LAKE MICHGAN COLLEGE

Principles and Practice of Acting II - CRN 10772

COURSE SYLLABUS

I. COURSE IDENTIFICATION

Discipline: Theatre

Title & Number : DRAM 111 Princ & Prac Acting II - CRN 10772

Credit Hours: 3 credit hours

Contact Hours: 4 contact hours

Instructor: Kevin Wurz

Office Room Number: F122 Mendel Center (At entrance to Hanson Theatre)

Office Phone: 269.927.8627

Email address: wurz@lakemichigancollege.edu

Website : www.theatreplanet.com/theatres/lmc.htm

Prerequisite: Acting I or instructor's permission

Semester: Fall 2003

II. TEXTBOOK AND/OR EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

None required

III. COURSE DESCRIPTION FROM CATALOG

A more detailed study of the technique and problems of the stage actor. Much emphasis will be placed on performing scenes. Character development and ensemble acting will be stressed.

IV. GENERAL EDUCATION AREA(S) MET

1. Arts and Humanities

Demonstrate an awareness of the capacity, values, and variety of human experiences as expressed through the arts and humanities.

2. Communication

Express ideas both verbally and in writing; demonstrate the ability to understand written, visual, and spoken communications; convey purpose, meaning and main ideas effectively to individuals and groups.

4. Culture and Society

Demonstrate an awareness of the commonality and diversity of individual and group behavior. Demonstrate awareness of the contemporary global community and its geographic, cultural, economic, political, and historical dimensions. Understand the history, structure, and function of American political, economic, and social institutions.

V. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal: The student will develop his or her ability to observe human nature and be able to translate that to performance. (1, 2, 4)

Objective: The student will participate in written exercises, discussions,

improvisation and scene performance.

Goal: The student will be able to recognize different styles of acting and be able to perform them. (1)

Objective: The student will participate in written exercises, discussions, improvisation and scene performances.

Goal: The student will learn how to develop a detailed character analysis. (1, 2, 4)

Objective: The student will participate in written exercises, discussions, improvisation and scene performance.

Goal: The student will learn how to market him/herself through proper resume writing and photographs. (2)

Objective: The student will have photographs taken and choose a photo for use as an 8x10 glossy.

Objective: The student will prepare a resume and perfect it.

Goal: The student will learn how to market him/herself through the proper preparation of audition material. (1,2,4)

Objective: The student will prepare several pieces for the audition process.

Objective: The student will schedule specific audition times and places.

VI. EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOME(S)

At certain points during the semester the instructor will call on students to assist in the assessment of learning activities. This will be done on both an oral and written level. This will be conducted in an effort to ascertain the effectiveness of teaching methods so that certain modifications can be made to meet student learning needs.

VII. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

A. Preparation and performance of two to three scenes or a one act play.

B. Writing of a character analysis.

C. Reading and Discussion.

D. Improvisation exercises.

E. Picture Modeling.

F. Writing of personal resume.

G. Preparation and performance of audition material.

H. Participation in auditions.

I. Critique of self and others.

VIII. WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM STRATEGY

Students will be required to prepare written assignments dealing mainly with the development of character analysis. They will also be required to write about terminology dealing with method acting at various points in the semester. Acting II students must prepare a resume and cover letter.

IX. GRADING CRITERIA, REQUIREMENTS

The student will receive grades on these assignments:

% of Grade

* Scene 1 (character analysis incl.) 10

* Scene 2 " " " 10

* Scene 3 " " " 15

Improvisational Sketches 15

Character Analysis 15

Resume 15

Audition Performance 20

* or approved alternative

Criteria for all assignments will be described in detail when the specific assignment is given.

X. GRADING SCALE

All specific letter grades will have a numerical value placed on them for averaging purposes.

A+: 4.00 B+: 3.25 C+: 2.50 D+: 1.75 F: 1.0

A : 3.75 B : 3.00 C : 2.25 D : 1.50 0: 0.0 A -: 3.50 B- : 2.75 C- : 2.00 D- : 1.25

XI. MAKE-UP POLICY

Unless dire circumstances have occurred, there is no make-up in this class. Please have the courtesy to inform the instructor of potential problems. In the scheduling of a performance sometimes rescheduling can be accommodated but most of the time it could potentially put the whole class behind. Remember, an actor who doesn't show up for performances won't last very long.

XII. ATTENDANCE/WITHDRAWAL POLICY

The student is expected to maintain as close to perfect attendance as is humanly possible in this class. Attendance will be taken and if the student accumulates more than three unexcused absences their grade will be dropped an entire letter. For a student to be considered excused from class he/she must notify the instructor prior to the class and it must be a legitimate excuse (i.e. health, family crisis, or acts of God). This class is very dependent on each other since there are a number of group assignments and activities. When one person misses a class it will, most likely, affect another's ability to participate.

The Lake Michigan College policy regarding absences states: "A student who claims illness as a cause for excessive absence must be prepared to present a statement from the attending physician. If absences are incurred at the end of a semester or during the final examination, a grade of Incomplete may be given. Two weeks of consecutive absences or failure to attend 20% of the semester contact hours for a class makes a student subject to withdrawal from the class at the recommendation of the instructor." LMC 2001-2003 Catalog

"Mindful of the diverse student body that Lake Michigan College serves, and the varied belief systems that its students represent, the College will made a reasonable effort to accommodate students who need to be excused from classes for the observance of religious holidays. This policy does not apply to students who knowingly register for classes scheduled to meet on days that consistently conflict with their day of worship, e.g., a student who signs up for Saturday classes when the student normally worships on Saturday." LMC 2001-2003 Catalog

The withdrawal policy for this course follows the Lake Michigan College policy for withdrawing from classes: "Students who have withdrawn from a class through the 12th week of the semester (Spring & Summer Semesters - 5th week), will be assigned a grade of W (Withdrawal). Beyond this point in the semester, withdrawing students are to be assigned either a W (if passing) or E by the instructor. Withdrawal forms are not accepted by the Records & Registration Office the final week of the semester." LMC 2001-2003 Catalog