Theatre 332 – Acting III
FALL 2014
Instructor: C.J. Keith
Office:
DA 204 C
Phone:
619-594-4936
E-mail :
keith@mail.sdsu.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays 11:00-12:00
Required Texts:
Optional Text:
Also Required:
The Intent To Live by Larry Moss
Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen; translator, Jon Robin Baitz
Three Days of Rain by Richard Greenberg
August: Osage County by Tracy Letts
Actor Muscle by Beverly Leech
ALL THEATRE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BUY A SEASON TICKET
FOR THE SDSU PRODUCTION SEASON
AND ATTEND THE TFM FILM FESTIVAL
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course continues the work begun in Acting II, building and strengthening the actor’s
process of creating characters for realistic and other acting styles. This course emphasizes
analysis of texts for character creation through script analysis, research, scene study, and role
preparation from significant plays by modern playwrights.
COURSE OUTCOMES
By the end of this course you should be able to:
• Analyze a script for key facts and structures of story and character
• Identify given circumstances, objectives, conflicts and turning points for characters
• Develop a detailed character analysis
• Explore and apply vocal, physical, and imagination skills to the creation of a character
• Demonstrate character objectives and tactics
• Create and perform believable, engaging characters in classical and contemporary scenes
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Class Activities: You will be doing acting exercises, improvisation, and scene work throughout
the semester. Please wear appropriate clothes and come prepared to work each day.
Participation in all class activities, including class discussion, is crucial to your progress and
success in this class.
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Performances: Performance assignments will be made in class and may include acting
exercises, monologues, and scene work. We will workshop scenes in class prior to their final
performance. Students are expected to rehearse outside of class.
Assignments: The roles you will play in this class will require a detailed written Character
History and/or Analysis. Specifics are in the Course Reader.
All assignments must be turned in the day they are due. Assignments must be typed, unless
specifically noted by the instructor. All assigned chapters and plays are to be read by the due
date listed in the Class Calendar. Students are responsible for keeping up with the readings as
assigned on the Class Calendar.
Acting Analysis Production Paper: each student will write a minimum three-page paper which
addresses acting issues in one of the SDSU main season semester productions. Guidelines are in
the Course Reader.
Class Participation: You are expected to participate fully in all discussions, exercises,
performances, and scene critiques. Observation without intelligent articulation can lead to a
‘mushy mind.” Merely showing up to class does not earn participation points.
Two unexcused absences will result in the reduction of the student’s grade. Additional
unexcused absences will result in a further reduction of your grade for the course.
Lateness: Lateness is not tolerated in the theatre and is likewise unacceptable in this acting
class. On performance days actors are expected to be warmed up, in costume, and ready to
perform by the beginning of class. If you must miss or be late, please call or e-mail me before
class. This is considered both personal discipline and professional courtesy, and your instructor
thanks you 
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.
Grading:
Scene #1
Scene #2
2 Character Analyses/Histories
1 Play Acting Response Paper
Class Participation
25 (rehearsal 10 & performance 15)
30 (rehearsal 10 & performance 20)
20 (10 each)
10
15 Note: merely showing up to class does not earn
participation points
Total
100
Please Note: there is no “extra credit” work for this class.
96-100 = A
90 - 95 = A87 - 89 = B+
84 - 86 = B
80 - 83 = B77 - 79 = C+
74 - 76 = C
70 - 73 = C67 - 69 = D+
64 - 66 = D
60 - 63 = DBelow 60 = F
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