Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Back to Syllabus Search | Browse by Department
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Movement I-F25-TR

THEA 2112-02

Course: THEA 2112-02
Credits: 2
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 30644

Course Description

This course focuses on the basic elements of physical movement from a variety of disciplines as they pertain to the craft of acting, leading to a greater awareness of the actors’ body. (Fall - Odd Years, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): None. NOTE: Instructor reserves the right to alter or adjust this syllabus at any time during the semester. 

Required Texts

No Texts Required. However, each student will be a part of a team that researches, writes about, and gives a presentation on at least one influential person in the history of movement for the theatre.

Required: It is mandatory that you dress to work in movement-friendly clothing that shows the line of your body. Layers are highly recommended, as the room's temperature varies widely.
Below is a link which will take you to the TDAA site to purchase equipment:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://secure.touchnet.net/C20196_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=178&FROMQRCODE=true__;!!BSlRHw!6iPYUJolmEj-RyLe-nEsN1LNd8S1y6ifWHJM5Je05GasPB9EIMBQEGi_EKkF8oYrIRiZrm8RZrlhbviDgGzNbWk$

After you've purchased your equipment you will need to go to South Hall, Room 100 (front office) and pick them up from our Administrative Assistant, Ann Oberhelman.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop your body’s individual strengths and define limitations.
  2. Develop breathing practices for different forms of movement.
  3. Demonstrate movement dynamically through stretch, yoga and various stage methodologies.
  4. Demonstrate movement rhythmically and spatially.
  5. Display imagination and creative thinking through physical exercise.
  6. Recognize innovators in physical movement for the theatre.
  7. Understand your physical instrument in a deeper, more evolved way.
  8. Demonstrate awareness of your human anatomy as it relates to your central core.
  9. Develop and refine warms-ups for performance and choices beyond habits.

Course Requirements

1. Attendance is expected. Please know that your absence diminishes the class experience as a whole. However, if you experience any flu-like symptoms PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE.
2. Participate fully in every classroom exercise, assignment or group project. This means be attentive and engaged at all times, contribute to discussions, and ask questions that matter.
3. Be prepared. This means that all work must be thoroughly rehearsed, lines memorized and delivered effectively — with full and constructive engagement in the team dynamic.
4. Bring an energy, excitement and willingness to learn to class every day. Your FOCUS is an integral to the success of the course.
5. Help each other in a caring, compassionate manner with the work we do in this class and others. Please be mindful of each other’s personal space.
ASSESSMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS
Any and all assignments must be prepared with understanding and thoroughness and turned in on time.

CLASSROOM ETHICS & REGULATIONS
  • Turn off your cell phone when entering the studio!
  • Personal video recording of any kind in this class is prohibited. We are building memorization skills!
  • Taking notes during class is prohibited (excluding group presentations and reviews). 
  • The art of acting requires taking risks, allowing yourself to be vulnerable and trusting in the work.
  • Do not be afraid of failure. This is how we learn. There is no right or wrong in the artistic process.
  • Respect for all persons at all times is necessary. (Opinions, Cultural Backgrounds, Sexual Preferences, Religion, etc.). Constructive criticism of classmate’s work is necessary.
  • Commitment to the group dynamic and respect for the ensemble.
IMPORTANT
It sometimes may be necessary for the instructor to make physical contact with you to make physical alignment adjustments, corrections, etc., This class requires many physical exercises and activities which are designed to stretch the boundaries of comfortability. If our classwork ever feels unsafe or threatening, please let the instructor know immediately.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Departmental Policy requires all Acting Majors to audition for every main stage and 2nd Studio production. ALL BFA Musical Theatre emphasis candidates MUST audition for ALL main stage and 2nd Studio musical productions. ALL BFA Classical Acting emphasis candidates MUST audition for ALL main stage and 2nd Studio non-musical plays. ALL BFA Tech/Design emphasis candidates MUST apply for ALL tech and design positions for all main stage and 2nd Studio musical and non-musical productions.

Course Outline

The daily schedule draws on a step-by-step process for physical and mental growth through from diverse forms, disciplines, and methodologies, which include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Stretch Techniques;
2. Ashtanga Yoga;
3. Laban Movement Training;
4. Pilates Strength Training;
5. And other recognized practices of physical movement for the stage and for life.

During the course we will discover and strengthen the actor’s physical instrument. Goals for the semester include:
1. Learning the basics of movement used by professional actors;
2. Developing physical awareness & vocal support, and 
3. Building strength and flexibility. 

Additionally, we will develop versatility in the physical instrument by diagnosing the individual student’s physical defaults in order to correct and create a greater physical freedom. 

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

Your grade will be based on the quality of your performance in the following areas:
  • The quality of your participation.
  • The level at which you master the material presented.
  • The manner of your attitude & commitment to the work, i.e., collaborative spirit & play.
  • The quality of your work in relation to your peers.
  • The significance of your growth throughout the course of the semester.
  • The quality with which you complete specific assignments both performance and written.
As you can see, grading will be as precise and by the book, with as little subjectivity as possible.  However, we are human beings, and your attendance, initiative, enthusiasm and willingness to explore unfamiliar ground will go a long way in the determination of your final grade. Standard SUU Grading percentages apply.

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 the missed lesson. Make an appointment to see the instructor during office hours, or ask a fellow classmate to fill you in on what you've missed – do whatever is necessary to MAKE THE EFFORT TO SHOW YOU ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR EDUCATION AND THE COURSE.
If you are absent on a day that you have a solo performance or presentation we will try to make it up at a later date. However, time is precious, so THIS CANNOT BE PROMISED and may need to be recorded or result in a lower grade.

Attendance Policy

TDAA 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
In addition to attendance, grades are contingent upon the completion and quality of all other course requirements as outlined by the professor. For purposes of grading, no distinction between excused and unexcused absences (excluding recognized religious holidays and approved university functions) as absenteeism affects the progress of the entire class.
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.

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.