Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Acting I: Introduction to Acting (Face-to-Face)

THEA 1033-03

Course: THEA 1033-03
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 30622

Course Description

An intensive studio approach to introduce the student to the basic principles of acting and its artistry through vocal and physical awareness, character development, and analysis. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Acting, Musical Theatre, Theatre Arts, Theatre Arts Education, and Theatre Design & Production majors or Theatre Minors only; Intensive English Program majors may not enroll

Required Texts

We will not be using any singular textbook, you do not need to purchase anything for this class. Readings will be made available on Canvas or distributed in class and be pulled from a variety of sources as needed. The anticipated source material is listed below. Please note this list may not be exhaustive. Education happens in real time and as such we will adjust if needed and the list will be updated accordingly.

  • Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen
  • An Actor Prepares by Konstantin Stanislavski
  • Acting One by Robert Cohen
  • Actions: The Actors Thesaurus by Maria Caldarone & Maggie Lloyd-Williams 

A note on play/material selection:

Our acting scripts will be sourced from a variety of contemporary plays that have yet to be determined. You will sometimes choose your own material, you will sometimes have material assigned to you. Regardless of how your material is chosen, you will need to read the play in its entirety. Whenever you are assigned material you will always have the option to decline it if you see fit. You will then be asked to find comparable material as determined by the instructor within a timely manner so as not to disrupt your performance assignments.


Learning Outcomes

Successful students who complete this course will demonstrate competency in the following acting/theatre program learning outcomes... 

1. Demonstrate and articulate a clear knowledge of basic stage and acting terminology.
2. Apply measurable and engaging tactics and motivations for characters and exhibit those choices during performance.
3. Demonstrate habits of punctuality, dependability, collaboration, and coach-ability.
4. Articulate, and demonstrate in performance, the concept of “immediacy” or “being in the moment.”

These outcomes will be reinforced through instruction, at home practice, and formative assessment. Students’ efforts will be assessed via a number of interrelated performances, assignments, and/or quizzes.

Course Requirements

Exercises and classwork will be graded objectively; other assignments, research and performance projects will be graded via rubrics, and/or carefully assessed subjectively by the course instructor. At the end of the semester, grades will be averaged and weighted by group. Students’ final grades will be determined based on SUU Canvas grading percentages rubric.

The weighted groups for this class are...

  • Experiences/Observations: 10% (an audition for the Directing class and other observation/character assignments)
  • Engagement: 20% (assessed in two parts: first half of semester and second half)
  • Required Viewings + Reflections: 10% (play viewings and written responses) 
  • Written Analysis + Performance Prep: 20% (all written analysis assignments for performances as well as other potential graded markers like stumble throughs)
  • Performance: 20% (1 monologue, 1 scene)
  • Performance Reflections: 10% (written responses to performances of scenes and monologues)
  • Final: 10% (Scene Performance)

Course Outline


*The instructor reserves the right to alter or adjust this syllabus at any time during the semester. This is the outline as it stands now and as the semester progresses we will learn about the needs of the class and adjust accordingly. All students will be made aware of any changes if they occur.*



List of Expected Weekly Topics/ Major Assignments/Potential Readings


  • Week 1 (8/27 - 8/29)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings 
      • Introductions and Syllabus Review
      • Begin monologue search. 
      • Prepare Observation assignment #1 for next week


  • Week 2 (9/3 -9/5)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings 
      • Discussions/exercises that surround topics related to the field of Acting and its artistry. Examples include and are not limited to objectives, tactics, actions, how to make strong choices, character building, physicality, emotional presence, rehearsal strategies, industry standards, how to work a monologue etc
      • Observation Assignment #1 
      • Prepare Observation Assignment #2 for next week.
      • Monologue Selections due date tbd


  • Week 3 (9/8 - 9/12))
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings 
      • Discussions and activities surround acting and its artistry. Topics determined  by the needs of the class as assessed by the instructor.
      • Observation Assignment #2
      • Introduction to monologue work and analysis


  • Week 4 (9/15 - 9/19)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings 
      • Discussions and activities surround acting and its artistry as it relates to monologues. Specific topics determined  by the needs of the class as assessed by the instructor.
      • Monologue Analysis and Prep due tbd
      • Prepare Character Project for next week


  • Week 5 (9/22 - 9/26)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings 
      • Discussions and activities surround acting and its artistry. Topics determined  by the needs of the class as assessed by the instructor.
      • Monologue Work as needed
      • Character Projects due tbd

  • Week 6 (9/19 - 10/3)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings 
      • Discussions and activities surround acting and its artistry. Topics determined  by the needs of the class as assessed by the instructor.
      • Monologue Performances (performance reflections due by midnight of your performance day)
      • Prepare Observation Assignment #3
      • Comedy of Errors Reflections due day after closing on 10/4
      • Utah Shakespeare Festival Reflections due day after season close on 10/4


  • Week 7 (10/6 -10/10)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings
      • Discussions and activities surround acting and its artistry. Topics determined  by the needs of the class as assessed by the instructor.
      • Audition for directing Classes
      • Observation Assignment #3


  • Week 8 (10/15 - 10/17) *midterm grades due Friday*
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings
      • Discussions and activities surround acting and its artistry as it relates to scene work. Examples include but are not limited to industry standards, expectations for working actors, strategies for analysis, effective ways to prepare and rehearse, forging connections and building trust quickly, collaboration, trouble shooting scene specifics, problem solving etc
      • Scene 1 Partners/Scenes Assigned
      • Introduction to Scene Work


  • Week 9 (10/20 - 10/24)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings 
      • Discussions and activities surround acting and its artistry. Topics determined  by the needs of the class as assessed by the instructor.
      • Scene 1 analysis/prep due tbd

  • Week 10 (10/27 - 10/31)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings 
      • Discussions and activities surrounding acting and its artistry. Topics determined  by the needs of the class as assessed by the instructor.
      • Scene Work 

  • Week 11 (11/3 - 11/7)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings 
      • Discussions and activities surrounding acting and its artistry. Topics determined  by the needs of the class as assessed by the instructor.
      • Scene 1 Performances (performance reflections due by midnight of your performance day)
      • Scene 2 (for Final) partners/scenes assigned

  • Week 12 (11/10 - 11/14)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings
      • Final Scene 2 Analysis + Prep TBD


  • Week 13  (11/17 - 11/21)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings
      • Scene 2 Work First Passes + Notes
      • Pippin reflections due day after performance on 11/22


  • Week 14 THANKSGIVING BREAK


  • Week 15 (12/1 - 12/5)
    • Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings 
      • Semester Wrap up and Final prep
      • Scene 2 Rehearsals as needed


  • Week 16 FINALS WEEK
    • Scene 2 Performances
    • Final Discussion




Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Written work: Assignments turned in after the deadline will incur a 1 point deduction for each day late. I will not accept written work 2 weeks past the due date.

Performance: The rescheduling of a missed performance due to an unexcused absence will be evaluated on a case by case basis. As a result potential grade lowering will be at the discretion of the instructor. It is no small thing to miss a scheduled performance, do everything you can to avoid this by talking to me beforehand.


Attendance Policy

Attendance is required for all classes unless excused by the instructor or for official university travel. A student is allotted THREE (3) unexcused absences (for classes meeting TWO DAYS per week) or FOUR (4) unexcused absences (for classes meeting THREE DAYS per week). Following the allotted unexcused absences for a specific course, each additional unexcused absence will incur a half-letter grade deduction from a student’s cumulative grade as outlined below:


0 additional unexcused absences: A 
1 additional unexcused absence:   A- 
2 additional unexcused absences: B 
3 additional unexcused absences: C+ 
4 additional unexcused absences: C- 
5 additional unexcused absences: D
6 additional unexcused absences: F

If you know you will be absent in advance, please notify your professor.


Tardiness:
If a student arrives to class more than 5 minutes late, they will be considered “tardy.” Three instances of tardiness to a class will be counted as one unexcused absence and applied to the attendance grading policy. Students who are habitually late to courses will be subject to final grade lowering at the discretion of the instructor.

Please Note: Missing class and neglecting to inquire about information for the missed lesson, reflects poorly on your participation and effort. It is your responsibility when you are absent to make up for the missed lesson. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.