ENVISION ACTING I SYLLABUS
Tracy Yates http://yatesccaenvision.weebly.com
DESCRIPTION: Acting One introduces scene study and monologue study as an adult actor
through improvisation techniques. Students will learning how to break down a scene,
character analysis, simple script writing, as well as voice and movement for the actor.
COURSE GOALS:
 Ensemble: To enhance the beginning actors' appreciation of the art of theatre as a
collaborative art form.
 Self: To enhance the beginning actors' awareness of their imagination.
 The Stage: To share a common vocabulary of acting terminology and concepts.
 Actor’s Voice and Body: To aid the beginning actor in the discovery of their own body
and voice as acting tools.
 Scene Work: To introduce the beginning actor to the principles behind multiple acting
approaches.
 Monologue Development: To introduce the beginning actor to the foundations of acting
and character building.
 Improvisation: To make clear the importance of the skills of observation, concentration
and listening in the art of acting.
 Performance: To synthesize all aspects into a product.
ATTENDANCE Students are responsible for making up any work missed due to an
excused absence. Please keep up with your grade in Aeries. If you have an
unexcused absence, you cannot make up the work, even if it is an assessment or a
test. Attendance and participation are the biggest portion of this grade. To recoup
points lost from excused absences, each excused absence can be replaced by a
YouTube Critique paper, instructions can be found on my website at
teachers.sduhsd.net/tyates.
TARDIES You need to be on time, ready to dance, every day. You must be in the gym
by the tardy bell and in the studio by 5 minutes after.
CCA’s Tardy Policy is the following:
1st: Verbal Warning
2nd: Parent Contact
3rd: 4-Hour Saturday School
4th: Referral to Assistant Principal
PARTICIPATION & EXPECTATIONS
You will be expected to follow the classroom rules we define the first few days of class.
You receive 5 participation points per day for giving this class 110%. The point system
is all or nothing. You will receive your 5 points for the day as long as you follow the
expectations outlined in this syllabus. Some common reasons for losing points include:
excessive talking, not following instructions due to defiance, not participating, not
wearing appropriate attire, and chewing gum. If you lose points, the reason will be
documented in Aeries. No food or drink is permitted, but WATER IS GREAT!
IN CLASS ACTIVITIES
CLASS PARTICIPATION:

Learning the craft of acting requires collaboration, communication and a trusting
ensemble. You are expected to conduct yourself in a mature and professional manner;
focus, consideration and support of others in the group are mandatory.

A positive attitude and a willingness to expand one’s comfort zone are expected and are
part of the participation grade. An element of risk taking, initiative and willingness to fail
are also expected.

Some of the work in class will necessitate human contact. If you have problems with
touch or with individuals in the class, please communicate this to the instructor outside
of class.
DAILY JOURNAL:
A journal (a composition or spiral notebook) with an entry for each class is required. The daily
entry should comment on the following and/or other prompts provided: What we did, Why we
did it, How you felt (Any discoveries or connections). This is due by the 4th class and is
worth 10 points!
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Memorization, Ensemble work, Research, Character creation, Improvisation, Play production,
Voice & Movement, Shakespeare, and much more!
OUTSIDE OF CLASS ACTIVITIES
PERFORMANCE: It is encouraged that you attend at least one Envision Production and at least
one outside theatrical production this semester. Here is a link to the calendar http://www.ccaenvision.org/events.html. Upon viewing the production, please write an evaluation. We will
discuss this in class.
AUDITIONS / PRODUCTION INVOLVEMENT:
All Envision day class students will be involved in an extra-curricular production. More
information will be given in class.
ACTING ONE CONTRACT, PLEASE PRINT AND SIGN, RETURN THE SECOND DAY OF
CLASS
Dear Students and Parents,
I am looking forward to a really wonderful semester in Acting One! Please always feel free to
communicate your comments, concerns and suggestions – your feedback is what will make this
class work. I also encourage you to fully commit to everything we do in class. You definitely get
out of it what you put in. I will do my very best to help you feel safe and like you are growing as
a person and performer!
Please read the syllabus online, then sign and return this form the second day of class.
Student agreement
By signing the following, I agree and understand the classroom expectations and grading policy.
I will come to class on time, prepared to learn, with proper materials and clothing, and a
positive attitude.
Your name
Your signature
Date
Parent agreement
As a parent, I fully support my student in Acting One. By signing the following, I have read and
understand the classroom expectations and grading policy. If my child is not feeling successful,
I will make every effort to conference with my student and Ms. Marquie to make sure we can
find a solution to the situation.
Your name
Your signature
Date