Course Syllabus for Theatre 110-801

Acting I Course Syllabus for Theatre 110-801

Semester: Fall, 2017 Instructor: Jim Tasse Room: T-7 Office: T-25 Monday/Wednesday Office Hours: M/W 11-12 and appointment 9-10:45 am Phone: 414.534.2950 3 Credits E-mail: [email protected] Time expectation: 146 hours total Class: 1 hour 45 minutes (approx. 51 hours) Class prep: 5 hours/ week (75 hours) Paper: (20 hours) CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Basic acting techniques of personalization, focus of attention, theatricality and scenic truth explored through exercises, improvisation, development of ensemble and solo and partnered performances. COURSE DESCRIPTION/OBJECTIVES We will examine and explore the idea that acting is a process built on conscious structures of design, rehearsal and execution. We will examine multiple pathways into building theatrical moments and look at the ideas of many practitioners of the actor’s art. Out of these explorations we will begin to build a personal process of dramatic storytelling for the actor; grounded in personal connection, communication with an audience and collaborative effort. We will accomplish these objectives through a variety of methods that explore and develop principles of:  Presence  Personalization  Dramatic Action

EXERCISES A variety of exercise work will be utilized to explore various aspects of the acting process. We will begin a process of physical and vocal training that form a foundation of the actor’s work. Come dressed and prepared for rigorous physical activity. PREPARED PERFORMANCE WORK: Grading rubric will be included with all assignments.  A monologue that centers on the character’s memory. (5% of total grade)  An Autodrama, a two to three-minute performance of some aspect of the actor’s life, developed, prepared and performed in class. (10%)  An improvisationally created two-character preoccupation script, developed, edited, rehearsed and performed in class. (15%) SLO #2  A final presentation of the initial memory monologue, on which we will work and present in class. (10%)  WRITTEN WORK  A “book response” research paper, somewhere in the 1,500-word range (3-4 pages), written in response to a major piece of writing by a figure of 20th/21st century theatre/performance and their methodology and aesthetic philosophy. We may have time to present these in class. Subject of the paper is found either on the course “Approved Reading List”, or has been decided upon through consultation with the instructor. (10%) There will be a 10% deduction for late work. SLO #1/#3 ATTENDANCE AND CLASS POLICIES: An acting class is a participatory class. You cannot make up the work nor do it at home. To do well in this class, you must commit to being here. Attendance counts for 30% of the total grade. Generally speaking, there are no excused absences, however, let me know what is going on. More than three absences may result in your final grade being lowered one full letter grade. Keep me informed! Come to class! •3 LATENESSES = 1 ABSENCE - Role is taken at the top of class. If you miss role, you're late. If you're ten minutes late, you're absent. •Professional work habits and disciplined, respectful behavior are expectations in the theatre as they are in this class. Pay attention to your classmates when they work so you can provide worthwhile and constructive commentary. •Missed scene rehearsals with scene partners will not be tolerated. MISSING REHEARSALS OR CONSISTENT LATENESS IS GROUNDS FOR DROPPING A GRADE AND EVEN FAILING THE CLASS. •Missing a scheduled in-class presentation may drop your grade (but not your partner's) one full letter. PREPARATION: Strong and complete preparation of assigned work is essential for success in this class.

PARTICIPATION: There is the potential for a certain amount of risk of injury in any participatory acting class and I will at all times stress safety and work to control and minimize the risk in all the work that we do. Take prudent care in the way you work, and understand that by getting physically active there is some potential risk. If physical demands placed on you in the course of class work, feel unsafe to you, you are always entitled to step out of the exercise.

You should make yourself familiar with: University Policies http://www4.uwm.edu/secu/SyllabusLinks.pdf Grading This is a performance class in acting and, the expectations of discipline, professionalism and preparedness are much higher for a B or an A than they are for a C. Achievement of a B or an A requires superior success above and beyond the basic criteria of the class. Criteria Your work will be evaluated from these criteria: •The quality of your in-class exercises: commitment, personal connection, theatrical honesty, genuine give and take with partner(s) and group •The development of your process - which entails your preparation, discipline, attitude, and commitment to extending personal barriers, give and take with partner(s) and group, responsiveness to coaching, the depth and creativity of your choices, and the development you show over the course of the semester. •The quality of the finished product of your in-class showings, including the process, rehearsal, development and performance of the work. Results matter!

Grade Distribution  In class work: participation, discipline, discussion and development over the semester 10%  Preparation and presentation of performance projects 40%  Book response 10%  Attendance 30%  Self evaluation 5%  Instructor overall evaluation 5% Grade Scale A 100-96 A- 95-91 B+ 90-86 B 85-81 B- 80-76 C+ 75-71 C 70-66 C- 65-61 D+ 60-56 D 55-51 D- 50-46 45 and below…not passing

Required text: The Complete Tips: Ideas for Actors by Jon Jory ISBN#9781575258539 Syllabus and schedule are subject to change.