Play Production
COURSE OVERVIEW:
In this course, students will learn about the basic aspects of producing a play, such as acting, staging, set designing, costuming, following directions, and working cooperatively as a team. Students learn the principles through active participation in the production of a play.
This semester course may be taken twice during a studentʻs two-year enrollment at Kailua Intermediate School. Once under ACCN FTP0500 and once under ACCN FTP0400. However, each individual ACCN is not repeatable for credit.
OBJECTIVES:
Develop foundational acting skills: Students will be able to demonstrate basic acting techniques, including voice projection, stage presence, character development, and improvisation, through active participation in rehearsals and performances.
Understand the collaborative nature of theatre production: Students will learn to effectively communicate, cooperate, and contribute to a team effort, demonstrating an understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the production process. This includes working collaboratively with fellow actors, directors, set designers, and costume designers.
Gain an appreciation for the various elements of theatre production: Students will develop an understanding of the key elements that contribute to a successful theatrical performance, including acting, directing, set design, costume design, lighting, and sound. They will be able to identify and discuss the impact of these elements on a production.
ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS: Students will be graded on their active participation in rehearsals, their contributions to the production (acting, set design, costume design, etc.), their adherence to deadlines, and their overall performance efforts. They are also expected to fulfill General Learner Outcomes that include being a self-directed learner, community contributor, complex thinker, quality producer, effective communicator, and effective and ethical user of technology.
Newswriting
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This is a year-long beginning newswriting course designed for students to work collaboratively as a member of the school newspaper staff, and to experience the process of getting the story from the event into print and then into the hands of the reader. Students learn all aspects of publication that include gathering facts, interviewing, composing stories, layout and design, photography, and use technology tools to enhance the production of the newspaper. Students discuss issues related to print journalism, e.g., censorship, ethics, freedom of speech, confidentiality, truth and accuracy.
OBJECTIVES:
Develop Core Journalism Skills: Students will master fundamental journalistic skills including:
Reporting: Conducting interviews, researching topics, gathering accurate information, and verifying sources.
Writing: Composing clear, concise, and engaging news stories for print and potentially online platforms.
Editing: Proofreading and editing stories for grammar, style, accuracy, and clarity.
Understand the Publication Process: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire newspaper production process, including:
Pre-production: Brainstorming story ideas, planning coverage, and assigning roles within the team.
Production: Writing, editing, designing, and laying out the newspaper.
Post-production: Distributing the newspaper, evaluating the publication, and identifying areas for improvement.
Explore Ethical and Professional Considerations: Students will critically examine ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, including:
Freedom of the press: Understanding the importance of unbiased reporting and the right to free speech.
Accuracy and fairness: Ensuring the truthfulness and accuracy of information while representing all sides fairly.
Confidentiality and ethics: Recognizing and respecting the privacy of sources and understanding the importance of journalistic integrity.
ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS: Students will be graded on:
News Stories: Grade individual news stories based on:
Accuracy and completeness of information
Clarity, conciseness, and engaging writing style
Proper grammar, punctuation, and AP Style
Use of strong leads and effective storytelling techniques
Interviews: Evaluate interview skills, including:
Preparation and research
Questioning techniques (open-ended, follow-up)
Note-taking and recording
Building rapport with sources
Research Projects: Assess research skills, including:
Finding and evaluating reliable sources
Citing sources correctly
Synthesizing information effectively
Newspaper Production: Grade the overall quality of the newspaper, considering:
Timely completion of issues
Accuracy and quality of stories
Design and layout of the newspaper
Overall professionalism and presentation
Collaborative Projects: Evaluate student contributions to group projects, such as:
Brainstorming and planning
Meeting deadlines and fulfilling assigned roles
Effective communication and teamwork
Constructive feedback and peer editing
They are also expected to fulfill General Learner Outcomes that include being a self-directed learner, community contributor, complex thinker, quality producer, effective communicator, and effective and ethical user of technology.