prof. Wendy Wisely
wwisely@santarosa.edu

Office Hour: Monday or Wednesday (2:30-3:30 by appointment)

Office: TBA

Welcome to Beginning Acting!

This class is open to all interested students! Whether you have done lot's of community theater or played the 3rd tree to the left in your elementary school - this class is for you.

I approach this class from an interdisciplinary view- not every student intends this class to be their jumping off point to a career on Broadway (or LA), some take the class to fulfill a GE requirement, some take it because it was the only class open in this time slot, some take it out of curiosity, some take it to challenge themselves and help with public speaking, and some actually just take it for fun!

Whoever you are, and whatever your reason--you are welcome here!

Read on through the various subheadings of the course to find other important information (grading, participation tips, text requirements, and extra credit points! etc)

Student Learning Outcomes

The students will:
1. Develop an understanding and demonstrate control of basic physical and vocal acting techniques.

2. Understand and demonstrate basic techniques of characterization.

3. Utilize the Stanislavsky system to acting technique.

4. Develop and exhibit competence in ensemble acting.

5. Analyze, rehearse, and perform scripted texts from modern or contemporary plays.

Expectations:
Be here: on time, ready to play (physically & mentally), always give it your best shot and play well with others......see below for more details...

GRADING:
50 pts. Attendance (this IS a performance class after all)
        Every 3 Absences lowers your grade by 10 points - a full letter Grade
         3 Lates = 1 absence A "Late" is determined when roll is taken,
   It is YOUR responsibility to make sure your on it if you come in late

        IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no "Excused" absences or lates. This is a Performance        focused course - Being here on-time is absolutely necessary to your success in this course!

15 pts. In-class performance/participation activities/homework assignments

No make-ups or late assignments permitted

5 pts Written review of SRJC theatre performance : Format and writing prompts are found RULES FOR REVIEW pages in Canvas - DUE IN CLASS - MAY 6th (Wed)

10 pts. Vocabulary Quiz (based on lecture notes, handouts, and text)

10 pts Performance of a 1 minute monologue and written character analysis

10 pts Scene Performance and written scene analysis

(If, at the end of the semester, your grade is borderline (A- to B+ for example) These factors will be taken into consideration: promptness & preparedness for class, your contribution to/ distractions from the class work, and your personal effort to improve!)

The Grading Rubric for this class is simple:
Out of 100 points total - A = 100 - 90 points
"A" Level work consists of the following....
Written Work:
On time, typed, comprehensive, thoughtful, correct use of text and lecture vocabulary and concepts
Attendance:
Less than 3 absences and arriving on time.
Participation:
Active, ensemble (team)player, volunteers, supportive audience member, prepared and well rehearsed, meets all memorization and project deadlines, properly applies course concepts (vocal & physical performance skills) to all class work.
B = 89 - 79 points
C = 78 - 68 points
D = 67 - 57 points
F = 56 and below points

Class Requirements:

* Commit to and complete ALL class exercises. Participation and trying your best is all I ask!

* The scenes & monologues require outside of class rehearsals - this is part of the required homework for the class!

* There are NO make-ups for missed performances or quizzes! Remember, your scene partner depends on you.

* All written character/scene analysis’ must be printed and turned in ON THE DAY of performance. (see handout for the format)

NO LATE or ON-LINE PAPERS ACCEPTED!

* MOST IMPORTANTLY:
Student should bring to class: a good attitude, patience, bravery, trust, and a good sense of humor. CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR!

Getting Started.....Rules for the class

*I know it is an "early " class - so plan on traffic and parking delays. Get there on time! If I can - you can!

*No food or drink is allowed in the classroom. However, water bottles and closeable commuter cups may be allowed.

*Turn OFF your cell phone. If there is some extreme professional or personal reason you may be notified in class via phone - tell me in advance and we will work something else. If a phone goes off in class - it is very disruptive!
Please check and double check it is OFF. Should you forget to turn your cell phone off, and it should "ring" during class there will be consequences.....

*This is a physical class - lot's of movement - so unless you've spoken to me in advance about an issue that would hinder your ability to move - NO WHINING!

* Class Motto:
Take the work seriously,
but take yourself lightly,
participate bravely,
and support each other whole heartily!
(Come quote this back to me by memory and receive 1 Extra credit point)

Other Important ACTING CLASS information

Because this is a class of sharing and discovery for all students, there are a couple of issues we need to discuss to be aware of.

• In our activities and improvisations, though you are required at times to think impulsively and act spontaneously, please try to avoid portraying offensive stereotypes, as everybody's interpretations and humor limits vary. Please try to keep that in perspective.
There is also something called "the Brown-Bag" foul in competitive improvisation and I will discuss it further in class. If you continually commit "brown bag" fouls during class activities, you and I will need to have a chat about appropriate college behavior. All students are required to follow the SRJC code of conduct.

• The "touchy-feely disclaimer" - Please understand that because this is an interactive class there may be a need to touch and be touched by the teacher and other students. For my part, know that my intentions are purely clinical and geared toward your development in the class. For your part, please keep in mind you are here to learn and help the development of you fellow student who is depending on you and trusting your judgment. If you have a problem with this, please feel free to talk to me.

• Theatre encompasses all aspects of life and human nature, including the base, sexy, or cruel as well as the holy, beautiful or sublime. Some of the scripts that we use in class may contain "R rated" language. If something disturbs you, come and talk to me.

Important Dates

Last day to drop w/o a W -
Last day to drop with a W -
DEADLINE for all play reviews - May 6th. Wed)

The "final exam" day - May20th
(NOTE: Finals are scheduled 2 hours EARLIER then regular class times.)

Other important deadlines will be announced throughout the semester.
YOU are responsible to know them - so if you miss a class get the information from another student!

Textbook

ACTING : Onstage and Off by Robert Barton

Both 10A and 10B use the same book, just different chapters. The loose leaf edition at the bookstore will only contain the chapters for 10A. You may also rent a digital version of our text through the bookstore (much cheaper!) There may also be a copy available for limited check-out from the library and/or theatre department office.

IF you decide to buy the entire book make sure it is the 6th edition !!!!

NOTE: You'll need to find play scripts for scenes or monologues performed in class. These will be located in public libraries, bookstores, and at the SRJC library! Go to the librarian if you have questions.

Don't waste your valuable time by looking for plays on the internet. Other than older plays, it is often impossible to find them due to copywrite laws.

Scenes and monologues will come from plays, not FILM/TV scripts. Remember, you are required to read the ENTIRE play from whence the scene/monologue comes from.

Required Materials and Supplies

1. Comfortable clothes and shoes (NO heels or flip flops, or skirts, too low wasted or too tight pants,etc. )

2. ALWAYS bring something to write with, paper, and a folder to hold scripts and handouts.

3. You'll be required to find and read the entire play for various monologue and scene assignments. Refer to the Text section on this syllabus for more information on this.

4. You may need to bring simple hats, props, costume pieces that you can find at home.

5. There will be assignments given from the text so it is recommended that students always bring their text to class.

6. It is HIGHLY recommended that students print out their own copy of this document (the syllabus) to refer to throughout the semester if there are questions about grading.

Class Participation

Since Participation is an important part of your grade, here are some tips for doing successful classwork:

1. We'll be doing a good deal of physical warm-ups and exercises. If you have a physical challenge that may hinder this work let me know early in the semester!
Otherwise, no whining!

2.Theatre is about collaboration and teamwork.
Be respectful and supportive of the work of others.
“If you treat your fellow players as poets, artists, and geniuses - they will be!"
- from TRUTH IN COMEDY

3. Everyone gets a "stage fright," and our self-consciousness makes us afraid to take “risks” and thus growing or learning what we’re really capable of.

Challenge yourself to step beyond stereotypes, to not play for the cheap laugh, or being overly self-critical. Say “YES” to every opportunity, trust yourself and your fellow players and see where it takes you!!!

4. Embrace the concept that nothing a human is entirely foreign to you. This means that regardless of your background, age, culture etc., it is possible to relate to any human situation or emotion. It's called empathy, but it all comes down to “make-believe” ---you did it great as a child, we sometimes forget how as adults. Time to remember!

Vocabulary and Course Concepts Exam and your "Final"

Vocabulary quiz worth 10 points is given towards the end of the semester. The terms and concepts will be based on the text, handouts, and lectures. There will be a fun review given prior - but DO NOT rely on it alone to pass the quiz. It will be only be a helpful diagnostic for you to see what you may need to review on your own!
Your "final " for this course will consist of a scene (chosen by the instructor) and printed scene/character analysis turned in on the day of performance.

There are no make-ups allowed for missed performance assignments or the quiz.

For extra credit- ONE additional review of a pre-approved play is worth 5 points (See "rules for review" for the questions). The extra credit review is due by the same deadline as the course review. See IMPORTANT DATES for that deadline.

General SRJC information

SRJC Student Code of Conduct:
“All students shall comply with the standards of conduct. If a student disrupts the learning environment in any way, s/he will be asked to leave class for two class meetings and will be subject to further disciplinary action.” If you have not read the Student Code of Conduct (and let’s be honest, who has?) you might want to check it out. Go to http://www.santarosa.edu/for_students/rules-regulations/scs.

Santa Rosa Junior College is Hate Free Campus and a Smoke Free Campus.

Academic Integrity Statement:
“Santa Rosa Junior College holds that its primary function is the development of intellectual curiosity, integrity, and accomplishment in an atmosphere that upholds the principles of academic freedom. All members of the academic community – students, faculty, staff and administrator - must assume responsibility for providing an environment of the highest standards, characterized by a spirit of academic honesty and mutual respect. Because personal accountability is inherent in an academic community of integrity, this institution will not tolerate or ignore any form of academic dishonesty.”

Disability Resources:
Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources (527-4278), Analy Village - C, as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. For Petaluma sections contact Disability Resources (778-2491) Petaluma Village.

Emergency Preparedness:
• Register your Cell Phone with ALERT U
Sign Up Instructions:
1) With your cell, text SRJC to 253788 (ALERTU).
2) You will receive a welcome text message:
Please join the Santa Rosa Junior College's Emergency Alert System. No spam. Reply Y to sign up.
3) Reply "Y".
4) That's it!
• Immediate Emergency Dial 527-1000!
• Do not dial 911from on campus

• No student may be driven to the hospital by a faculty member. We are required by law to call an ambulance.
• Please notify the instructor if you have any medical condition that puts you at risk.

SRJC Theatre Arts Performances
I highly recommend that you see the two departmental productions this semester: You can pick up your FREE ticket to these shows at the Theatre Arts Box Office. Keep your ticket stub, write your name on it, and turn it in to me on the due date (attach it to your front page of the review). If you want to see any show more than once, you can always sign up to usher! You can sign up in the Theatre Arts office.
Box Office Hours: WThF 12-5 PM

Links

Theatre Bay Area THE clearing house organization for all things theatre in the Greater Bay Area (Sonoma county to Monterey Bay)

Useful SRJC Student information and Services

Academic Dishonesty:
Address questions related to cheating and plagiarism, see Policy 3.11 and 3.11P in Student Conduct Handbook.
Plagiarism is a very serious offense with serious consequences. Plagiarism has a broad definition and includes a lot of different levels (not properly citing quotes, borrowing ideas etc.).

Academic Accommodations:
If you need disability related accommodations for this class, please provide the Authorization for AcademicAccommodations (AAA letter) from the Disability Resources Department (DRD) to me ASAP!!! I can not legally provide accommodations without that letter. If you have not received authorization from DRD, please contact them directly. DRD is located in Analy Village on the Santa Rosa campus, and Jacobs Hall on the Petaluma Campus.

Emergency Evacuation Plan:
In the event of an emergency that requires evacuation of the building, please leave the class immediately, but calmly. Our class will meet at the Tennis Courts behind the building to make sure everyone got out of
the building safely and to receive further instructions. If you are a student with a
disability who may need assistance in an evacuation, please see me during my office
hours so we can discuss an evacuation plan.

TITLE 9:
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits sex (gender-based)
discrimination and harassment in educational programs and activities at institutions
that receive federal financial funding, including for employment, academic,
educational, extracurricular and athletic activities.

This initiative is in compliance with Title IX and the Campus SaVE Act, and addresses
critical issues including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
Given the importance of this training, the District is required by federal and state
law to offer all incoming and continuing students at all campuses education and
awareness programs on sexual misconduct prevention. Title 9:
• Protects all people regardless of their gender or gender identity from sex
discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, which are forms of
discrimination, and
• Requires institutions to take necessary steps to prevent sexual misconduct on their
campuses, and to respond promptly and effectively when sexual misconduct is

Distance Education office at Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, CA USA