Syllabus
Course Name & #: Title: Acting: Scene Study and Technique
Instructor: Name: Cynthia Straus
Office Hours: Day and time -- TBA
Contact: (505) 758-7859, Nike693@aol.com
Textbook:
A Dream of Passion by Lee Strasberg. (optional text)
An Actor Prepares by Stanislovsky (optional text)
Respect For Acting by Uta Hagen (optional text)
Course Description:
This course is for the student with an interest in acting on a professional level. The course will involve learning the nuts and bolts of the craft of acting from script analysis to sensory work, to a variety of acting exercises. We will apply all of this to Scene and Monologue Work. The final two weeks will explore camera technique. Extensive work outside of class is required.
Course Objectives:
The primary goal of this course is to instill a respect for and comprehension of acting, as a craft, with an increased ability to execute the skill by the end of the course. We will take the mystery out of acting and develop a technical process of approaching material and applying tools to create a comprehensive approach to the work. This class is not a class of theatre games, although will include exercises to broaden the palate of the actor. Also, students in this class will be considered for TFI student filmmaking projects.
Expectations:
First and foremost attendance is a must. Most of the work is experiential, but it does not happen without applied effort. There will be considerable work required outside of class in reading scripts, memorizing lines, rehearsing, as well as explorative work for the exercises taught in class. It is recommended that students keep a journal for the duration of the course. Also, as acting is a collaborative, interdependent process. The ability to work effectively with others is essential. Those skills involve ensemble efforts which will be expected from the students. Everyone is required to attend class on a regular basis. This is not a class you can pass on homework alone. Absences in emergency circumstances must be reported before class to both teacher and acting partner.
Course Requirements:
· Scripts assigned individually must be purchased by students
· Each student will learn, rehearse and perform a monologue and a scene.
· Students will be required to participate in technique exercises during class.
· We will decide as a class whether or not to arrange a night of performing the work prepared in class
· Students may be asked to attend theatre performances around town, depending on local events.
· There are no guests allowed in class, including children of students.
In addition, no walkmans, radios or cell phones.
Attendance Policy:
Students must attend class regularly and punctually. Excessive absences may result in a student being dropped from the class. It is UNM-Taos policy that a student MAY be dropped by their instructor after three absences.
Grading Policy:
Attendance - 30%
Participation - 20%
Homework - 20%
Midterm (monologue) 15%
Final exam (scene) 15%
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act):
Qualified students with disabilities needing appropriate academic adjustments should contact me as soon as possible to ensure your needs are met in a timely manner. Handouts are available in alternative formats upon request.
Dropping the course:
It is the student’s responsibility to drop a course. The instructor is not required, nor should be expected, to drop a student from the official roster. Do not assume that failing to come to class will result in your being dropped from the course.
Due Process:
If you have any problems in the class that cannot be directly handled by talking with the instructor, the appropriate person to contact is the Academy Head or Katie Mares in Student Services.
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