THTR 105 INTRODUCTION TO ACTINGI Revision Date: 2/29/08

Fall Semester 2013, TuTh 2-3:15 PM

Number of Credits: 3Prerequisite: none
Transferability of Course within Nevada: University transfer

This syllabus was not tested on any animals

Instructor: David Hamilton

Division office Phone:775-445-3290E-mail:

Class description(in case you are not sure where you are):Examines fundamentals of stage acting with special emphasis on improvisation.Introduces the principles that govern the performing environment. Speech and vocal skills as well as theatrical movement will be stressed. Emphasis is on the preparation aspect of acting rather than on performance.

Student Objectives:By the completion of the class, the students should, with 75% accuracy:
Describe how to prepare for a stage performance, Present a monologue using proper characterization, Improvise on a given theme

Grading: Final grade will be determined by the following:

Participation: 50pts.. Since this is a practicum class participation is the bulk of your work. You will not be graded on talent or compared to any other student. Participation grade is based on effort put forth and willingness to learn, not simply showing up. This grade will also be affected by arriving to class late or leaving early. Since much of the class is active, it is also part of your participation to be focused and attentive when necessary. Since you cannot participate when you are not here, this grade will drop 2 points for each absence beyond 2.

Monologue: 20pts. You will be required to memorize and perform a monologue that you choose of approx. 2 minutes.

Final Scene: 20pts.. Culmination of the class will be the performance of a scene with a partner. Scenes will be assigned, by me, half way through the semester and will be memorized. You will be graded on your input into the scene in terms of preparation, energy, focus and character as well as applying other skills learned in class. Even though you perform with a partner, you will be graded individually.

Critique criteria for monologues and scenes will be handed out during rehearsals.

Report: 10pts..You will be required to give a 10 minute research report to the class on some aspect of acting. It can pertain to any aspect of acting including stage or screen, but must be about the acting, not say, a biography on some actor. A written outline must accompany the report including all research references.

Enjoyment: you will be required to enjoy at least

80% of all class work. If the enjoyment requirement

(ER) is not met you will not have as much fun.

Final Grade:

100-90pts. = A,

89-80pts. = B,

79-70pts. = C,

69-60pts. = D

below 60 = sorry, try again

A Sort of Topical Outline:

I say sort of since this class is very dynamic in structure and given topics might be offered at different times due to general class size, level and energy. Remember that part of acting is spontaneity.

CLASS SCHEDULE/OUTLINE

Day / Topic
January 21 / Overview and begin warm-up exercises
January 23 / Expand warm ups, begin basic improv exercises
January 28 / Continue improvs Risk Assign Reports
January 30 / Sensory work
February 4 / Physicalization: observation
February 6 / Physicalization: Centers, animal characters
February 11 / Voice work
February 13 / Voice work
February 18 / Reports Monologues chosen
February 20 / Reports
February 25 / Objective, obstacle tactics
February 27 / Text analysis
March 4 / Monologue Characters
March 6 / Block monologues
March 11 / Work monologues
March 13 / Work monologues
SPRING BREAK
March 25 / Monologues
March 27 / Monologues
April 1 / Buisness of Theatre
April 3 / Rehearsal process, Scenes Assigned
April 8 / Blocking
April 9 / Improv work
April 15 / Scene rehearsal Beats
April 17 / Scene rehearsal Subtext
April 22 / Scenes rehearsal Extremes
April 24 / Scenes, first run
April 29 / Improv work
May 6 / Polish scenes
May 8 / Polish scenes
May 13 / Final scenes
May 15 / Final Scenes

Attendance: If you miss more than 3 classes in a row without consulting me I may drop you from the course.

Thelast day to drop with a "W" grade is Friday, March 28th.

If you have a disability for which you will need to request accommodations, please contact the Disability Support Services office (Bristlecone building, Room 103) at 445-3266 or 445-3275 as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations

In order to maintain an effective learning environment, all wireless devices must be deactivated from sound during class. Any device discovered making enough noise to disrupt the class will be thoroughly cursed so that it may never work correctly again.

If you go on from this class and win a Tony, Oscar or Emmy, you are requested to mention my name in your acceptance speech.

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