Theatre 101-803
Acting for Non-Majors
Semester: Fall 2015
Classroom: T-6
Class meets: Monday and Wednesday
Class Hours: 11:00-12:15
3 Credit hours
Instructor: Jim Tasse
Office: T-25
Office hours: T/Tr, 11a-Noon
E-mail: jtasse@uwm.edu
Time expectation: 146 total hours
Class: 1 hour 15 minutes/29 classes (36.25 hours)
Class prep: 4/week (60 hours)
Scene Rehearsal (30 hours)
Attending 2 performances and papers (20 hours)
Catalogue Description: An introduction to basic acting techniques of personalization, focus, and scene study explored
through participatory and collaborative exercises and assignments.
Course Description: The student will be introduced to the actor’s art through a variety of exercises which are designed to
explore and develop: voice/body awareness, stage skills, approaches to a dramatic text, improvisational work,
emotional/imaginative life, character development, rehearsal and performance process, analysis of performance, and an
overall appreciation of live theatre.
Course Goals:
(what you can expect from me) This course is designed to introduce the student to the art and craft of the
actor in rehearsal and performance.
- The student will develop an understanding and appreciation for acting as a resource for other studies and life skills. (SLO#1)
- Through the exploration and creation of character, the students will have an opportunity to experience situations, ideas,
cultures and motivations outside her/his experience. (SLO #1)
- The student will gain an awareness of local theatre scene.
- The student will practice critical analysis of her/his own work and that of fellow students in class, as well as performances in
the community, applying knowledge and practice of skills gained in class. (SLO#3)
Course Requirements:
(what I expect from you) The work in this class is largely participatory. Since classes cannot be
made up, regular and prompt attendance is an important expectation. (Note grading)
-Students should be prepared for rigorous physical activity and dress accordingly.
- Students will attend and respond to two local theatrical performances chosen by the instructor. (assignment sheet to follow)
- All work will be assigned a due date. There will be a 10% deduction for late work.
-Students will be assigned a variety of performance presentations that require varying degrees of preparation. These will
include performance of one monologue and a two partner scene. Attendance for the presentation of these is mandatory.
GER Rationale: This course meets the PSOA GER criteria because it:
-Asks students to interpret and collaborate around a piece of dramatic literature through the actor’s craft (GER#1) - two character scene.
- Involves students in critical analysis of their own work as well as that of classmates and the theatrical community at large (GER#2) – daily, in
discussion of the work before us and in the two written responses to theatrical performances.
- Requires students to understand and employ the techniques and processes used by an actor in performance and rehearsal (GER#3)-Mono
Grading:
Attendance and Participation: Approximately one point per class (30 classes). My expectation is for energetic and focused work. (There are
no excused absences but always keep me informed). Consistent tardiness will have an effect on your final grade. 30 points possible
Performance Reactions
Ten points for each of the performance papers.
20 points possible
Performance Projects
Monologue
20 points possible
Final Scene
20 points possible
Self-Evaluation
5 points possible
Instructor overall
5 points possible
Grading Scale
A
95-100
A90-94
B+
85-89
B
80-84
B75-79
C+
70-74
C
65-69
C60-64
D+
55-59
D
50-54
D45-59
Failure: 44 and below
University Policies http://www4.uwm.edu/secu/SyllabusLinks.pdf
GER Rubric: Presentation of a Two Character Scene
GER Outcome: Students will demonstrate integration of acting techniques and creative selfexpression in the performance of a role.
GER Assignment: Students will perform a short (2-3 minutes) two or three character scene,
chosen with the instructor’s approval, in which they will employ the following acting
techniques: emotional connection, vocal/physical expressiveness, collaborative connection
with partner, full use of the characters given circumstances and the pursuit of actable
objectives.
Superior
Remarkable
Accomplished
Substandard
Failing
A
B
C
D
F
Four points
Emotional connection
to the needs of the
character is full and
committed
Three points
Emotional connection
to the needs of
character is mostly full
and committed
Two points
Somewhat emotionally
connected
One point
Weakly connected
0 points
No emotional
connection apparent
Vocal and physical
expression is free and
appropriate to the
demands of the
character
Collaborates with
scene partner in an
actively present and
responsive manner and
memorization is
complete
The choice of the
character’s given
circumstance is
consistent with the text
and completely
explored
Vocal and physical
expression is mostly
free and appropriate
Vocal and physical
expression is somewhat
free and appropriate
Vocal and physical
expression appears
mostly constrained or
inappropriate
No appropriate vocal or
physical expression
Collaboration is mostly
present and responsive
and memorization is
mostly complete
Collaboration and
memorization is
somewhat present and
responsive.
Collaboration and
memorization shows
little presence and
response
Collaboration and
memorization shows
no presence or
response
The given
circumstances are
mostly consistent and
explored
Circumstances are
somewhat consistent
and explored
Circumstances are
inadequately consistent
and marginally
explored
Circumstances are
inconsistent and
unexplored
The characters
objectives are
appropriate and clearly
played
The objectives are
mostly appropriate and
clear
The objectives are
somewhat appropriate
and clear
Objectives are
marginally appropriate
and clear
Objectives are
inappropriate and
unclear
Assignments Due/Important Dates:
Review Alter Ego Drafts: September 23
Library Visit: September 30 ??
Alter Ego presentation: October 12-21
MacBeth, October 21-25; paper due October 28
Final Scenes memorized: November 23
Damn Yankees, November 18-22, paper due November 30
Final Scene presentations: December 9, 14
Syllabus is subject to change