Instructor:    John O'Connell                             Williams Theatre 128A
                   Phone: 481-6550
                   Office Hours: Mon thru Thurs. 9:00 - 11:00, 3:00-4:00
Fri. 1:00 - 3:00. Or by Appt.

                  Web Page:   http://users.ipfw.edu/oconnelj/
                   E-Mail: oconnelj@ipfw.edu

Text:   Bruder, Cohn, Olneck, Pollack, Previto and Zigler: A Practical Handbook for the Actor,
            Vintage Books, 1986.

Course Description:
 This course is designed for the beginning acting student, especially the theatre major acting student.  The student will be introduced to the foundations of acting through the use of exercises, assignments, prepared monologue, scenework, play attendance and written assignments.

Objectives:
 To enhance the beginning actors' awareness of their imagination.
 To introduce the beginning actor to the foundations of acting and character
         building.
 To make clear the importance of the skills of observation, concentration and
         listening in the art of acting.
 To aid the beginning actor in the discovery of their own body and voice as acting
         tools.
 To enhance the beginning actors' appreciation of the art of theatre as a
         collaborative art form.
 To introduce the beginning actor to basic theatre/stage terminology.
 To introduce the beginning actor to the principles behind the acting approach
         found in the textbook: A Practical Handbook for the Actor.

Course Requirements and Policies:

The following is a list of the course assignments, followed by a breakdown of the relative value of these assignments in regard to grading.

 1.     2 Written play reports
 2.     2 Written play critiques
 3.     2 in class scenes - 4-8 minutes
 4.     Midterm
 5.     Monologue
 6.     Final Scene
 7.     In class exercises

 Written work        20%
 Scene Work         20%
 Midterm               15%
 Monologue           15%
 Final Scene           15%
 Attendance/Class Exercises   15%

Assignments in Detail:

1.     Written play reports - You will be required to read two plays, in addition to the plays you are doing for scene work, and write a 3-5 page report on the reading.  Included in this report is an analysis of the principal characters with special interest on one character you would like to play as an actor.  This is not a retelling of the plot.

2.     Written play critique - You are required to see both of the ASU productions and write a critique of these productions from an acting standpoint. These are due the Wednesday after the closing of each play.  3-5 pages.

         SNOOPY!!! (A Family Musical)  Oct. 7, 8, & 9  7:30pm
         A Laugh A Minute (Adult Content and  Nov. 18, 19 & 20 7:30pm

3.    2 in class scenes - You will present 2 in class scenes.  These scenes will be worked in class and performed for the entire class.   They are to be 4-8 minutes in length.  Written character analysis will be due on the first showing date of each scene.

4.     Midterm - A comprehensive midterm including subjective and objective material.

5.     Monologue - A 2-3 minute monologue will be required.  This monologue will receive in class work time as well as performance.

6.     Final Scene - A final scene demonstrating all that we have covered in this beginning course.  The scene must be 10-15 minutes in length.  This also includes written script/character analysis.

7.     Class Exercises - In class exercises are a vital portion of this course and your willingness to participate is crucial.

Attendance:
Due to the nature and size of this course, good attendance is necessary. Three absences (excused and unexcused) will be allowed, any that occur after will result in the lowering of the final grade one full letter grade.  If a student misses a day they are to present material, they will not be given the opportunity to makeup that assignment.

Written Material:
All written material must follow the guidelines listed below:
     - Papers must be 3-5 typewritten, double spaced pages.
     - Papers must have a cover page with name and title.
     - One inch margins all around.
     - Nothing larger than 12 pitch print.
     - No paper will be accepted late.
     - Free of spelling, grammar and composition errors.
     - Specific content requirements will be discussed in class.

Dress
Wear comfortable, non-confining clothes that you can move in, and that you don't have to worry about damaging.  Wear shoes, not sandals, clogs, high heels or any footwear that impedes movement.
***You may be required to sit or squat on the floor for certain in class exercises.

Memorization
Unless otherwise specified, all performances should be memorized.

Decorum
This work requires a trusting and trustworthy, collaborative atmosphere in the classroom and rehearsal hall.  You will be expected to conduct yourself in a manner which shows respect for yourself, all others, and our common process at all times.  Persons unable to accomplish this will be asked to leave.

It is also important to note that in a class of this kind, where art is involved, one's moral makeup must be left at the door.  What this means is that there may be adult content and language in some of the literature we decide to use and it is not for you to decide that it is inappropriate for this course because of your moral opinion.  If you think this will be a problem you should see the professor immediately.

Academic Misconduct:
The performance of and/or involvement in any acts of misconduct will be addressed as per regulations set forth in the ASU Student Handbook 1999-00.  This includes, but is not limited to, cheating, misrepresentation, and plagiarism.
 

         Friday                    Exercise - Trust

WEEK 2 - Aug 23-27
         Monday                 Exercise - Trust

         Wednesday            Exercise - Listening

         Friday                    Exercise - Imagination
                                       Handout-Written Inventory

WEEK 3 - Aug 30-Sept 3
         Monday                 Discussion - Textbook                               Introduction
                                      Job of the Actor
                                      Technique

         Wednesday            Discussion - Textbook                                        Chapter 1

         Friday                   Share - Written Inventory Due
                                        Continu Chap. 1 

WEEK 4 - Sept 6-10
         Monday               LABOR DAY - OFF (YEAH!)

         Wednesday          Discussion - Textbook                                           Chapter 2

         Friday                   Discussion - Textbook (con't) Chapter 2
                                      Play report #1 due

WEEK 5 - Sept 13-17
         Monday               Discussion - Textbook                                           Chapter 3

         Wednesday          Discussion - Textbook                                            Chapter 4

         Friday                   Discussion - Textbook                                           Chapter 5
 

WEEK 6 - Sept 20-24
         Monday                Discussion - Textbook                                     Chapters 6 & 7

         Wednesday          Review Part I - Exercises

         Friday                  Discussion -Textbook                                    Chapters 8, 9, 10
                                     Assign Scene #1

WEEK 7 - Sept 27-Oct 1
         Monday           Conclude Part II of Textbook 
                                                                                                               Chapters11 & 12

         Wednesday        MIDTERM

         Friday                              Work Scene #1

WEEK 8 - Oct 4-8
         Monday                            Tour of Theatre
                                                  Work Scene #1

         Wednesday                       Work Scene #1

         Friday                               Work Scene #1
                                   Pick Monologues

WEEK 9 - Oct 11-15
         Monday                            Discuss SNOOPY!!!
                                  Critique of Snoopy!!! Due
                                                Work Scene #1

         Wednesday                      Work Scene #1

         Friday               FINAL PRESENTATION OF SCENE #1

WEEK 10 - Oct 18-22
         Monday                           Monologue Introduction

         Wednesday                      Work Monologues

         Friday                              Work Monologues

WEEK 11 - Oct 25-29
         Monday                             Work Monologues

         Wednesday                        Work Monologues
                                                    Assign Scene #2

         Friday                                  FINAL PRESENTATION OF MONOLOGUE

WEEK 12 - Nov 1-5
         Monday                            CATCH UP - EXERCISES

         Wednesday                       Work Scene #2

         Friday                               Work Scene #2

WEEK 13 - Nov. 8-12
         Monday                            Work Scene #2

         Wednesday                      Work Scene #2

         Friday                              Work Scene #2
                                                 Play Report #2 Due

WEEK 14 - Nov. 15-19
         Monday                           Work Scene #2

         Wednesday                    Work Scene #2

         Friday                             FINAL PRESENTATION OF SCENE #2

WEEK 15 - Nov. 22-26

         Monday                          Discussion of A Laugh a Minute
                                           Critique of A Laugh A Minute Due

         Wednesday                    Work Final Scene

         Friday                            Work Final Scene

WEEK 16 - Nov. 9- Dec 3

         Monday                         Work Final Scene

         Wednesday                   Work Final Scene

         Friday                           Work Final Scene

WEEK 17 - Dec 6-8
         Monday                       Catch up

         Wednesday                  Catch up
 

Final Exam - Monday, December 13th, 8:00 - 10:00am. Perform Final Scene and turn in Script/Character Analysis.