STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE:  This course will focus primarily on the unique aesthetic of theatre through theatre exercises, scene work, discussion, and examination of diverse contemporary literature. Theatre exercises will be utilized to facilitate the creative process as well as foster an environment of trust within the class.  Critical thinking skills will be gained through the reading of literature, discourse and written assignments.

Students are expected to be on time and ready to work in comfortable clothes that allow for movement.  Recognizing that feedback and receiving critiques is a skill worth cultivating, this class will provide a basis for such an exchange in a positive and supportive manner.  All members of the class will work towards creating an environment that is celebratory of each other=s work.
(Note:  Although not likely, this syllabus is subject to change in order to take full advantage of theatre related opportunities and guest speakers.)

This course deals with mature content material.  If this is a concern for you, please see me right away.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:  Attendance is mandatory!  Your presence is critical to the success of this class.  Students will be allowed three excused absences, any additional absences will lower your grade by one entire grade level.  Emergencies (verifiable death, verifiable illness, verifiable religious holy day) will be handled on a case by case basis and at my discretion.  Personal commitments, vacations, etc. are not considered emergencies. 

TARDY POLICY: It is not permissible to be late for this class!  Actors learn punctuality as a necessity, not a virtue: Being on time means being five minutes early.  This is a performance class and an interruption of your colleagues work will be interpreted as disrespect and not tolerated.  If for some verifiable reason you are late you must wait outside the door until you are absolutely sure it is not an interruption to enter (e.g. hear applause, or actors end their scene and exit).  Never knock on the door!   Note: Three tardies constitute one absence.

LATE WORK:  There is absolutely no late work or make-ups under any circumstance.  Failure to present a scene or turn in written work when it is due will result in an automatic grade of AF@ for that assignment.  No exceptions! 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

Students are required to purchase tickets to three productions (TBA).     

Writing Assignments:

• Three Play Reviews:  Guidelines will be provided (minimum 3 pages with standard margins). 
• Five quizzes on the readings (Benedetti’s, THE ACTOR IN YOU).
• Final Project Reflection Paper:  Guidelines will be provided (minimum 3 pages with standard margins).  This paper will also include a grade you assign for your collaborators.
• Final Professional Resume with head-shot:  Guidelines will be provided.
  

Scene Work:

• Lip-sync:  Perform a lip-sync to a song of your choice.   Create the world of the song and situate yourself within it to deliver the message.  This is not an impersonation exercise.  (2-3 minutes.)

• Monologue: 2-3 minute monologue from either the list of recommended plays, or a book of contemporary monologues that you have pre-approved with me.  (2-3 minutes.)

• Two person scene:   A two person scene from the list of plays on this syllabus or you may choose an alternate if you have it approved by me ahead of time.   (10-15 minutes)

• Three Person Scene:  You will perform a scene in collaboration with at least two other partners from the class.  It is important to note that 20% of your grade for this project will be determined by your collaborators.  I would therefore encourage you to maintain a professional and responsible attitude.  We will define and discuss this grading criteria more in depth during class.  (15-20 minutes or a minimum of 5 minutes per person)
• Final Audition:  Prepare and perform a 1 minute monologue for an audition (with head-shot and resume). 

WEIGHT OF ASSIGNMENTS:  Preparation (attire, attitude, etc.)     Participation/Attendance   Play Reviews        (3 @ 50 each) Quizzes on Reading       (5 @ 20 points each) Lip sync                                                                                        Monologue                                                                                    Two Person Scene                               Three Person Scene                              Final Reflection Paper     Final Audition & Resume          TOTAL POINTS:

100 100 150 100 100 100 100 150 50 100 1000

GRADES: 900 - 1000 = A (range) 800 -   899 = B  700 -   799 = C 600 -   699 = D 0   -   599 = F

A (950-1000); A- (900-949); B+ (850-899); B (800-849); B- (750-799); C+ (700-749);
C (650-699); C- (600-649); D+ (550-599); D (500-549); D- (450-499); F (0-449).

COURSE SYLLABUS
ACTING I

Week 1
Sept 3                          Introduction to the Course

Week 2                                                                                                           
Sept 6                          Labor Day Holiday (No class)
Sept 8                          The World of the Actor
Sept 10                        Improvisation

Week 3
Sept 13                        Trust Building                                                                          
Sept 15                        Confidence Building Exercises
Sept 17                        Confidence Building Exercises              

Week 4
Sept 20                        Character Choices                                                                    QUIZ # 1
Sept 22                        Observation Exercises
Sept 24                        Observation Exercises

Week 5
Sept 27                        Dramatic Conflict                                                                      QUIZ # 2
Sept 28                        Improvisation   
Oct 1                           Improvisation

Week 6
Oct 4                           Lip-Sync Presentations                                                
Oct 6                           Lip-Sync Presentations                        
Oct 8                           Lip-Sync Presentations

Week 7
Oct 11                         Objective and Intent                                                                 QUIZ # 3
Oct 13                         Objective and Intent
Oct 15                         Objective and Intent

Week 8
Oct 18                         Monologues                                                                             QUIZ # 4
Oct 20                         Monologues
Oct 22                         Monologues

Week 9
Oct 25                         Monologue Reviews
Oct 27                         Monologue Reviews
Oct 29                         Monologue Reviews