PA92 - Advanced Acting

1 or 2 Semesters | .5 or 1 Credit
Prerequisites: By Audition Only

For advanced acting students who are interested in learning the techniques of auditioning and analyzing characters in depth. Through improvisations and acting scenes, each student will learn how to create the role desired in a production. In addition, much time will be spent on what constitutes complete characterization. Rehearsals and performances after school hours may be required.

Email: jvanpatten@mpsaz.org
Office: (480) 472 - 5830

PA 92 Syllabus
Class Canvas

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Jackrabbit Theatre Company! This is an incredibly unique class that enables students to be involved in many aspects of modern theatre. While working together and making decisions as a “Company,” we will get to know each other’s strengths, improve upon our weaknesses, and put on some fantastic productions in  the meantime. This is a competition class that will compete at AZ ThesFest in November, Regionals in January, perform in assemblies, tour to our feeder schools, and more! There WILL be outside rehearsal required for this course.

Academic Expectations:

This class will be structured to model a professional Repertory Theatre Company. After we discuss individual and group goals, the semester/school year will be spent rehearsing and performing various theatrical pieces. For the duration of this class, students will participate in many theatrical endeavors including but not limited to:

  • Producing and performing theatre for events including but not limited to:

    • ThesFest (November, 2026) & Participation in the One Act Competition

    • Feeder School Children’s Theatre production (Spring, 2027)

    • Showcases at the end of each semester (December & May)

    • Preparing AT LEAST ONE IE for Regionals in January.

  • Writing and preparing student written/directed One Acts to be performed in the Spring.

  • Reaching various personal and group goals determined at the beginning of the semester.

  • All students are required to participate in AT LEAST ONE JTC theatre production ore event (outside of those done for/in class) for each semester they are enrolled in Company. 

    • “Participating” constitutes at least 10 hours of extra-curricular work on a show. Most of you will meet this requirement, no problem.

    • Following the production, students must write a reflection of the performance from a technical standpoint covering what their role and responsibilities were and what was learned throughout the process.

      • Reflections are due by Friday, December 4th for first semester.

  • Your final project is your IE performance for Regionals and a reflection to be done in class. If you cannot attend Regionals, you need to enroll in a different theatre course — participation at Regionals is a requirement for this course in order to receive a passing grade.

Behavioral Expectations:

  • The Golden Rule: Do unto others. Treat your classmates and instructor with respect and kindness. 

    • You WILL be grouped with people you may have trouble working with. Be mature and have a good attitude about it. 

    • There is a difference between venting and gossip. One is necessary and helpful at times, while the other is destructive and helps no one. Know which you are doing!

  • Try everything. We are all techies and we are all performers. I want you to focus where your passion is, but you WILL learn and participate in other aspects of theatre.

  • Respect the space. We have a beautiful theater and we want it to stay beautiful. Pick up your messes please and thank you.

  • If you break something, tell me! I may not know how to fix it, but chances are I know someone who does.

  • Come in with a good attitude EVERY DAY. 

  • Be a leader. You represent MHS Theatre and I expect you to behave as a good representation of our Theatre Department.

Cell Phones:

Mesa Public Schools has updated its rules about student use of personal devices like cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets.  During class cell phones must be silenced and put away in your backpack - NOT your pocket.  Anyone caught using a cell phone or other electronic device without permission will have the said item confiscated pursuant to the district guidelines.

  1. First offense – phone prison for the hour

  2. Second offense – phone prison for the day

  3. Third offense – phone taken to the front office

Supplies:

Students need a composition notebook and a folder for any class handouts, scripts, critiques, etc.  You must bring a pencil, a highlighter, and your theatre folder to class daily. Students will also be using Google Drive for this course so please make sure your computers are fully charged each day before class.