Houston Community College Central
Syllabus
DRAM 1352 Acting 2 CRN30305
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tues. and Thurs. FAC 112
INSTRUCTOR: Kathleen Knight
(713) 718-6614 (832) 752-3898 (Emergencies only)
kathleen.knight@hccs.edu
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------COURSE DESCRIPTION: Acting 2 DRAM 1352
An introduction to the challenges of internal and external comic techniques, character invention,
physical and vocal comedy/qualities, working with various types and styles of comedy, comedic
monologues and scene study, rehearsal techniques and performance. The focus is to teach student
actors to create comic characters to alter physical behaviors to show different comic personalities.
A major part of comic technique is deciphering from clues and directions in the text to fulfill the
author’s intention.
Theater attendance and/or assistance in college drama productions required. 3 credits
(2 lecture, 2 lab)
REQUIRED TEXT: Comedy Techniques for Entertainers by Bruce Johnson to be
distributed by professor. Short scripts and classroom handouts.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
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Identify, list, discuss and display the intellectual, physical, emotional and
technical skills involved with internal and external comic technique
Identify different types of comedy and styles of comedy
Apply basic comic acting terminology
Develop and display self confidence to perform before an audience
Create strong sensory images and self awareness (as a comedian)
Study the characteristics of strong comedic actors, comedy writers and playwrights
Analyze a comic/script text into beats and sections using intention, motivations, vocal
and movement strategies
Research, listen and view comic performances in order to define your own personal point
of view of comedy
Prepare, rehearse and perform in four acting/performing events
Observe, write about and discuss comic performance values from an educated audience
perspective.
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS
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Attend all classes and actively participate
Complete all reading and written assignments
Attend 2 theater/comic performances and write a critique
Research and rehearse four acting events (Stand-up, classic comic scenes, monologues,
novel character, etc.)
 Mid-term written exam
 Final performance exam in Theater One, May 7 @7:00 pm
An in-class report on comedy with DVD, CD, or Video support
GRADING SYSTEM
90-100 =
80-89 =
70-79 =
60-69 =
0-59=
A
B
C
D
F
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required! If you have 3 un-excused absences you could be dropped from the rolls
by the instructor.
DRAM 1352 fulfills the basic intellectual competencies for core courses include
reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy. This
is a core curriculum course.
WITHDRAWAL POLICIES
The Texas Legislature passed a law limiting new students (those starting college
in Fall 2007) to no more than six total course withdrawals throughout their
academic career. There may be future penalties imposed. To avoid having to
drop/withdraw from class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which I
(your instructor) will “alert” you and HCC Student Services of the chance you
might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic
performance. You should visit with me, and HCC counselor, or HCC online
Student Services to learn about what, if any HCC interventions might be offered
to assist you such as tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. to stay
in class and improve your academic performance.
You MUST visit with a faculty advisor, a counselor or on-line student
services at: http://studentservicesonling.hccs.edu/ prior to dropping the class and
this must be done prior to April 1 2009 to receive a “W” on your transcript. After
that deadline, you will receive the grade you are making in the class which will
more than likely be an “F.”
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SUPPORT SERVICES
Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged
call (713) 718-6164 to make necessary arrangements. Faculty are only authorized
to provide accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
HCCS defines scholastic dishonesty as cheating on a test, plagiarism and
collusion. Penalties include a “O” on that test or assignment, or a “W” or an “F”.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
The Fine Arts Department at Central College recommends that all HCCS students
carry some form of medical insurance to cover illness and injury, both on and off
campus. Information regarding low-cost health insurance for students is available
in the Fine Arts Office. Under Texas State Statute, HCCS is immune to liability in
the event of accident or injury.
THREEPEATERS
Students who repeat a course three or more times may soon face significant
tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities.
Please ask your instructor or counselor about opportunities for tutoring or other
assistance prior to withdrawing from the course, or it you are not receiving
passing grades.
ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT
Is aimed at specific Fine Arts courses and degree plans for Drama, Dance, Music,
and Speech are available to Central College students during each semester. Please
sign up in the Fine Arts Office to speak to a full time instructor in your area of
interest.
CHILDREN IN THE CLASSROOM
It is not permissible to have children in the classroom, or un-invited guests.
EMERGENCIES
Please leave any messages on my voice mail (713) 718-6614, or if you are caught
in traffic and will be late to class call (832) 752-3898, or call the Fine Arts Office
at (713) 718-6600 and have the secretary leave a note in my box.
OFFICE HOURS
3:00-4:00 Tuesdays
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COURSE OBJECTIVES: (DRAMA ONE)
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Identify, discuss and practice the physical, intellectual and psychological
skills required to act in a stage production
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Analyze your physical and voice type with the help of the instructor
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Learn and define theater terminology and technology
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Prepare, rehearse, and memorize your monologues and scenes to be able to
perform them before an audience
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Break down the text and score the movements to create a convincing character
and presentation
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Exhibit clear and accurate vocal and movement skills using text and gesture
analysis
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Prepare and memorize 2 monologues and one scene
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
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Actively participate in class
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Attend 2 professional plays and write a one page evaluation typed (with
program)
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Memorize your monologues and scenes
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Rehearse your scenes with your scene partner outside of class
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Perform monologues and scenes for final (in Theater One for an audience)
Dec. 10 @7:00 p.m. (arrive at 6:00) Invite family and friends!
CLASS SCHEDULE:
WEEK:
1. (Aug. 27) Introductions, sign-up sheet with student’s current cell phone
numbers, and e-mail addresses. Course orientation, discussion of HCC Course
Withdrawal Policy, warm-up exercises, improvisations, and monologue
assignments.
2. Labor Day (Sept. 3) No class.
3. (Sept. 10) Learn “Theater Lingo”, discuss up-coming plays, mirror exercises,
sound and movement exercises, improvisation exercises, and cold readings of
monologues.
4. (Sept. 17) Quiz on “Theater Lingo”. Warm-up exercises, improvisation
exercises, more intense work on monologues.
5. (Sept. 24) Discuss up-coming plays (plan a field trip to the Alley Theater),
warm-up exercises, tongue twisters for articulation,
hand-outs on Stanislovsky’s 7 W’s, warm-ups with sound and movement,
monologues must be memorized.
6. (Oct. 1) Oral reports (extra credit) of a professional play, warm-ups, pantomime
exercises, work on monologue #2.
.
7. (Oct. 8) Warm-up exercises, monologues, and scene assignments. (Choose a
scene partner)
8. (Oct. 15) Warm-up exercises, monologue work, and beginning scene readings.
9. (Oct. 22) Memorize monologue #2. (without script) Warm-up exercises,
monologues performed by memory!
10. (Oct.29) Warm-up exercises. Finish monologue readings and begin scene
work...with staging.
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11. (Nov. 5) Warm-ups, and scene work.
12. (Nov. 12) Warm-ups, improv, scene work and review monologues.
13. (Nov. 19) Warm-ups, and scene work.
14. (Nov.26) All Scenes must be memorized. (Rehearsal for monologues and
scenes in Theater One.)
15. (Dec. 3) Dress rehearsal for monologues and scenes in Theater One.
16. (Dec. 10) Final performance of one monologue and one scene in Theater
One (with invited audience). All must attend for final grade!
GRADING:
Participation and Quizzes
Play Reports
Final Performance
30%
20%
50%
Total: 100%
A=
B
C
D
90-100
=
80--89
=
70--79
=
60-69
F =
0-59
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance in this class is required. 3 un-excused absences will result in a
grade drop, and 5 un-excused absences will result in a withdrawal.
.
Have a great semester!
Miss Knight
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