DOING IT. I believe in the POWER OF a BEAUTIFUL STORY & the POWER OF & (and so will YOU after I
explain what that means!)

I also believe that STRUCTURE is the frame for CREATIVITY.

So this PLAYBILL will explain a LOT about the STRUCTURE of this class.

One thing you will learn about me is THAT I LOVE QUOTATIONS!

Here is one of my favorite ones about my job as a teacher/director....

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy


in creative expression & knowledge.

{albert einstein}

BUT NO DIRECTOR CREATES A SHOW WITHOUT AN EXCELLENT CAST (THE

ACTORS IN A PLAY)!
& YOU are the CAST & CREW for our show!!!

CAST: A cast is the group of actors who make up a film or stage play. And the act of being chosen for the
part? Well, they were cast by the director. 

CREW: A crew is an organized group of workers. A crew might keep a ship sailing smoothly or keep a show
running. Either way, crew implies cooperation among workers.

Each day is a chance to experience an ENTIRE SHOW in this THEATRE ARTS STUDIO! And every day’s show
will be LIVE & EPHEMERAL (lasting for a very short time) just like THEATRE! So make EVERY day count by
having a GREAT INTENTION for each day!

And this play features an ENSEMBLE CAST: An ensemble cast is made up of actors who all have equal
amounts of importance in a dramatic production.

So get ready to BUILD a fantastic ENSEMBLE full of all different kinds of CHARACTERS because that is
GREAT THEATRE & a REALLY EXCITING CLASS!
WHY AN ENSEMBLE CAST?

One of the most important goals of this class is for students to work with different groups of
people and to be able to work with ALL different kinds of people. So we will be forming
different groups/ENSEMBLES a lot! You are expected to learn to work with EVERYONE in this
class. It is an uncomfortable process at times. But it is an essential THEATRE & LIFE SKILL!

For each unit of study, you will be CAST in a different ensemble group of 2 or more students
(unless we're working on MONOLOGUES). You will be assigned an area to sit in with your
group. Even though you are assigned to that group for the duration of the unit, you will have
a chance to work with different classmates several times a week to share ideas, rehearse,
perform, or do class activities.
WHY AN ENSEMBLE CAST?
Canvas Discussion

"It is literally true


that you can succeed best and quickest

by helping others to succeed."

{Napoleon Hill}

1) WHY does your DIRECTOR assign you to different groups for each unit?

2) HOW is learning to work with everyone in our CAST a Theatre skill? 

3) HOW is it a life skill?

Please answer these questions in the Canvas Discussion Board.

WHAT WILL YOU BRING INTO OUR ENSEMBLE?

What are some of your STRENGTHS as a Cast/Crew/Ensemble Member of this class?

Make a list of 10 things you are GREAT at and think will be useful for our class. 

You can make these on  Word.doc or in list on your phone or even send me a video
submission or just a recording of you telling me the 10 things that you will add to our
ENSEMBLE cast.
WHAT WILL I BRING INTO OUR ENSEMBLE?
10 strengths I think I can bring to our ensemble are:

1. Knowledge of the craft.

2. Experience in the field of Theatre Education.

3. Professional credits in the theatre industry.

4. Organizational skills.

5. Passion.

6. Kindess.

7. Respect.

8. Honesty.

9. Risk Taking.

10. Hard Working.

PRODUCTION CREW
PRODUCTION CREW: THEATRE JOBS

Just like in the Theatre, there are different jobs that you can sign up to do. We will fill these position for each unit of study and then you
will choose your replacement.

DIRECTOR(s): Mr. HD/Mr. Greening (sorry, that one is taken)


STAGE MANAGER:

take roll/role daily (collect tardy slips)

HOUSE MANAGER:

make sure room is

neat and sanitized after each class

SET DESIGNER:

make sure furniture is where it needs to be

at the end of each class

PROP DESIGNER:

assist students who need help with their

props for today's performance
BRAVO CARDS
You will be paid a very lucrative SALARY = 1 BRAVO CARD 

BRAVO: used to express approval when a performer or other person has done something well.

WITH A BRAVO CARD YOU CAN:


get your phone out of time out FREE

good phone call/email home from Mr. HD

spend a class period doing anything else you want/need to do

procure a snack OR drink & eat it in class

eat outside 

* homework/study/reading pass (during class)

* make your own hot beverage

* print from Theatre printer

spend an extra period in the Theatre room (with a pass from your other class)

OR choose a reward that you would enjoy! BRAVO cards can ONLY be turned in the first and last five
minutes of class.

There will also be other chances to earn a BRAVO card during each unit. 
STAGE BUSINESS AND BLOCKING
STAGE BUSINESS: Small actions done on stage. Used to fill time, create character, and sometimes to make
the action “more realistic.”

BLOCKING: The set movement of all the actors onstage throughout the play.

This PLAYBILL explains the STAGE BUSINESS & BLOCKING that you will use for EVERY day’s
PERFORMANCE!

G.O.T.E. An acronym (Goal, Obstacle, Tactics and Expectation)


for the four basic elements to consider while for preparing a character

NOT THIS KIND OF GOAT... more like G.O.T.E.

STAGE BUSINESS AND BLOCKING

GOAL: refers to what a character desires -what drives their actions. (also known as INTENTION, MOTIVATION, or
OBJECTIVE.)

As you walk into class EVERYDAY ask yourself the actor’s eternal question of “WHAT IS MY GOAL/INTENTION/
MOTIVATION/OBJECTIVE?” and know that the answer is ACCEPT, RESPECT, & TRUST!

OBSTACLE: what stops the character from achieving their goal.

OBSTACLES can come from OTHER CHARACTERS, INTERNAL, UNCONSCIOUS, PHYSICAL, or

ENVIRONMENTAL.

FAILURE is not an obstacle. Failure is a part of success. Failing and messing up and getting back up makes you a
winner. Quitting is an OBSTACLE. The only way to earn a 0 in here is to QUIT. So don’t quit.

IF you ever say “I can’t” what this means is…


“I Completely Admit I'm Not Trying.” So do not say this…

Give effort and I will find points for you.

Have a positive attitude and you will succeed in class AND LIFE!!!

TACTICS: the methods used to achieve GOALS and OBSTACLES.

Here are the BEST TWO TACTICS you can control & use EVERY minute of EVERY day… your ATTITUDE & EFFORT!

EXPECTATION: the actor should always act as if they believe they can succeed. Expectation can also involve the
character's journey.
MY DAILY GOALS FOR YOU IN THIS CLASS:
#1 To be LEARNING and CREATING.

#2 To ENJOY the process and the class.

#3 CONNECT as a COLLABORATIVE  & CREATIVE member of our ENSEMBLE.

#4 ACCEPT, RESPECT, and TRUST the journey,  each other, & yourself!

#5 Become a more confident, collaborative, & creative person!

This class may push you out of your comfort level. The overall purpose of this class is to GROW as a
human being. GROWTH is not comfortable. This class is designed to make you a more THOUGHTFUL,
EMPATHETIC, CARING person who can COMMUNICATE well. This is an ongoing PROCESS of
CREATING!

Come and talk to ME if you are not learning or enjoying yourself or becoming a better human being. And
we will work on making those things happen for you!

OBSTACLES THAT MIGHT STAND IN MY WAY:

Fear of judgement,

Exhaustion,

Personal situations
TACTICS I PLAN ON UTILIZING TO ACHIEVE MY GOALS:

Engaging class activities and games,

Meeting you where you are, and supporting you as best I can,

Utilizing material that supports your interests.

MY DAILY EXPECTATIONS FOR YOU IN THIS CLASS:

#1 You should be learning something.



#2 You should be enjoying yourself.



#3 You should be a better person when you leave this classroom,
GETTING TO KNOW YOU ACTIVITIES

Cross the Line

Favorites

If You Really Knew Me

KNOW YOUR G.O.T.E.
KNOW YOUR G.O.T.E.
What is your G.O.T.E.?

Tell me your GOALS for this year in Theatre class.

What will be your biggest OBSTACLE?

What TACTICS will you use to get past those obstacles?

What are your EXPECTATIONS for this year?

DAILY SCHEDULE
WARM-UP/PROLOGUE: an action/event serving as an introduction to something more important.
Enter with ACCEPT, RESPECT, & TRUST as your GOAL for your day’s performance.

ACT 1: PROTASIS: introduction of characters, feelings & intention

This is your INITIAL INCIDENT: The first most important event in a play from which the rest of the play develops.

ACT 2: EXPOSITION: the explanation of who, what, when, where, why of a play leading into RISING ACTION: a related series of incidents that
build toward the point of greatest interest.
Introduction to our daily lesson/activities.

ACT 3: PERIPETEIA (change): the point of a story is for a character to CHANGE, GROW, SHIFT, or FALL.
This is where YOU do the work of the day, whatever that is... and while you ACT, you change, you learn, you grow...

ACT 4: FALLING ACTION: the direct results of the PERIPETEIA. How have you Collected, Connected, Contributed, or Created today? How did
it change you?
Finishing up the story of your day, give it an ending. BE satisfied that you have done your best today. You have helped someone, you have
connected, you have explored, you have grown.

ACT 5: DENOUEMENT: unknotting. Ask questions. REFLECTION to review the THEME/MESSAGE/PURPOSE/MORAL: What the play as a piece of
art is trying to say to the audience.
Write your REFLECTION. THIS IS YOUR STORY for the end of each 9 weeks. This is how you will defend and determine your grade.

THE ENDING: STRIKE THE SET, RETURN BORROWED ITEMS, CLEAR THE HOUSE
END WITH APPLAUSE: express agreement, approval, or praise as you EXIT THE THEATRE.
DAILY SCHEDULE
GRADING
10% PARTICIPATION

10% CANVAS ASSIGNMENTS

10% MANAGEMENT ASSIGNMENT

30% PROJECTS (group & individual)

40% NOTEBOOK & PERFORMANCE REVIEWS

ALL GRADES are based on a

0-5 Point SCALE…

or where you are on LEARNING MOUNTAIN
GRADING
PARTICIPATION grades will be taken at various times during each week. This includes participation in group activities, warm
ups, working on projects (and not doing other things during that time), rehearsing, class discussions, and reflection denouement
with your group. This class REQUIRES participation. You will be on your feet several times daily. So get ready to actively learn!!

CANVAS ASSIGNMENT grades will offer chances to write, draw, or present something as an additional way to SHOW WHAT
YOU KNOW! 

PERFORMING/PRESENTING grades can be given an additional score for IMPROVEMENT when growth is seen from one
performance or presentation to the next. If a student shows progress and growth, then they will receive a GROWTH grade of a 5
for each time there is IMPROVEMENT! GROWTH IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL! Performances and presentations will be teacher and
peer evaluated on a RUBRIC 0-5 score sheet.

PROJECT grades will be earned individually AND FOR GROUP WORK. After each unit students will choose a way to show that
they are at the CREATING learning level. They give a final performance/inform-ance or present their own creative project to the
class and demonstrate their progress and understanding of the unit of study. There will be class time given to work on all
projects. But you MUST use your class time wisely to plan, prepare, perfect your project! Not using class time to work on your
project will reflect on your PARTICIPATION GRADE.
GRADING

40% of your grade will be determined at the end of the 9 weeks when you will have
a PORTFOLIO & PERFORMANCE REVIEW one on one meeting with Mr. HD. You will
schedule this meeting during class and we will go over everything you have done this nine
weeks and your REFLECTION JOURNAL. You and I will talk about your goals for each 9
weeks and how you have changed and grown this 9 weeks.

YOUR STORY is YOUR GRADE in Theatre class. Tell me the story and how you have
changed and grown and that will be the most important part of your grade! GROWTH is
the goal!
REFLECTION
THE LAST 5 MINUTES OF THE DAY ARE FOR REFLECTION

REFLECT verb: show an image of, embody or represent (something) in a faithful & appropriate way,
think deeply or carefully about.

You each have a WARM-UP AND REFLECTION JOURNAL. This is unique for you and lasts for an
entire 9 weeks. 

These journals will be very important at the end of the 9 weeks when you have your individual
PORTFOLIO and PERSONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW meeting with me. You can use these
reflections to TELL THE STORY of your 9 weeks. Your story will be 40% of your grade each 9 weeks.
You will tell me where you grew, how you met your intentions, where you went out of your comfort
zone, and show me anything you think you want me to see to determine your grade. 
REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Are you still learning? That is a 25.

Are you understanding things? That is worth 50 points.

Are you applying the things we are learning. That is a 75.

Are you connecting concepts together? That is a 100.

Are you creating new things that are uniquely you? That is 125 points!

These reflections will help you TELL YOUR STORY well. So, write a little bit every day to
show how you are growing and changing and collaborating and creating!
REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Why is REFLECTION important in a theatre class?

TECHNOLOGY

Use technology as a tool, not a toy.

(without permission)
RESTROOM
You may use the restroom ANYTIME.

However, the restroom is a place for SOLO acts, not duets, or group meetings.

Take the PLAYBILL HALLPASS before you go to the bathroom and return it when you are
finished.

The classroom door STAYS OPEN at all time unless we are in rehearsals after-school.
FOOD AND SNACKS
Any snacks or drinks you buy with a BRAVO CARD get you a free pass to eat/drink in the
classroom (while socially distanced). 

Any other food or drink must be consumed OUTSIDE before the bell rings. IF you haven’t
finished eating, you may buy yourself a few minutes to eat/drink at the cafe tables outside
WITH A BRAVO CARD.

Any food or drink NOT in your backpack will have to be away until class is over. (I am not
obligated to babysit that food. So eater beware.)

Water bottles are allowed anywhere in the classroom. OTHER drinks are not allowed in class
UNLESS they have a spill proof top. Drink them outside OR put them in your backpack.

Any food or drinks that I see other than on FOOD STORAGE SHELF or left in class after you
leave will be throw away. So keep it where I will not see it OR use a Bravo card to eat it
outside.
TARDY MUCH?
TARDY: After the last bell rings, you are tardy. Have a pass to give to the Stage Manager and they will
mark the roll. Then quickly grab your place and step into your part in our ensemble! Be Fantastically
Present and a Focused Participant for the rest of class!

ABSENCES/SKIPPING CLASS: ASK me if you need to make up a test, quiz or any work in another
class. More than likely, I will write you a pass and let you go and do your work! I want you to succeed
in your core classes! IF you have a project or performance due in THEATRE class, and you attend
other classes that day except Theatre class, you will receive a 0 for that assignment If you want to
come to an “extra” Theatre class, then you will need a special pass signed by that teacher. THEATRE
PASSES to and from class are on my desk!

INTENTION:

WE NEED YOU HERE to play your part!

TARDY MUCH?
SOMETIMES YOU JUST GOTTA GO SOMEWHERE...

There are two different kinds of passes on my desk.

Let me know if you need one and then fill it out yourself and I will sign it.

If you need to stick around for a few minutes after class to talk to me or to finish something, grab a LATE
PASS. It looks like this…

HIGHLANDER

If you need to go to another place during theatre class, grab one of these passes. You can always ask me to
go take a test, talk to a teacher, go to attendance, or do some other important task. This calls for a SCENE
CHANGE card…
YOUR COSTUME CHOICES AND DRESS CODE
“The way we dress affects the way we think,
the way we feel,
the way we act,
& the way others react to us.”
{Judith Rasband}

DRESS CODE: I will adhere to the written text of the dress code (and other school policies.) If you are not in dress code, you are
welcome to ask if you can slip to the restroom to change into something that satisfies the text in the handbook or you can go to
the Attendance Office.

I believe you are capable of interpreting the SCRIPT (dress code) and dressing in your “school costume” to play the role of
wonderful student.

And as your Director, I must insist that you wear the appropriate clothing for your role.

Thank you for your understanding!

INTENTION:
The COSTUME reflects
the CHARACTER’s intention & tactics.
HEADS UP
HEADS UP: a theatre term of warning used to call attention to overhead danger on or off
stage.

Sometimes we all just need a HEADS UP!

I WANT YOU IN THIS CLASS.

THERE IS A REASON YOU ARE HERE.

YOU MAKE OUR CLASS BETTER.

YOU WILL MAKE ME A BETTER TEACHER 

& I WANT TO HELP MAKE YOU BETTER TOO.

HEADS UP
If you make choices that do not show good INTENTION, RESPECT, or EXCELLENCE to
yourself, another person(s), the school, or the learning process, we will  both LOOK
AGAIN at the situation and both of our personal choices.

IF something is not going well, it usually means there is something wrong with the way I
am relating to you. Let's talk about what isn't working for you in class and how I can help
make this class work for you!

Let me say this again... I WANT YOU IN THIS CLASS. THERE IS A REASON YOU ARE HERE.
YOU MAKE OUR CLASS BETTER. YOU WILL MAKE ME A BETTER TEACHER and I WANT TO
HELP MAKE YOU BETTER TOO.
August 19, 2020

“IT WILL NEVER BE PERFECT, BUT PERFECT

IS OVERRATED. PERFECT IS BORING.”
– TINA FEY
IT’S SHOWTIME!
Show Time Performances/Project Informances:

After performance units students give a final PERFORMANCE to the class to demonstrate

their progress.

There can also be INFORMANCES— informed PRESENTATIONS that show what you
KNOW about the unit of study!

Students will have time in class to PLAN, PREPARE, “ON YOUR FEET” REHEARSE, and RUN
THRU (with feedback from another group). But you may need time at home
for MEMORIZATION or to work on specific goals.

Before PERFORMANCES/INFORMANCES begin, students are reminded of the criteria for

grading and the desired outcome and given a copy of the scoring guide (rubric) that is
correlated to our Theatre Standards. Students also receive grades for being good
audience members during these performances/infomances.
IT’S SHOWTIME!

There is a “The Show Must Go On” protocol. This means no matter what, students must
perform/inform on the day they are due. There are no excuses (feeling sick or an absent
scene partner) and students must give their best effort.  If students feel that it was not
their best work, or if a scene partner was missing, they can choose to perform/inform
again during the next class period to earn a better score. If you are absent on a
performance/informance day, you will perform/inform on the next day available. If you
miss ONLY Theatre class on your day to perform/inform, you will lose points on your
performance/informance.

Students perform/INFORM on a volunteer basis.  However, if no one volunteers the

person with the closest birthday chooses who will goes first.  Each performer/group then
IT’S SHOWTIME!
There are procedures you will learn for each stage of performing/presenting:

MASTERPIECE INTRODUCTIONS,

SLATE STAGE RIGHT to LEFT, FIRST 15 SECONDS,

FOCUS, ENTRANCES/EXITS,

APPLAUSE,

FINAL REFLECTION

GLOWS & GROWS

THE SLATE
A SLATE is an introduction to your performance/presentation pieces. 

IF YOU ARE IN CLASS PERFORMING, a SLATE involves these steps.

1) Stand up in front of the class. Hands by your side (not in your pockets.) 

2) Speak loudly and clearly.

3) If there are 2 or more people in your scene, start right and move left with each person
having their turn to slate. 

4) Each person will say their name, first name and last name. 
THE SLATE
5) If you are the only person presenting, then say WHAT you are presenting. Either the
name of the play your monologue or scene is from OR the assignment title itself. For this
assignment you would say, "My name is Lea Marshall and this is my SLATE practice."

6) If there are multiple presenter in your scene, each presenter says their name and then
the FINAL presenter (the one on the left) will say the name of the scene. 
THE PRACTICE SLATE

You are going to SLATE for the class using the previous criteria by recording a video and
uploading it to Canvas.

Your script is:

“My name is ____________________, and this is my Slate for Theatre Class.”

We will watch these as a class and give feedback.

THE PRACTICE SLATE

You are going to SLATE for the class using the previous criteria by recording a video and
uploading it to Canvas.

Your script is:

“My name is ____________________, and this is my Slate for Theatre Class.”

We will watch these as a class and give feedback.

GLOW AND GROW WITH MR. HD

Complete the GLOW AND GROW Discussion for Mr. HD.

LIFELINES, NOT DEADLINES
All of the assignments I give you will have a DUE DATE & these DUE DATES ARE FOR
YOUR BENEFIT!

They give your time structure and goals.

They are to help YOU to plan YOUR time (yes, they help me too in making grading easier,
but this class is for YOU, not me.)

& I WILL ALWAYS ACCEPT LATE WORK (during the 9 weeks) for FULL CREDIT. 
LIFELINES, NOT DEADLINES
Think of it this way… if someone said you could earn $100 and you only did half the work and received
$50, that is still better than $0, right? I would even take $25 over $0. So go do something and earn you
some points and consider all the deadlines as LIFELINES.

Remember too, that half of your grade each 9 weeks is based on your PERSONAL PORTFOLIO and our
PERFORMANCE REVIEW. Show me where you have grown, show me how you are meeting your own
personal goals, and tell me what you think your grade for the 9 weeks should be and WHY.

Your grade is your story of growth, effort, and attitude. 

PLAYBILL PROJECT
PLAYBILL PROJECT
You are going to create your own Playbill in your OneDrive Portfolio Notebook. 

Pretend YOUR LIFE is a musical and create a PLAYBILL that reflects who you are and what
has happened to you in your life!

PLAYBILL PROJECT SECTIONS:

COVER

Cover/Creativity:

✓ Title

✓ Picture

✓ Colorful

✓ Neat

✓ Meaningful
PLAYBILL PROJECT SECTIONS:
CAST LIST

Who are the 5 most important people in your life?

List the name of the person,

What role they play in your life (father, sister, best friend, etc.),

Give a 1-2 sentence description of each.

PLAYBILL PROJECT SECTIONS:
SONG LIST

What are the 5 songs that best reflect your life?

Give the title of each song,

Who wrote it,

1-2 Sentences explaining why that song is an important reflection on your life.
PLAYBILL PROJECT SECTIONS:
About the Author

Give a short 5-6 sentence bio about yourself, your accomplishments (particularly
in theatre or the arts), and any gratitudes for getting you to where you are.
PLAYBILL PROJECT SECTIONS:
Plot Synopsis

Describe your story thus far in two Acts.

Act I - Exposition (where you’ve come from), Rising Action (obstacles you’ve
faced), Climax (a turning point in your life)

Act II - Falling Action (how you’ve overcome some of your obstacles),

Denoument (where you find your piece/joy), Resolution (where you are today)
PLAYBILL PROJECT SECTIONS:
Director’s Notes

Why is this play important? What makes this story special? Who is your intended
audience and what is the impact you expect to have on them?
PLAYBILL PROJECT SECTIONS:
Critical Review of the Play

How would a theatrical reviewer reflect on your play?

Follow the outline for a Theatre Review in the Class Content Library section of
your Notebook.
PLAYBILL PROJECT SECTIONS:
Advertisement Page

What types of Advertisements would you find in your playbill?

Are there items you swear by that you can’t live without?

Is there any brand or item you think represents you?

Are there any shoutouts you your favorite plays or musicals (or other art
forms)?
PLAYBILL PROJECT
SECTIONS
Cover

Cast List

Song List

About the Author

Plot Synopsis

Director’s Notes

Critical Review of the Play

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