Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Make-Up for the Actor (Face-to-Face)

THEA 1221-01

Course: THEA 1221-01
Credits: 1
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 30626

Course Description

This course prepares actors in practical application of stage make-up. Students will learn about and practice hands-on the most common techniques required for stage, as well as discuss the connection between character and make-up choices. (Fall) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Acting or Musical Theatre majors only or permission of instructor

Required Texts

None. 

Students are required to purchase the Ben Nye Theatrical Make-up Kit. 

Learning Outcomes

1.     Gain a fundamental knowledge of common professional practice in stage-makeup.

2.     Develop skills in standard stage make-up application.

3.     Explore skills in various standard special make-up effects. 

Course Requirements

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: (Grading policy, and as applicable attendance policy, course fees, or other requirements specific to this class.)
 
Student must purchase a Ben Nye Theatrical Make-up Kit for $78. Prices may vary based on distributor and shipping. 
 
Course Fees will maintain basic supplies such as: make-up wipes, sanitizing/cleaning products, special products, etc…

Course Outline

MODULE 1: Introduction to Hair & Makeup: Terminology, Practice, and Hygiene
In this module we will explore the industry of Hair & Make-up as it concerns the performing arts. We hope to gain a primary knowledge of the role of Hair & Make-up in the performing arts including terminology and industry standard. We will also discuss etiquette and hygiene concerning Hair & Make-up.
 
Projects: 
-       Hygiene Project

 
MODULE 2: Make-up & Hair Techniques for the Actor
In this module we will discuss the relationship between the actor and the Hair & Make-up designer. Thru this ongoing discussion will slowly introduce common Hair & Make-up applications techniques.
            
            Projects:
-       Finding the Face & Compositions of Character

-       Contouring the Face

-       Hair 101

 
MODULE 3: Application Practice and Projects
            In this module we will continue to develop application skills and techniques. We will also introduce special techniques that are commonly encountered by the actor. 
            
            Pojects:
-       Special Effects Makeup Techniques for the Stage

-       Final Project- Options include fantasy character design, age make-up, etc…

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

Asumption of Risk
 
If you are teaching a course that the department believes to have a higher risk of injury you should include the following liability statement
 
These have been reviewed and approved by University Risk Management
 
Assumption of Risk (Technical Theatre)
Working within theatrical production carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. I know and understand and appreciate these and other risks are inherent in the activity I am participating in. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks. The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance does take all possible precautions for the welfare and safety of its students. If students feel work is too risky or notice risks to their health or welfare, the student should stop working and immediately report the condition to any faculty member or directly to the department chair.
 
Assumption of Risk (Studio)
Movement, Dance, and or Stage Combat coursework carry with them certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. I know and understand and appreciate these and other risks are inherent in the activity I am participating in. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks. The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance does take all possible precautions for the welfare and safety of its students. If students believe choreography or movement is too risky or notice other risks to their health or welfare, the student should stop immediately and report the condition or concern to any faculty member or directly to the department chair.
 
Important Note: Zoom accommodations related to Covid restrictions for face-to-face classes have ended. There will be no live streaming or recording of class sessions.
 
This is an in-person class, and following university guidance, this class will require in-person attendance. There will be no remote option for this class, subject to university policy.
 
Lengthy Illness: Do not come to class if you test positive for Covid or are otherwise ill/symptomatic! Use your Absence Waiver and recover at home for brief illnesses. Report a positive Covid test to the self-report form.
 
For lengthy illnesses, if you are ill or instructed to isolate or quarantine, you may request modified and alternate writing assignments in lieu of in-class participation and assignments. In order for you to receive academic accommodations and ensure that your request is communicated to faculty, you must submit this self-report form (found on our course homepage and Course Links). You must contact your instructor within 15 days of your first missed class in order to receive alternative work and make-up points. Failure to notify your instructor and to complete the self-report form within 15 days makes you ineligible for make-up work and points.
 
Students who complete the self-report form AND contact the instructor within 15 days will be required to complete alternate work that may include essays, readings, and alternate assignments.
 
Note: Students who display symptoms of illness while in class will be asked to leave and may email the instructor to schedule a remote meeting to make up the missed class.
 
Covid-19 Absence Policy: Attendance is required for all classes unless excused by the instructor or for official university travel where documentation is present and COVID-related incidents. Communication will be key should absences be necessary, so please be sure to communicate often and with as much detail as possible. If you do miss a class it is your responsibility to make up the work. Students are allowed two unexcused absences before their grade is affected. On a student’s third unexcused absence their grade will drop half a letter grade, as outlined below.
2 unexcused absences: A; 3 unexcused absences: A-; 4 unexcused absences: B; 5 unexcused absences: C+; 6 unexcused absences: C-; 7 unexcused absences: D
*In addition to attendance, grades are contingent upon the completion and quality of all other course requirements as outlined by the professor.
 
Tardiness: If a student shows up to class more than 5 minutes late they will not be allowed to participate and will be required to observe and complete an observation form to be handed in to the professor at the end of class. Students are allowed six tardies, or the equivalent of two total absences, before their grade is affected. On a student’s seventh tardy, their grade will drop half a letter grade, as outlined below.
3 tardies = 1 absence = A; 6 tardies = 2 absences = A; 7 tardies = A-; 8 tardies = B; 9 tardies = C+; 10 tardies = C-; 11 tardies = D
 
Observation: If a student is unable to participate in a studio-based class due to an injury or otherwise, students are allowed to sit out and observe with approval from the professor and in some cases, a doctor’s note. They will be required to fill out a hardcopy observation form to be handed in to the professor at the end of class (found in each dance studio’s sound cabinet). Students are allowed six observations, or the equivalent of two total absences, before their grade is affected. On a student’s seventh observation their grade will drop half a letter grade, as outlined below.
3 observations = 1 absence = A; 6 observations = 2 absences = A; 7 observations = A-; 8 observations = B; 9 observations = C+; 10 observations = C-; 11 observations = D

Attendance Policy

Asumption of Risk
 
If you are teaching a course that the department believes to have a higher risk of injury you should include the following liability statement
 
These have been reviewed and approved by University Risk Management
 
Assumption of Risk (Technical Theatre)
Working within theatrical production carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. I know and understand and appreciate these and other risks are inherent in the activity I am participating in. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks. The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance does take all possible precautions for the welfare and safety of its students. If students feel work is too risky or notice risks to their health or welfare, the student should stop working and immediately report the condition to any faculty member or directly to the department chair.
 
Assumption of Risk (Studio)
Movement, Dance, and or Stage Combat coursework carry with them certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. I know and understand and appreciate these and other risks are inherent in the activity I am participating in. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks. The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance does take all possible precautions for the welfare and safety of its students. If students believe choreography or movement is too risky or notice other risks to their health or welfare, the student should stop immediately and report the condition or concern to any faculty member or directly to the department chair.
 
Important Note: Zoom accommodations related to Covid restrictions for face-to-face classes have ended. There will be no live streaming or recording of class sessions.
 
This is an in-person class, and following university guidance, this class will require in-person attendance. There will be no remote option for this class, subject to university policy.
 
Lengthy Illness: Do not come to class if you test positive for Covid or are otherwise ill/symptomatic! Use your Absence Waiver and recover at home for brief illnesses. Report a positive Covid test to the self-report form.
 
For lengthy illnesses, if you are ill or instructed to isolate or quarantine, you may request modified and alternate writing assignments in lieu of in-class participation and assignments. In order for you to receive academic accommodations and ensure that your request is communicated to faculty, you must submit this self-report form (found on our course homepage and Course Links). You must contact your instructor within 15 days of your first missed class in order to receive alternative work and make-up points. Failure to notify your instructor and to complete the self-report form within 15 days makes you ineligible for make-up work and points.
 
Students who complete the self-report form AND contact the instructor within 15 days will be required to complete alternate work that may include essays, readings, and alternate assignments.
 
Note: Students who display symptoms of illness while in class will be asked to leave and may email the instructor to schedule a remote meeting to make up the missed class.
 
Covid-19 Absence Policy: Attendance is required for all classes unless excused by the instructor or for official university travel where documentation is present and COVID-related incidents. Communication will be key should absences be necessary, so please be sure to communicate often and with as much detail as possible. If you do miss a class it is your responsibility to make up the work. Students are allowed two unexcused absences before their grade is affected. On a student’s third unexcused absence their grade will drop half a letter grade, as outlined below.
2 unexcused absences: A; 3 unexcused absences: A-; 4 unexcused absences: B; 5 unexcused absences: C+; 6 unexcused absences: C-; 7 unexcused absences: D
*In addition to attendance, grades are contingent upon the completion and quality of all other course requirements as outlined by the professor.
 
Tardiness: If a student shows up to class more than 5 minutes late they will not be allowed to participate and will be required to observe and complete an observation form to be handed in to the professor at the end of class. Students are allowed six tardies, or the equivalent of two total absences, before their grade is affected. On a student’s seventh tardy, their grade will drop half a letter grade, as outlined below.
3 tardies = 1 absence = A; 6 tardies = 2 absences = A; 7 tardies = A-; 8 tardies = B; 9 tardies = C+; 10 tardies = C-; 11 tardies = D
 
Observation: If a student is unable to participate in a studio-based class due to an injury or otherwise, students are allowed to sit out and observe with approval from the professor and in some cases, a doctor’s note. They will be required to fill out a hardcopy observation form to be handed in to the professor at the end of class (found in each dance studio’s sound cabinet). Students are allowed six observations, or the equivalent of two total absences, before their grade is affected. On a student’s seventh observation their grade will drop half a letter grade, as outlined below.
3 observations = 1 absence = A; 6 observations = 2 absences = A; 7 observations = A-; 8 observations = B; 9 observations = C+; 10 observations = C-; 11 observations = D

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.