School of Arts and Sciences
Course Syllabus
THEA 250: Acting I
KENN WHEELER
Office: Loso Hall 104C
Phone: 541-962-3318 541-962-3318
Office Hours: By arrangement.
Catalogue Description: A performance-oriented overview of the acting process, aimed at providing a basic understanding of the elements of acting including character development, the actor's instrument, scene work and monologue work.
Course Requirements: This course will require students to use their bodies, their voices as well as their minds. Each class will begin with a physical warm-up and many will include activities that require physicality. At several points, this course will require students to work in large groups as well as groups of two.
Text: There will be hand-outs but no text for this course.
Materials: Students will be required to wear loose fitting clothes during class.
Learning Outcomes: This course concentrates on the basic skills needed to be a good actor. No previous knowledge or experience is presumed. By the end of the session, each student should be able to…
Means of Assessment: Class attendance and participation. 300 pts.
Imagination Exercise. 100 pts.
Dr. Seuss Recitation 100 pts.
Open Scene. 150 pts.
Monologue Performance 150 pts.
TOTAL 800 pts.
Course Calendar:
Week One
Monday Warm up. Introductions, review of syllabus, discussion of expectations of class. Play
games
Tuesday Warm up. Play games. Introduction to Imagination Exercise.
Wednesday Warm up. Play games. Introduction to Dr. Seuss Story.
Thursday Warm up. Play games. Rehearsal of Imagination Exercise.
Friday Warm up. Play games. Presentation of Imagination Exercise for grade
Week Two
Monday Warm up. Play games. Introduction to Ambiguous Dialogue Exercise. Rehearsal of Dr.
Seuss story.
Tuesday Warm up. Play games. Presentation of Dr. Seuss Story for grade
Wednesday Warm up. Play games. Introduction to Monologues.
Thursday Warm up Play games. 1st rehearsal of ambiguous dialogues – MEMORIZED
Friday Warm up. Play games.
Week Three
Monday Warm up. Play games. Presentation of Ambiguous Dialogues for grade.
Tuesday Warm up. Play games. 1st rehearsal of monologues - MEMORIZED
Wednesday Warm up. Play games.
Thursday Warm up. Play games. 2nd rehearsal of monologues
Friday Warm up. Play games. Presentation of monologues for grade
Absence and Tardiness Policy: You are expected to attend every class that is scheduled on the Class Calendar. An absence lowers you 20 points in the first category under Means of Assessment . After three absences, you will no longer be considered a contributing member of the class and will receive a failing grade for the entire course. Late arrivals equal 10 points. There is one excused absence allowed during the term.
PLEASE NOTE: training in acting classes is rigorous and is designed to encourage the strongest artistic choices possible. This sometimes means moving students out of their comfort zone as they develop their voices, bodies, and emotions. Often improvisations or scenes involve adult situations and language appropriate to contemporary lifestyles as portrayed in theatre literature. If a student has personal beliefs or physical restrictions that might prevent them from participating in an assignment, he/she is encouraged to discuss this with the professor at any time, in or outside of class
THEA 250--ACTING I
EXPLANATION OF REQUIREMENTS
Class Attendance and Reading Assignments: As stated under "Absences" in the Course Syllabus, you are required to attend every class on time. If you enter the classroom after your name is called on the roster, you are late and must confirm this with me or I will mark you absent at the end of the term. You are responsible for obtaining the information covered, including specifics on assignments, if you miss a class. Since acting requires both collaboration and trust, late or missed classes and rehearsals are a major transgression. Everyone has a bad day but more than three absences, regardless of reason, will result in a failing grade for the course.
Imagination Exercise : You and a partner will create a two minute pantomime inspired by a piece of music. The pantomime must tell a complete story with a beginning middle and end. There must be a strong conflict and strong relationship between the two characters.
Dr. Seuss Recitation: You and a partner will read to the class your favorite Dr. Seuss story. Special attention will be paid to volume, enunciation and articulation, as well as vocal variety and character development.
Open Scene: This is a chance to show your ability interpreting dialogue that has no context of its own. Specific and strong choices in the areas listed under improvisation are important to successfully perform these scenes.
Monologue Performance: One of the most important skills required by any actor is the ability to memorize the script. You will present a two to three minute memorized monologue from a play. Special attention will be placed on character development as well as vocal and physical presentation. The major question I will be asking myself in grading is, “Do I believe you are who you claim to be.”
Grading: 97% - 100% = A
92% - 96% = A-
87% - 91% = B+
82% - 86% = B
77% - 81% = B-
72% - 76% = C+
67% - 71% = C
62% - 66% = C-
57% - 61% = D+
52% - 56% = D
Below 52% = F
Statement of Academic Misconduct:
Eastern Oregon University places a high value upon the integrity of its student scholars. Any student found guilty of an act of academic misconduct (including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism or theft of an examination or supplies) may be subject to having his or her grade reduced in the course in question. It might also require your being placed on probation or suspended from the university, or being expelled from the university - or a combination of these. (Please see Section II of the 2002-2003 Student handbook and Planning Calendar: Campus Citizenship (Academic), p. 32ff: Campus Citizenship (Behavior), p41ff.)
If you have a documented disability or suspect that you have a learning problem and need reasonable accommodations, please contact Disability Services program in Loso Hall. Telephone: 962-3081.