No textbook is required for this course.  All materials will be supplied to the student via handouts. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

For the Course:  Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

1.  Demonstrate competency in the fundamental acting elements of characterization, objective, obstacle, tactics, and relationship. 

2.  Work collaboratively with a scene partner to perform a duet scene.

3.  Demonstrate and apply an understanding of character and script analysis.

4.  Demonstrate a competency in characterization skills with the performance of a monologue.

5.  Evaluate a theatrical production using terminology and techniques studied in this course.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Performance Skills:  Students will demonstrate proficiency in the skills of the performer's physical and vocal instrument and the application of acting and performance techniques.

Dramatic Analysis & Criticism:  Students will analyze and critique dramatic works of literature, performance and design using the Aristotelian elements of drama. 

Techniques and Craftsmanship:  Students will effectively handle materials, methods, and techniques to prepare and present neat, well-crafted projects using standard practices in the field.

Design Principles:  Students will apply a variety of skills, methods, and technologies to create works that demonstrate basic knowledge of formal elements and principles of design.

Professionalism in Collaboration:  Students will demonstrate professional decorum and discipline in collaboration with members of a dramatic production.

COURSE POLICIES:                                                                         

1.  Assignment Policy:  You are responsible for all preparing, rehearsing, performing and/or submitting all assignments in this class.  While performance assignments will be coached in class, mandatory rehearsal of your performance assignment is required outside of class so that you can be prepared for coaching and be able to apply the coaching to the graded performance.   The faster you memorize your scenes and the better rehearsed you are, the greater the chance you will receive the grade you desire.

2.  Attendance Policy:  Attendance is MANDATORY.  Attendance will be recorded on Blackboard.  A total of TWO (2) absences will be permitted for the course.  Each additional absence taken will result in your final point total being lowered 5 points.  Only the instructor has the authority to excuse a student’s absence.  Participation in any ACC production is no excuse for a student’s absence.  This policy will be strictly enforced.   Excessive late arrivals and/or early departures will adversely affect the Class Preparation & Participation grade.  Traffic/parking is not an acceptable excuse for a late arrival.  Please plan accordingly.

3.  Withdrawal Policy:  ACC’s Policy:  It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roster should he or she decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

COURSE POLICY:  I WILL NOT UTILIZE THE FACULTY-INITIATED DROP OPTION FOR ANY REASON OR UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

4.  Acting with a Partner:  Acting with a partner is a considerable responsibility.  You are expected to treat your partner (or partners) with respect and courtesy.  Failure to communicate, and/or failure to show up at an agreed upon rehearsal will only hurt your collaborative efforts.  Keep in mind; however, that you will receive an individual grade for the scene, not a grade shared with your partner.  Respect your partner by taking care of your individual responsibilities. If you are absent from class, remember that not only you but also your partner will miss that opportunity to practice the exercises rehearsed in class.  The instructor reserves the right to replace you as a scene partner without your knowledge or consent. Should this happen, YOU become solely responsible for finding a replacement partner, scene, and completing the missed work without the assistance of the instructor.

5.  Late/Missed Work:  All performances and paperwork are due on the day designated in the class schedule.  ALL ASSIGNMENTS AND PERFORMANCES SUBMITTED AFTER THE ORIGINAL DUE DATE WILL BE PENALIZED 15%.  NO ASSIGNMENT OR PERFORMANCE MAY BE SUBMITTED AFTER ONE WEEK FROM THE ORIGINAL DUE DATE.  In the event that the class schedule should change, you will be informed in a timely manner. Paperwork may be emailed; however, if I am unable to open the document, the work cannot be considered submitted. Please email documents in an easily translatable format.

6.  Class Performances & Assignments: PERFORMANCE IN FRONT OF THE CLASS IS AN INHERENT COMPONENT IN THIS COURSE.  STUDENTS WITH MARKED STAGE FRIGHT OR PERFORMANCE ANXIETY SHOULD TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION AS THEY CONTINUE WITH THE COURSE. THERE CAN BE NO SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS MADE FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE SUCH ISSUES OR ANXIETIES.

A. LOST OBJECT EXERCISE:  You will perform an object exercise in which you will recreate the search for a lost or misplaced object.  Dialogue will be minimal.   A GOTE sheet will be due with this performance. More will be explained as it is assigned.

B.  OPEN SCENE:  You will be assigned an acting partner and prepare an open scene using the techniques illustrated in the class exercises and text.  Scenes will be given to you. A script score and GOTE sheet will be due with this performance. More will be explained as it is assigned.

C.  MONOLOGUE:  This monologue will focus on characterization techniques. This monologue should not exceed 2 minutes in length. A GOTE sheet will be due with this performance. More will be explained as it is assigned.

D. DUET SCENE:  You will be assigned an acting partner and prepare a duet scene using the techniques illustrated in the class exercises and text.  Scenes should be from contemporary plays and 4-6 minutes in length.  Material from movies, novels, poetry or classical plays is not allowed. Select a scene that is as balanced as possible between the characters.  Three-person scenes will only be allowed for a class with an odd-numbered enrollment. Set and costume pieces are not expected, and you should keep props to a necessary minimum.  LINES MUST BE MEMORIZED FOR ALL YOUR PERFORMANCES IN THIS CLASS!  Your performance grade will be deducted 25% if they are not. A script score and GOTE sheet will be due with this performance. More will be explained as it is assigned.

E.  PRODUCTION CRITIQUE:  You will be required to view a live ACC Drama production and submit a written critique.  This critique will focus on the elements of the production using the terms and techniques focused on in this class.  A guide/format will be provided for you to follow.  This must be 3-pages (minimum), TYPED and double-spaced. 

F.  CLASS PREPARATION & PARTICIPATION:  This grade is a cumulative evaluation of your overall focus and involvement in the course.  Factors that will bear a positive influence on this grade include, but are not limited to, regular and punctual attendance, preparation and involvement in class discussions & projects, and generally putting forth your best effort regardless of your major or prior experience in theatre.  Factors that will bear a negative influence on this grade include, but are not limited to, excessive absences, excessive late arrivals and/or early departures, lack of involvement in class discussions & projects, CELL PHONE USE AND TEXTING, computer use that is unrelated to the immediate topic of discussion, and any other behavior that might be considered disruptive to the instructor and/or other students in the class.  

7.  Grading:  Grading in this course will be on a point system.  There are 500 points possible in this course.  The following are the assignments, percentages, and point value for each:

Lost Object Exercise Work & Performance - 50 points (10%)       Final Grade* Breakdown

Open Scene Work & Performance – 100 points (20%)                 450-500 = A (Far Above Average)

Monologue Work & Performance - 100 points (20%)                  400-449 = B (Above Average)

Duet Scene Work & Performance – 150 points (30%)                  350-399 = C (Average)

Production Critique – 50 points (10%)                                        300-349 = D (Below Average)

Class Preparation & Participation - 50 points (10%)                        0-299 = F (Far Below Average)

TOTAL - - - - - - - - - 500 POINTS (100%)

*Your final grade in this class is not necessarily an indication of your professional potential.

8.  Extra Credit:  There are no opportunities for extra credit in this course.  Your grade is determined by the completion and quality of the required assignments.

9.  Methods of Communication:  Course communication will happen in two ways:

            1.  Blackboard:  All course announcements, the course syllabus, all course handouts and grades will all be posted on Blackboard.  It is expected that the student check Blackboard at least twice a week throughout the semester.

            2.  ACCmail:   All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account.  Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at  http://www.austincc.edu/accmail

Weeks I-II:  Object Exercises

Weeks II-III:  Open Scene

Weeks IV-VII:  Monologue

Weeks VII-X  Duet Scene