Course Syllabus
THAR 13.1AL (5830)
PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP LAB:
STYLES, PERIODS, & SKILLS
Course Syllabus Summary: SPRING 2021
Course Description
This flexibly-scheduled course is the companion course to THAR 13.1AL. The course covers the preparation, evening rehearsals, and performances for the culminating THAR 13.1 Showcase, perhaps the most exciting part of the THAR 13.1 courses. As we do each semester, we will assemble the best of the pieces you've worked on during the class to create a dynamic one-hour (well…approximately one hour) Showcase open to an invited public audience via Zoom Webinar. Performed twice, the Showcase provides students with an opportunity to carefully rehearse and share their best work with an audience, as well as learn from the repeated performance experience.
Transferable: CSU and UC
Certificate: Satisfies a requirement for the Acting Certificate, coupled with THAR 13.1A
Pass/No Pass/Audit: This course must be taken for a grade.
Showcase Rehearsal and Performance Schedule
All students registered in THAR 13.1A & B must take the accompanying lab course: THAR 13.1AL (for those in THAR 13.1A) and THAR 13.1BL (for those in THAR 13.1B). The Showcase rehearsals for these 1.5 unit lab courses normally occur during the last two weeks of the regular semester, with the Showcase performed on the Friday or Saturday prior to Finals.
This semester, our Showcase will be performed at 2pm and 7:30pm on Saturday, May 22, 2021.
The estimated rehearsal and performance schedule is announced and discussed on the first day of this class; the final schedule will be posted by the end of the second week of class so that students have ample time to plan. IMPORTANT: Students with semester-long night classes, evening/weekend obligations/employment, and/or participation in Dance or Music classes/events need to check their schedules carefully and discuss those commitments with me by the second day of class. After we do so, you may also need to discuss the situation with your other instructor(s), employee, etc. While some conflicts may be able to be worked around, it is important that they be identified before the schedule is finalized and posted.
Two Classes in One!
There are actually students from two classes together in this one class. First-time students take THAR 13.1A, with its companion lab, THAR 13.1AL. Students who wish to take the class a second time, studying new styles, are registered in THAR 13.1B and its companion lab, THAR 13.1BL. On rare occasions a student may wish to take THAR 13.1B and BL yet again; in those situations, they have petitioned with the college for permission to do so.
Since the styles change for this class every time it is offered, the class requirements for THAR 13.1B and BL are nearly identical to those in THAR 13.1A and AL. However, since repeating students are more experienced, they may be assigned special assignments such as peer coaching, leading warmups, or assisting others, depending on their skills and knowledge.
Student Learning Outcomes
(from the official Course Outline of Record – view full Outline on college’s website)
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Instructor Contact
Instructor: Laura Downing-Lee
(Students are welcome to call me "Laura", "Ms. Downing-Lee", or "Ms. Lee"; use whichever you are most comfortable using. My preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
Instructor Email: ldowning@santarosa.edu
Instructor Phone: (707) 527-4420
(Calls will go to Voice Mail; I will receive an email notification of the voice mail and return your call as soon as I can.)
Zoom 13.1 Coaching Office Hours: Mon./Wed. 5:00-5:30 (By appointment only; email me for an office hour appointment and I'll send you the Zoom link.)
Zoom Office Hours: Tues./Thurs. 10-11am, Friday 1-2pm (Email me for an office hour appointment and I'll send you the Zoom link.)
If none of my office hour times work for you, contact me and we will set up a special appointment.
Course Web Site
Although we will not be using this particular course's Canvas page often until much closer to the Showcase, we will use it for course communication and organization.
Course Communication
Please make it a habit to check Canvas, the announcements section of your myCubby (via SRJC's Portal), and your personal email daily so you don't miss something important
Instructor to Class: I will post general course announcements on the “Instructor Announcements” page in Canvas, as well as sending them using the SRJC Portal's email system (myCubby) throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences as soon as the instructor creates an Announcement. A “Q&A Forum” is also on Canvas to ask for assistance of your classmates or of instructor.
Instructor to Individual Student(s): When sending individual messages to students, I may use Canvas, the Portal, or send an email from my JC email (ldowning@santarosa.edu) directly to your email address. Please check Canvas, your "myCubby", and your email daily so you don't miss an important class message.
Student to Instructor: You can send me a message via Canvas or email me directly at ldowning@santarosa.edu. I do not release my cell phone to students except in urgent situations, so you do not currently have the ability to text me. I can also receive phone messages if you call my SRJC number, 527-4420.
Textbook
There is no required textbook for this class.
Recommended Technology
This section will be updated as we get closer to the Showcase. Since you will be performing for an invited audition via Zoom from home, the technology you have available (device, lighting, sound, and internet service) impacts your performance and the overall show. Therefore, we will do all we can to help you address any problems that you encounter over the semester so they can be addressed prior to the Showcase.
Your Main Device: All of our class meetings will be on Zoom so you will need to use a device with a camera and microphone (built-in or external). In addition, you'll often need to view a script or other document at the same time you are doing an exercise so, if your main device has a small screen, I recommend having access to a second device if you can (such as a tablet or smartphone). If you do not have access to a second device, don't worry. One solution: SRJC library has an inventory of laptops and tablets (as well as hotspots, if you have internet accessibility issues) available for student check-out. Visit that page on the SRJC Libraries website if you think you'll need to take advantage of this service.
Performance Space, Acting at Your Home, and Showcase Resources
Performance Space: As you progress through THAR 13.1A, try to identify a space in your home where you can perform comfortably. If that is difficult, please talk to me about your situation as soon as possible so we can figure out solutions together.
• If possible, this space should allow you approximately a 5' square area in which to sit, stand and move around.
• Try to find a fairly neutral background or remove objects behind you, if possible.
• Find a location and stable surface to place your computer, laptop, or other device on so that the camera is able to be high enough to capture you from the waist up without you haven't to look down into it or up into it.
• Adjust your lighting so the focus is on your face. Bright windows or reflective surfaces behind you will fight with the camera's light sensors, pulling focus, so try to either cover them or adjust the direction of your camera. Ceiling fans and fluorescent lights may also disrupt your lighting and/or sound, so keep that in mind if you can.
• During class performances, you'll be turning your camera and microphone on/off yourself. When we get to the Showcase tech and dress rehearsals, our department's Technical Director will be controlling your camera, but you'll still need to control your mic.
Acting At Home: The reality of taking an acting class from home is that others in your environment may be impacted by what you are doing. Suddenly, your nice quiet home has to double as rehearsal hall and even a theatre! We tend to make a lot of noise when we act sometimes and freedom to do so is important for actors. In addition, occasionally the pieces you work on may contain strong language, intense situations, or loud outbursts like crying, shouting, or even screaming, all of which may be heard by others beyond your immediate space. In the same way, sounds in your environment (dog barking, yard maintenance, machinery, background conversations, etc.) may be picked up by your microphone and could negatively impact others in the class.
In addition, all of us are dependent on our internet services to connect with one another. Depending on the quality of what we have, if others in our home are also using it for demanding uses like film viewing, it can disrupt your connection. This may be unavoidable sometimes, but it can be a serious problem during class performances and the Showcase.
Please talk to your roommates, family, and neighbors about the class schedule and Showcase schedule. If they have any concerns and/or if you think there are obstacles in your environment that may be an issue, let me know as soon as you can. The sooner I have the information, the sooner I'll be able to help you find viable solutions...and you'd be surprised what solutions can be found! I want to make sure that everyone has a positive experience and, together, we can make that happen.
Showcase Resources: Approximately a week before to the Showcase performance, we'll be arranging for everyone to pick up a backdrop and ring light at SRJC to help you set up for your performance. Additional supplies or equipment may also be included. We will also be making arrangements for you to return these items during Finals week. This section will be updated as we get closer to the Showcase.
Important Dates
Day Class Begins: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Showcase Rehearsals: To be posted on this Canvas Page by the end of the second week of classes.
FINAL: 1:00-3:45, Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Attendance at this post-show meeting is required.
College-Wide Dates for Full Semester Classes - See THAR 13.1A's Canvas page.
Attendance
Although the majority of the Showcase material is drawn from the semester-long class, we only have two weeks to pull all the elements together into a polished performance that will make you proud. As with any theatre production, everyone is dependent on one another; any absence during those two crucial weeks could negatively impact the entire class and, in turn, the quality of the Showcase for the audience. Therefore, unless you have made prior arrangements with me or you encounter an emergency situation (such as serious illness), attendance is required for all Showcase rehearsals, scheduled coaching sessions, and both performances.
Showcase Assignment
While all qualifying students will participate in the Showcase, role size(s) will be determined by the student’s work during the semester and the needs of the selected material. All students will perform at least one piece (their strongest); most will perform two and, occasionally, an advanced student will perform a third piece. All required written assignments must be submitted in order for a performance selection to be considered for the Showcase.
The Showcase grade is based on the preparation process, the quality of the actual performances, and participation in the additional assignments and requirements below.
Additional Showcase Assignments, Requirements, and Information
- DHR: This class is listed on the course outline as "DHR"; that stands for "Days and Hours to Be Arranged". It means that the course has flexible scheduling, which will be determined by the second week of the semester. THAR 13.1AL & 13.1BL are “positive attendance” classes, which means that the college only receives money from the State of California for the hours you attend class. So, each student will be expected to complete a minimum of 25 hours of rehearsal and performance for the Showcase in order to satisfy the requirement of the course. [This semester, we will be including the staged reading's rehearsal and performance in this total.]
- Showcase Preparation assignment: The Showcase is a collaborative event. Each student will select a showcase preparation responsibility, based on their availability, strengths, special talents, etc. Such assignments include designing the Showcase poster, compiling the program, promoting the Showcase through social media, “costume” construction or acquisition, coordinating props, tracking performance order, writing introductions, or helping with drop-offs/pick-ups (safely).
- Coaching Appointments: During the second-to-last week of regular classes the semester, every piece being considered for the Showcase will receive a 1/2 hour coaching session with the instructor, either in class or by appointment. There will be a variety of times offered to accommodate busy show/work schedules, but it will be each scene team’s responsibility to meet this requirement.
- Showcase Rehearsals: During the last week of regular classes (Showcase Week), you will attend 4-5 nights of rehearsals in addition to class. These will be held Sun. day or night, Mon. night, Tues. night, Wed. night, Thurs. night, and/or Friday late afternoon or evening of Showcase week. These rehearsals are all required for the whole class (see Course Calendar when posted.) Please make arrangements with other classes, work, and personal obligations now!
- Showcase Performances: Our Showcase will be performed at 2pm and 7:30pm on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Your Zoom call time will be 12:00 pm for the matinee and 5:30 for evening show so that we can go over performance notes. You will be expected to stay through post-show "debrief", approximately 10:00pm.
- Showcase Costumes and Props: Although we can make arrangements to get items to you, if needed, the majority of costumes and props need to come from your own resources. We'll keep things simple so that is possible for you to find things.
- Performance Resources Pick-up/Drop-Off: As mentioned elsewhere, we will be making arrangements for the class to pick up screens, lights, and other resources the week before the Showcase. We will also be making arrangements for you to return those items during Finals week. If your circumstances will not allow you to come to one of these scheduled events, we will make special arrangements to either come to your home or find an alternative time. Please keep in mind that we have limited staffing to do this, so such arrangements should only be requested when absolutely necessary.
Grading Policy
Showcase grades will be assigned as follows for THAR 13.1AL/BL:
90%-100% (450-500 pts.) = A; 80%-89% (400-449 pts.) = B; 70%-79% (350-399 pts.) = C; 60%-69% (300-349 pts.) = D
Standards of Conduct
Students who register in SRJC classes are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Student Code of Conduct page.
Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas, but not their work. See these links on Plagiarism:
SRJC Writing Center Lessons on avoiding plagiarism
SRJC's policy on Academic Integrity
Other Important Policies and Practices
Avoid Plagiarism Like the, er, Plague: Although most students have likely heard about plagiarism during their years of schooling, it still is prevalent-even in higher education. The video below reviews what plagiarism is and how not to do it.
Netiquette, or Why Is It Harder to Be Polite Online?
Netiquette refers to using common courtesy in online communication. All members of the class are expected to follow netiquette in all course communications. Use these guidelines:
- Use capital letters sparingly. THEY LOOK LIKE SHOUTING.
- Forward emails only with a writer's permission.
- Be considerate of others' feelings and use language carefully.
- Cite all quotations, references, and sources (otherwise, it is plagiarism).
- Use humor carefully. It is hard to "read" tone; sometimes humor can be misread as criticism or personal attack. Feel free to use emoticons like :) for a smiley face to let others know you are being humorous.
- Use complete sentences and standard English grammar to compose posts. Write in proper paragraphs. Review work before submitting it.
- Text speak, such as "ur" for "your" or "ru" for "are you" etc., is only acceptable when texting.
Special Needs
Students with disabilities who believe they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources (527-4278), as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
About this Syllabus Summary: As I continue to transition my course materials to Canvas this semester, I will be making additions or adjustments to this page. You will be notified whenever that happens.