SPRING 2014, 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.
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.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance to all classes is mandatory. Missed class time cannot be made up and will result in fewer
points for class activities and discussions. There will be no extra credit offered. Unexcused absences
may result in an “F” for the course. Furthermore, continual tardiness will also result in missed
participation points and therefore 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.
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.
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.
No food, gum or drink (other than a closed container of water) will be allowed in class.
All written assignments for this course are to be typed in black ink, size 12 font or smaller, no more
than 1½ spaced. Late assignments will be accepted at the next class meeting only, and for a maximum
of half credit. Indent each paragraph and at the top of the page state your name, class, and title of
assignment (e.g. Reflection Paper #5).
Syllabus Quiz:
Please read the entire syllabus. Type out the answers to the questions found on page three, and hand
your answers in on Thursday, January 30th.
Script Responses (6 total):
You are required to read the plays listed below. For six of the seven plays, type a one-page,
bullet-point paper and identify the main similarities and differences between you and one of the
main characters in the story. Incorporate in your investigation the relevant history of the character
referred to or suggested by the text, as well as the current behavior which takes place within the text.
Script Responses will be due on Thursdays.
Required texts (available at the SDSU Bookstore):
1. Independence by Lee Blessing
2. Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire
3. The Pillowman, by Martin McDonagh
4. Gruesome Playground Injuries by Joseph
5. Last Days of Judas Iscariot, by Stephen Adly Guirgis
6. Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris
7. The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
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.
Weekly Reflections (13 total):
Reflections are an opportunity for you to chronicle and explore the work from class. Please refrain
from commenting on the teacher in your Reflections, you will have the opportunity to do so later in the
official course evaluation. You should write about the class exercises and discussions, what their
purposes were and how they affected you and/or your classmates.
TAKE NOTES, but do not simply record the events of each class. You may want to think about the
following questions: What did you learn from the exercise or scene work? Did you overcome a particular
acting challenge? Did you identify any new obstacles you need to overcome? What did you observe
about your physical and vocal work? What did you learn from observing your classmates?
Reflections will be collected on Tuesdays and should be approximately one page in length.
Production Quizzes (2 total):
Students are required to see Pal Joey, February 28-March 9, and Jungle Book, April 25-May 4, and
will be quizzed on the content of these unique productions (not the published scripts).
Scene Work:
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 (2-3 minute), 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.
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.
Final Scene Presentation:
The final presentation of scenes will be assessed according to three categories: text analysis, belief
building, and exploration. These categories will be defined and explored through rigorous practice over
the course of the semester.
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
15 points
Weekly Reflections
13 points
Production Quizzes
5 points
Scene Work
40 points
PROCESS Paper
3 points
Final Scene Presentation
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 grades?
4. What if I have to miss class for work, is that excused?
5. Are hand-written or emailed assignments accepted?
6. Is coffee allowed in class?
7. How long are late assignments accepted?
8. How many points is a late assignment potentially 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?
11. PLEASE PROVIDE A WORKING EMAIL ADDRESS
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.
Week 1:
1/23
Introduction to Acting II
Week 2:
1/28
1/30
GENERAL AUDITIONS – NO CLASS.
SYLLABUS QUIZ DUE
Week 3:
2/4
2/6
Reflection Paper #1 Due.
Week 4:
2/11
2/13
Reflection Paper #2 Due
Script Response #1 Due
Week 5:
2/18
2/20
Reflection Paper #3 Due
Week 6:
2/25
2/27
Reflection Paper #4 Due
Script Response #2 Due
Week 7:
3/4
3/6
Reflection Paper #5 Due
Week 8:
3/11
3/13
Reflection Paper #6 Due. PAL JOEY QUIZ
Script Response #3 Due
Week 9:
3/18
3/20
Reflection Paper #7 Due
Week 10:
3/25
3/27
Reflection Paper #8 Due
We DO have class today. Script Response #4 Due
4/1
4/3
SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS
SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS
Week 11:
4/8
4/9
Reflection Paper #9 Due.
Script Response #5 Due
Week 12:
4/15
4/17
Reflection Paper #10 Due
Week 13:
4/22
4/24
Reflection Paper #11 Due
Script Response #6 Due
Week 14:
4/29
5/1
Reflection Paper #12 Due
Week 15:
5/6
5/8
Reflection Paper #13 Due. JUNGLE BOOK QUIZ
PROCESS Paper Due
FINAL:
5/13
Final Scene Performances, 1:00-3:00