THEATRE 231: Acting II
Adrian Alita, Assistant Professor
Contact: aalita@mail.sdsu.edu
Office: DA-212
Office hours: T/TH 3:30-4:30
Course Description:
With a focus on process and solutions for better acting, this course will help students outline a way
of working. Students shall explore, both theoretically and practically, how the implementation of acting
technique can influence a performance. In our attempt to shape the actor’s process, we will focus the bulk
of our time on scene work. Scenes from contemporary, dramatic plays are required (no film or television
scripts).
Our goal is not in trying to perfect a scene; for the artistic eye is subjective and getting a scene
“right” is a matter of opinion. Instead, we will use scenes to grow our abilities and our understanding of
the actor’s process. We will explore emotional territory and expression, acting technique and theory, and
develop a deeper understanding of humanity and storytelling. Each student will be asked to not only have
an understanding of course material but to also put theory into practice.
Although this is a performance-based course, reading, research, writing, and participation in class
discussions are equally integral to your learning. This course is experiential and attendance is mandatory.
Unexcused absences, either full or partial, will result in a lower grade.
Required texts (available at the SDSU Bookstore):
Fat Pig, by Neil Labute
Last Days of Judas Iscariot, by Stephen Adly Guirgis
Betrayal, by Harold Pinter
The Pillowman, by Martin McDonagh
A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams
Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller
Course Topics:
1. Three Pillar Process: know, believe, play
2. Script analysis from the actor’s perspective: problem and pertaining, change
3. Imaginate: the creation of reality through the use of imagination: paradigm shift
4. Relationship communication (Relacom) vs. Content communication
5. Connection to circumstances and connection to other as part of circumstances
6. Openness of instrument as a tool of storytelling
By semester’s end, students shall be able to:
1. Accurately assess scene work through the use of an objective recall.
2. Identify characters’ dramatic struggles within texts of varying lengths.
3. Interpret plot and character specifics not expressly written in the text.
4. Produce a physically, psychologically and emotionally believable performance before an
audience.
5. Demonstrate a range of dynamics in relationship to voice and movement.
6. Describe the structure of the acting process and define the associated vocabulary.
7. Illustrate the ability to respond spontaneously using both memorized and non-memorized text.
Written Assignments:
ALL WRITTEN WORK MUST BE TYPED AND ON PAPER. DISCS, E-MAIL AND OTHER
ELECTRONIC MEDIA ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Please list your name, class and date of turn in at the top of every written assignment.
Late assignments will be accepted at the next immediate class meeting ONLY, and for half credit.
Script Responses (6 total):
You are required to read the plays listed above. In a one-page, bullet-point paper: identify the
plot in three sentences, describe the main characters’ journeys in relationship to struggle/problem,
briefly describe the role of each character, and identify the play’s main themes.
Activities and Discussions:
Students are responsible for articulated comprehension of the exercise material and a demonstrated
ability to perform it. Students are expected to fully participate in all class activities and discussions. Your
active and focused participation is required in every class, especially when observing others work.
Attention to and support of your fellow classmates is a crucial component to class participation. Like
theatre itself, this class is a collaborative process.
Reflections (13 total):
Reflections are an opportunity for you to further explore your work and notes from class. You
should write about the class exercises and discussions, what their purposes were, and how they
affected you and/or your classmates. You may consider the following questions: What was the point in
doing each day’s activities? Did you grow? Did you see others grow? Did you learn anything new?
Please use appropriate grammar and vocabulary, and indent each paragraph.
Reflections will be collected every Tuesday at the beginning of class. Please turn in one typed
page per week. Each reflection is worth one point and must have significant content and be free of
typos and grammatical errors to receive full credit.
Scene Study:
Students will perform memorized scenes using appropriate clothing and props. For each scene,
students will select a partner and together they will choose a short, dramatic scene from a play of
contemporary realism. Text analysis and imagination work are homework: students are expected to
rehearse outside of class.
Responsibilities for scene work:
1. Materials for scene work (text, clothing and props) will be provided by the students.
2. Read the entire play when working on text and memorize the text exactly as it is written.
3. Establish codes of conduct for the rehearsal process, i.e. physical contact, means of
communication and game planning. DO NOT DIRECT EACH OTHER.
4. Upon first showing, please provide the instructor with one clean copy of the scene with title and
author written at the top.
Attire and equipment:
You are advised to dress comfortably so that you have full freedom of movement without being
discourteously exposed. Students must wear close-toed shoes. Failure to dress appropriately will result
in an inability to participate and a grade of “F” for the day. Please be in suitable clothing and shoes, ready
to work, when class begins.
You must also find shoes, clothing and props appropriate to the circumstances of the story when
performing scenes in class. Pantomime of objects will not be accepted. Students performing in class are
expected to arrive to class already dressed in the clothing for the scene. Students will not be given time
during class to go change.
No food, gum or drink (other than a closed container of water) will be allowed in class.
PROCESS Paper:
Your final written assignment will be to document the cumulative knowledge of the semester by
answering the following question: How do you act? The paper should be essay format, 2-3 pages in length
and express your thoughts on the acting process.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance to all classes is mandatory. There will be no extra credit offered. Missed class time
cannot be made up and will result in fewer points from class activities and discussions. Unexcused
absences may result in an “F” for the course. Furthermore, continual tardiness will also result in a
lowered grade.
Please contact the instructor should you need to miss class due to sickness, emergencies or
religious observances. Employment obligations are not a suitable reason to miss class.
Standard grading along a 100-point scale applies and is broken down as follows:
Syllabus Quiz
2 points
Script Responses
12 points
Activities and Discussions
17 points
Reflections
13 points
Scene Work
40 points
PROCESS Paper
6 points
Final Scene Presentations
10 points
Only those students demonstrating extraordinary achievement in both the academic and the
performance requirements of this course will receive the highest marks. Proficiency in only one does not
allow for an elite grade.
SYLLABUS QUIZ
Please turn in a single, typed page with answers to the following questions:
1. What information should be listed at the top of every written assignment?
2. Is there extra credit in this class?
3. How does being absent effect my grade?
4. What if I have to miss class for work, is that excused?
5. Can I use class time to go change into my clothes for scene work?
6. Can we just paraphrase the lines or improvise the scene?
7. Should we take notes?
8. How many points is a late assignment worth?
9. Should we direct each other and tell each other what to do in our scenes?
10. Can I use a television or film script?
Schedule:
Each group of students is unique and a static outline of activities limits the instructor’s ability to
adapt to the needs of the group. Please view this week-by-week breakdown as a guide only, subject to
change at any time.
Week 1:
8/27 Introduction to Acting I
8/29 GENERAL AUDITIONS – NO CLASS
Deliver Syllabus quiz to instructor in Don Powell Theatre between 9:30-3:15
Week 2:
9/3
9/5
Week 3:
9/10 Reflection Paper Due
9/12 Script Response #1 Due
Week 4:
9/17 Reflection Paper Due
9/19
Week 5:
9/24 Reflection Paper Due
9/26 Script Response #2 Due
Week 6:
10/1 Reflection Paper Due
10/3
Week 7:
10/8 Reflection Paper Due
10/10 Script Response #3 Due
Week 8:
10/15 Reflection Paper Due
10/17
Week 9:
10/22 Reflection Paper Due
10/24 Script Response #4 Due
Week 10:
10/29 Reflection Paper Due
10/31
Week 11:
11/5 Reflection Paper Due
11/7 Script Response #5 Due
Week 12:
11/12 Reflection Paper Due
11/14
Week 13:
11/19 Reflection Paper Due
11/21 Script Response #6 Due
Week 14:
11/26 Reflection Paper Due – WE DO HAVE CLASS
11/28 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – NO CLASS
Week 15:
12/3 Reflection Paper Due
12/5
Week 16:
12/10 PROCESS Paper Due
FINAL:
TBD Final Scene Presentations