Theatre 130 – Acting I
Spring 2015
Instructor:
Phone:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:
C. J. Keith
(619) 594-4936
keith@mail.sdsu.edu
DA 204
Wednesday 11:00- 12:00
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:
Also Required:
Proof by David Auburn
Crimes Of The Heart by Beth Hanley
Stop Kiss by Diana Son
Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire
ALL THEATRE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED
TO BUY TICKETS FOR THE SDSU PRODUCTION SEASON
And ATTEND ONE TFM FILM FESTIVAL
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
Students 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.
Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire
Crimes Proof by David Auburn
Of The Heart by Beth Hanley
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 all SDSU 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:
Alice directed by Margaret Larlham (paper due on or before March 17th)
The Great American Trailer Park Musical directed by Paula Kalustian (paper due on or
before Tues May 5th)
• Film Festival: Students are required to attend one of the TFM Film Festivals. Turn in your
ticket stub to me. Observations and comments are to be entered in your Journal.
JOURNALS
Students are required to keep a Journal which will be submitted twice during the semester. You
may use a small bound journal/notebook with 50-100 pages (or more) or keep an e-Journal to
keep a record of:
• The work and discussions in each class meeting, listed by date. These may include your
personal thoughts and reactions to the class activities, notes on how you can use them in your
work as
a performer, and your personal responses to the work in which you participate as
well as observe.
• Any reflections and thoughts on any aspect of theatre; acting in plays, films, television;
training, career, etc.
PARTICIPATION and ATTENDANCE
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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.
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
4 Script Papers (short)
2 Production Papers
Class Participation
20 points
20 points
10 points
20 points
10 points
20 points
100 points
Character Analysis 5 points, Performance 15 points
Performance
Written
5 points each
Written – 5 points each
Exercises, Activities, Discussions
There is No Extra Credit Work available for this class.
94-100 = A
90-93 = A87-89 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B-
77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 = C67-69 = D+
63-66 = D
60-62 = D-
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