Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Acting IV: Classical I-F25

THEA 3123-01

Course: THEA 3123-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 30652

Course Description

Advanced preparation for performance of classical texts from influential periods of the World Theatre. Emphasis on voice, speech, movement, and character development. (Fall - Odd Years) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): THEA 3033 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Registration Restriction: BFA Acting or Musical Majors Only. Instructor reserves the right to edit, alter, or revise this syllabus at any time during the semester.

Required Texts

NO REQUIRED TEXTS
We will be working on scenes from classic plays, texts will be provided.
Screenings of classic play performances of the World Theatre, also provided.

Required:
Notebook and writing utensils.

Learning Outcomes

Successful students will complete this course demonstrating mid to upper level mastery in the following learning outcomes:

1. Develop and demonstrate a working knowledge of the physical performance styles of several periods in theatrical history on an intermediate level.
2. Cultivate and demonstrate the vocal size and diction skills needed to effectively interpret and perform classical texts on an intermediate level.
3. Develop, articulate, and demonstrate analytical skills for evaluating and implementing the style of various classical periods or genres and the understanding of its form and structure.
4. Comprehend and perform a wide variety of world classical works and techniques.

These outcomes will be reinforced through instruction, at home practice, and formative assessment. Students’ efforts will be summatively assessed via a number of interrelated classroom activities, assignments, and research projects, as indicated below:

1. Physical work in Commedia Dell'Arte styles, Moliere and/or Melodrama, Grand Guignol, or Vaudeville.
2. Analyzing and scoring texts from Commedia Dell'Arte, Moliere and/or Melodrama, Grand Guignol, or Vaudeville.
3. Coaching, discussions, critical analysis, and feedback of the following styles: Commedia Dell'Arte, Moliere and/or Melodrama, Grand Guignol, or Vaudeville.
4. Workshopping, rehearsing and performing scenes from various world classics, vaudeville sketches, and/or other sketch comedy.

Course Requirements


WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU
  1. Attendance is expected. Please know that your absence diminishes the class experience as a whole. However, if you experience any flu-like symptoms, be responsible and employ good judgement for your fellow artists in the room.
  2. Participate fully in every workshop exercise, monologue and/or scene 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. 
  5. Help each other in a caring, inclusive, and compassionate manner with the work we do in this class and others.  Even though COVID restrictions are now relaxed, please be mindful and respect each other’s personal playing spaces.
  6. Wear clothing suitable for movement and rehearsal work, unless notified otherwise in advance. 
  7. Assignments are due on the dates outlined in class by the instructor. (SEE COURSE SCHEDULE)
  8. No food (bottled water ONLY), cell phones, firearms or tobacco are allowed in class or performance space at any time.
  9. Production values in our performance work is de-emphasized in the classroom setting.  Emphasis is always on “process” not “production.”
  10. Any and all written assignments must be typed & double spaced or they will not be accepted. No exceptions.

IMPORTANT!
It may sometimes be necessary for the instructor to make physical contact with you to determine breathing, muscle tension, spine alignment, etc. On days where this may occur, or when we engage in scenes that may require physical contact, we will employ a brief intimacy check-in as a group. This means creating a safe and open clearing for everyone to communicate with honesty and respect our personal boundaries and how we shall effectively deal with "buttons" (trigger points where we may feel the need to take a moment to mentally and/or physically collect ourselves). It is always our goal that this check-in occurs without self-consciousness and/or judgement. IT'S OKAY TO SAY "NO." Remember, we are here for one another.

If our classwork ever feels threatening or morally uncomfortable, please let the instructor know immediately.

To study acting is to study the human condition. The instructor reserves the right to address controversial issues as they relate to the acting process. Because theatre imitates human behavior and because sexuality is a significant part of human behavior, some materials in this course may deal with sexual behaviors, situations, stereotypes and language. People easily offended by such subject matter may want to reconsider taking this course or whether the major itself is right for you.

The acting process also requires many physical exercises and activities. You must be the judge of what your physical limitations are and only attempt what is within your range. Your strength and flexibility will improve at an individual rate. Please make your professor aware of any conditions that might affect your physical participation in class. (see ADA Statement below)

Course Outline

FALL COURSE SCHEDULE

1. Thursday, August 28
Opening Discussion-Setting the Course Parameters
COMMEDIA (1560-1700) 16th Century
COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE: The Foundation of World Comedy
A Quick History of Commedia Dell'Arte
Warm-Ups/Investigating Physical Archetypes

2. Tuesday, September 2
Warm-Ups – Commedia Dell’Arte
Investigating Emotional Scales
Understanding the Hierarchy of Commedia

3. Thursday, September 4
Warm-Ups – Commedia Dell’Arte
Engaging in Commedia Mask Work-Upper

4. Tuesday, September 9
Warm-Ups – Commedia Dell’Arte
Warm-ups/Engaging in Commedia Mask Work-Lower

5. Thursday, September 11
Warm-Ups – Commedia Dell’Arte
Warm-ups/Engaging in Commedia Mask Work-Middle

6. Tuesday, September 16
Warm-Ups – Commedia Dell’Arte
Incorporating "Grammalot" into Mask Work

7. Thursday, September 18
Warm-Ups – Commedia Dell’Arte
Building Team Scenarios & Lazzi
Response Paper #1 – One Man, Two Guv'nors Due Sunday, September 21

8. Tuesday, September 23
Warm-Ups – Commedia Dell’Arte
Mask Work and Team Scenario Rehearsal Time

9. Thursday, September 25
Warm-Ups – Commedia Dell’Arte
Mask Work and Team Scenario Rehearsal Time

10. Tuesday, September 30
PERFORMANCE: Commedia Scenarios/Lazzi

11. Thursday, October 2
MOLIERE (1622-1643) 17th Century
THE COMEDY OF MOLIERE: The Art of Extreme Theatricality
Warm-Ups – Vocal Gymnastics
Finding the Highs and Lows of Comic Play

12. Tuesday, October 7
Warm-Ups – Moliere Verse Work
Assign Moliere Monologues

13. Thursday, October 9
Warm-Ups – Moliere Verse Monologue Work
Playing with a Prop (or Two)/What's Under the Hat?

Tuesday, October 14
FALL BREAK – NO CLASSES

14. Thursday, October 16
Warm-Ups – Moliere Verse Monologue Work
Improvisation to Comic Music
Response Paper #2 – Tartuffe Due Sunday, October 19

15. Tuesday, October 21
Warm-Ups – Moliere Verse Monologue Work

16. Thursday, October 23
Warm-Ups – Moliere Verse Monologue Work

17. Tuesday, October 28
PERFORMANCE: Moliere Verse Monologues

18. Thursday, October 30
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
Earl 20th Century
MODERNIST COMEDY
: Blending Naturalism Into Stylization

19. Tuesday, November 4
Warm-Ups – Shaw Work
Humor Around Class & Language
Assign Final Scene Projects

20. Thursday, November 6
Warm-Ups – Shaw Final Scene Work
ComicTiming, Exaggerated Expressions & Social Behavior

21. Tuesday, November 11
Warm-Ups – Shaw Final Scene Work

22. Thursday, November 13
Warm-Ups – Shaw Final Scene Work
Response Paper #3 – A Shaw Piece (TBD) Due Sunday, November 16

23. Tuesday, November 18
Warm-Ups – Shaw Final Scene Work

24. Thursday, November 20
Warm-Ups – Shaw Final Scene Work

Monday – Friday, November 24 thru 28
THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO CLASSES

25. Tuesday, December 2
Warm-Ups – Run-Thru Final Scene Projects

26. Thursday, December 4
PERFORMANCE: Final Scene Projects

Tuesday-Friday, Dec 8-11 – Final Exam Week
NO FINAL EXAM FOR THIS CLASS

*IMPORTANT: ABOVE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

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

GRADING CRITERIA
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 and commitment to the work; 
  • 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;

YOU WILL BE GRADED BY PERCENTAGE POINTS ON CANVAS DURING THE SEMESTER COVERING THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: 
Preparation (How ready you are to do the work)        
Effort: Participation/Attentiveness & Attitude in class    
Participation Workshop exercises 
Performance in Monologues, Final Scenes and/or Final Group Project
All Written and Exam work 

GRADING POLICY
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. At the end of the semester, grades will be averaged and weighted as indicated above, and students’ final grades will be determined based on SUU Canvas grading percentages rubric.

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.

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.

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.