Course Syllabus
THAR 13.1A (6150) & THAR 13.1B (5831)
PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP:
STYLES, PERIODS, & SKILLS
Course Syllabus Summary: SPRING 2021
Course Description
Each semester this course introduces experienced acting students to three acting “styles", which change every time the course is offered. While the emphasis of the course is on nonrealistic styles, past classes have also explored the challenging work of playwrights of period realism, realistic and non-realistic acting challenges in culture-specific plays, and specialized acting techniques.
Embracing the fact that the course is being taught completely online this semester due to the pandemic, I have selected three dynamic units that all celebrate the power of language in very different ways.
We will start with the art of Oral Interpretation in a unit I am calling "Read to Me!" As you prepare to bring to life your favorite selections from great works of literature in solo, book-in-hand performances, you'll learn a wide range of delivery and interpretive techniques that will enrich all your acting. We'll also work on cold reading skills and present an online staged reading of a published play!
Next, we’ll explore the Jewish roots of contemporary U.S. comedy, focusing on characterization, comic timing and delivery techniques, and East Coast dialects as you prepare hilarious scenes by notable Jewish-American comic playwrights, particularly the great Neil Simon.
Thirdly, we'll dive into the 17th century world of France's greatest playwright, Molière, and why his brilliant social comedies still resonate with audiences today. That "style" will include an introduction to period manners and movement, as well as learning how to work with heightened language, comparing translations, and shaping characters inspired by the stock characters of Commedia dell'arte and the social "types" of Molière's time.
FINALLY, 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…approx. one-hour) Showcase open to the public via Zoom Webinar. Along the way, we’ll view and discuss videos and productions both "on campus and off", which should help support the learning experience. It’s quite a ride!
Transferable: CSU and UC
Certificate: Satisfies a requirement for the Acting Certificate
Pass/No Pass/Audit: This course must be taken for a grade.
Corequisite Lab - THAR 13.1AL & BL
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). These 1.5 unit lab courses encompass the night rehearsals and performances for the Showcase, which normally occur during the last two weeks of the regular semester prior to Finals. The rehearsal and performance schedule is announced and posted during the first weeks of classes so that students have ample time to plan.
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:
- Prepare, rehearse, and perform material from plays requiring non-realistic styles, period realism and/or specialized performance skills at a beginning level for a public audience.
- Adapt his/her character development process and performance techniques to meet the needs of a play's specific style, period, and/or specialized performance demands at a beginning level.
- Research and explain major historical, literary, and cultural forces that shaped the development of a play's specific style and/or period, as well the relationship of those forces to the acting techniques required.
Class Meetings
This course will meet synchronistically. That means that we will meet each week via Zoom from 2:40pm-5:00. (The class is listed to start at 2:30 and end at 4:50, but this semester's students have agreed to start slightly later...thank you!)
During each class meeting, we'll work in a variety of ways, as a group in the main session, in teams in breakout rooms, and sometimes in individual coaching sessions. There may also be times when students are instructed to leave the Zoom room to complete assigned tasks offline for a period of class time and then return to the class meeting.
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
Students will use the Canvas course web site for course communication and organization. This is the first semester that I am using Canvas so it may take awhile for us to get fully underway. However, the plan is to use Canvas for assignment instructions, submitting most assignments, viewing peer team work, sharing resources, and viewing grades
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. However, I will be posted reading assignments as PDFs on our Canvas site for each of the three units.
Recommended Technology and Software
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.
Recommended-Access to Printer: In order to easily access course materials during the semester, I recommend that you have access to a printer. If you do not have a printer, don't worry. Just let me know on your course Questionnaire (you'll receive that on the first day) so that I can make arrangements to get hard copies to you, in that situation.
Suggested-Access to Scanner: While this is not essential, having access to a scanner can make submitting assignments a bit easier. If you don't have one, don't worry. Photographing a document with your cellphone and sending the photos to me will work too.
Suggested Software and Apps: You might need the following software for this course at some point. If you don't have one, don't worry; these are just suggestions. If there are other software or apps that we find would be useful this semester for the class, I'll update this part of the syllabus and let you know. (Suggestions from students are also welcome!)
Performance Space and Acting In Your Home
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.
Important Dates
Day Class Begins: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Last Regular Class Meeting: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 (not including Showcase rehearsals)
FINAL: 1:00-3:45, Wednesday, May 26, 2021
College-Wide Dates for Full Semester Classes
Last Day to Add without instructor's approval: Jan. 26, 2021
Last Day to Drop a Semester-Length Class and be eligible for a refund: Jan. 31, 2021
Last Day to Add with instructor's approval: Feb. 7, 2021
Last Day to Drop without a 'W' symbol: Feb. 7, 2021
Last Day to Drop with a 'W' symbol: Apr. 25, 2021
Last Day to Opt for Pass/No Pass: Feb. 28, 2021 Note: This class cannot be taken P/NP.
Dropping the Class
If you decide to discontinue this course (although I hope you won't!), it is your responsibility to officially drop it to avoid getting no refund (after 10% of course length), a W symbol (after 20%), or a grade (after 60%).
Attendance
Make it your goal to show up on time AND ready to work for every class meeting. Acting is a collaborative art form and your daily participation is crucial to your learning experience, as well as those of your fellow actors.
- Attendance in Uncertain Times: We are all facing stressful and uncertain conditions this year due to Covid-19, as well as our region's fires and other events. If you are unable to attend class temporarily due to situations like these, please contact me right away and I will accommodate your absence(s) as best I can. All I ask is that you only use this option when you really need it.
- Otherwise, three (3) absences will result in your course grade dropping one full grade; four (4) absences will result in you being dropped from the course. Three late/unprepared arrivals will equal one absence.
- With the exception of an excused absence, failure to attend any scheduled in-class rehearsal, coaching session, or performance may result in a grade drop of two letter grades (from an A to a C) for that assignment. An excused absence is supported by a written/signed document on letterhead with contact information from a doctor, court official, or other authority.
- Any anticipated absences for the semester (ACTF, team/class events, long commutes, or personal responsibilities) must be discussed with me within the first two weeks of the course. Unless it’s an emergency, please don’t schedule work, or make travel plans or personal appointments (counseling, doctor appt., etc.) during class time. This class is filled with partnered exercises and assignments; therefore, any absence can negatively impact the whole class.
Late Policy
Unless posted other, all assignments are due at the start of class on the due date. A late submission will receive a 10%-20% penalty, depending on the assignment. Submissions more than one week late are not accepted without prior arrangement. Late work will not be graded unless student sends instructor an email with URL for late work.
Performance Assignments
Over the course of the semester, you will complete the following performance assignments:
- One Oral Interpretation presentation from non-dramatic literature.
- Participation in one rehearsal and online staged reading of an established play (TBA)
- A partnered scene from our unit on Jewish Roots of Contemporary U.S. Comedy
- A partnered scene from Molière
Other Assignments
- Attend both online SRJC productions this semester and participate in a class discussion of the production's style and acting. (You'll receive a free "ticket" for each show). If you are either in the cast or crew, you will still be able to complete this assignment.
- Complete written performance packets for each performance assignment (includes scoring, research, and analysis assignments designed to help your performance work).
- Complete assigned reading for each style unit, as well as the novel or play from which your performance work is excerpted.
- Maintain daily/weekly notes on class subject matter in your notebook (actor's journal). Over time, you may be asked to enter these in Canvas, but for now just maintain them at home.
Grading Policy
Since this is my first semester using Canvas, it may take me awhile to post grades and comments on the online Canvas grade book, so you may be receiving that information via email for awhile. If you have any questions about your grade in the class at any time, please contact me and we will discuss your progress.
Grades will be assigned as follows for THAR 13.1A/B:
90%-100% (450-500 pts.) = A; 80%-89% (400-449 pts.) = B; 70%-79% (350-399 pts.) = C; 60%-69% (300-349 pts.) = D
The Showcase
See THAR 13.1AL Canvas page for Showcase details.
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.