Spring 2016
Instructor:
Phone:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:
C. J. Keith
(619) 594-4936 keith@mail.sdsu.edu
DA 204 call office phone for weekly hours
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introduction to acting focusing on the development of an individual’s ability to express thought and emotion through effective use of the voice, body, and creative mind, emphasizing believability. Fundamental acting concepts may be applied to stage, film, and television acting.
The course provides the beginning acting student with a basic understanding of an actor’s vocabulary and task through observation exercises, theatre games, improvisation, basic text analysis, and scene work. The student will have practical acting experience in the form of improvisational exercises and rehearsed scene and monologue work to be presented in class.
Although performance-based, required reading, research, and writing assignments are integral to your learning. This course is experiential and attendance and participation in daily class exercises and discussions is mandatory.
Required Scripts : Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire
Proof by David Auburn
Crimes Of The Heart by Beth Hanley
Stop Kiss by Diana Son
Also Required : All Students Are Required to Buy a Ticket for or Work on the Department of Theatre Spring Semester Productions, and
Attend One TFM Film Festival Showcase.
CLASS EXERCISES & DISCUSSIONS
Students will engage in various acting exercises, and are expected to fully participate in all class activities and discussions. Analytical, articulate, and engaged discussions of the required plays and class projects are a significant part of your class work.
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SCENE STUDY
You will perform in a variety of scenes including a memorized and blocked scene from a contemporary play. A Character Analysis is a part of your grade for this scene. Each student will select a scene partner and together they will choose a short scene from one of the plays on the reading list. Rehearsals are homework: students are expected to rehearse outside of class.
WRITTEN WORK
• Script Responses : You are required to read the four plays listed below. In a short, typed paper identify the plot in three sentences, give a brief description of the characters, describe the main character’s journey in relationship to obstacles/struggles/conflicts, identify a central theme, and discuss one of your favorite scenes or moments.
Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire
Crimes Of The Heart by Beth Hanley
Proof by David Auburn
Stop Kiss by Diana Son
• Character Analysis: For the scene you perform in class you will hand in a typed Character
Analysis. Instructions for the Character Analysis are in the Course Reader.
• Production Acting Papers : Students are required to see all Department of Theatre productions offered this semester, and write a short paper which focuses on the acting elements of the productions. These papers are due on the first class period that follows the closing of the show:
The Drowsy Chaperone directed by Stephen Brotebeck (paper due on or before March 15th)
The BFG directed by Margaret Larlham (paper due on or before May 3rd)
• Film Festival Showcase : Students are required to attend one of the TFM Film Festivals. Turn in your ticket stub to me.
PARTICIPATION and ATTENDANCE
Attendance is mandatory. Missed classes cannot be made up with other work or extra credit, and will result in fewer points for class activities and discussion.
Continual tardiness will also result in missed participation points and therefore a lowered grade.
Unexcused absences may result in an “F” for the course.
Punctuality is essential. Please be in suitable clothing and shoes, ready to work, when class begins. Lateness is not tolerated in the professional theatre, and is not acceptable in this class.
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The University Policy File includes the following statement on Absence for Religious
Observances:
By the end of the second week of classes, students should notify the instructors of affected courses of planned absences for religious observances.
Instructors shall reasonably accommodate students who notify them in advance of planned absences for religious observances.
Employment obligations are not accepted reason for missing class. Illnesses and emergencies are to be called in or emailed to me at: 619-594-4936 or keith@mail.sdsu.edu
. This is considered both professional discipline and academic courtesy, and your instructor thanks you 
EXAMS, FINAL
The Final will consist of a memorized and prepared monologue, which will be appropriate for you to use for auditions in the Theatre Department and other theatrical venues.
GRADING
Scene
Monologue
Journal
20 points
20 points
10 points
Character Analysis 5 points, Performance 15 points
Performance
Written
4 Script Papers (short)
2 Production Papers
Class Participation
20 points
10 points
20 points
100 points
5 points each
Written – 5 points each
Exercises, Activities, Discussions
There is No Extra Credit Work available for this class.
94-100 = A 77-79 = C+
90-93 = A- 73-76 = C
87-89 = B+ 70-72 = C-
83-86 = B 67-69 = D+
80-82 = B- 63-66 = D
60-62 = D-
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