FALL 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, non-comedic 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, as well as one play of your choosing. For each play,
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. Rabbit Hole, by David Lindsay-Abaire
2. Fat Pig, by Neil LaBute
3. Gruesome Playground Injuries by Rajiv Joseph
4. The Pillowman, by Martin McDonagh
5. Last Days of Judas Iscariot, by Stephen Adly Guirgis
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. 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.
Reflections are worth one point each. While fourteen are assigned, there is a maximum of only thirteen
points available. This means you can miss one reflection paper without consequence.
Production Quizzes (2 total):
Students are required to see Rabbit Hole and Water by the Spoonful, and will be quizzed on the
content of these unique productions (not the published scripts). Performance dates can be found online.
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. No mime!
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 Performances:
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. These scenes are open to audiences from outside of the class and students are
encouraged to invite guests.
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
14 points
Weekly Reflections
13 points
Production Quizzes
6 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.
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is
your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any delay in the
receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible.
Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations based upon disability
cannot be provided until you have presented your instructor with an accommodation letter from Student
Disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.
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 are the show dates for Rabbit Hole?
5. What are the show dates for Water by the Spoonful?
6. Are food or drinks 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?
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:
08/26 Introduction to Acting II
08/28 GENERAL AUDITIONS – NO CLASS.
Week 2:
09/02 Reflection Paper #1 Due. SYLLABUS QUIZ DUE
09/04
Week 3:
09/09 Reflection Paper #2 Due
09/11 Script Response Due: Rabbit Hole
Week 4:
09/16 Reflection Paper #3 Due
09/18
Week 5:
09/23 Reflection Paper #4 Due
09/25 Script Response Due: play chosen by student
Week 6:
09/30 Reflection Paper #5 Due
10/02
Week 7:
10/07 Reflection Paper #6 Due. PRODUCTION QUIZ: RABBIT HOLE
10/09
Week 8:
10/14 Reflection Paper #7 Due
10/16 Script Response Due: Gruesome Playground Injuries
Week 9:
10/21 Reflection Paper #8 Due
10/23
Week 10:
10/28 Reflection Paper #9 Due
10/30
Week 11:
11/04 Reflection Paper #10 Due
11/06 Script Response Due: The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
Week 12:
11/11 VETERAN’S DAY, campus closed
11/13 PRODUCTION QUIZ: WATER BY THE SPOONFUL
Week 13:
11/18 Reflection Paper #11 Due
11/20 Script Response Due: Fat Pig
Week 14:
11/25 Reflection Paper #12 Due. WE DO HAVE CLASS TODAY!
11/27 THANKSGIVING DAY, no class
Week 15:
12/02 Reflection Paper #13 Due
12/04
Week 16:
12/09 Reflection Paper #14 Due. Last Day of regular class
Script Response Due: The Pillowman
FINAL:
12/16 Final Scene Performances. PROCESS PAPER DUE