Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Portfolio (Face-to-Face)

THEA 3571-01

Course: THEA 3571-01
Credits: 2
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 30661

Course Description

The focus of this course is to prepare the design and technical student in seeking employment within the performing arts industry. This industry requires us to continuously market and sell ourselves in order to obtain and continue employment. Tools used by professionals to do this include portfolios, websites, business cards, resumes and cover letters. We will also discuss how to manage our careers in the industry including, but not limited to, searching for jobs, the interview process, freelance work, invoicing, taxes, banking, and unions.

Required Texts

Required Text: None

Required Tools: Access to a computer. Tools as you determine necessary to accomplish the assignments and projects as you envision them.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Explore and select from a variety of strategies to compile and create an individual working portfolio.
  2. Create an individual working resume for current and future employment.
  3. Learn and implement techniques and writing styles by generating multiple mock cover letters for employment.
  4. Have a basic understanding of how contracts, taxes, insurance, unions, and other aspects of business management impact your professional life by using case studies to fill out requisite forms.
  5. Create a web presence in the form of a digital portfolio & social media that offers possible employers a more thorough look at what skills and abilities you possess as an artist and/or technician.
  6. Explore and learn to navigate the job posting websites in the theatrical industry by creating the documentation for mock application, researching, interviewing and pursuing the requisite steps in accepting the position.
  7. Design and create your business communication tools including invoices, business cards, etc.
  8. Experience phone & in-person mock job interview to hone interviewing skills.

Course Requirements

Job Search

Job Postings:

Find five jobs that interest you on job sites used in the theatre industry. Print off the jobs and type a paragraph discussing why the particular job interests you.

Researching Jobs (two total):

  • Find a job posting - print off, type why it interests you (can be from Job Posting Assignment)
  • Research the Organization – Print mission statement, look up artistic employees who have worked there, examine production quality, shops, etc. Write why or why you will not work there.

Introducing yourself to a Job Market & Moving to the “Big City”:

Select a big city theatre market, find five theatres/organizations for which you would wish to work. Research your selections, decide on three. Write a letter of introduction for each of the three. Create a sample portfolio to send. You will also research the expenses of relocating, and cost of living in your dream city including apartments, internet service, etc.

Paperwork

Resume:

Create a working resume format (three revisions)

Writing a Cover Letter:

Write generic cover letters/letters of introduction for yourself (three separate versions)

The Business of our Industry #1: Marketing Yourself

Logo – design a personal logo for the business of you
Business Card – design your business card
Letterhead – design your letterhead
Invoices – create a variety of invoice forms for your work

The Business of our Industry #2: Taxes & Contracts

Taxes – fill out a case study tax packet
Analyze Contracts - evaluate contracts for potential employments

Portfolio

Evaluating Portfolios:

Examine and evaluate online and/or paper portfolios determining what traits communicate an effective portfolio

Evaluation of HSSC Resumes & Portfolio:

Evaluate HSSC Resumes/Portfolio. You will be the judge.

Digital Portfolio:

Construct a working portfolio to show to industry professionals in seeking employment or grad programs. Develop a personal portfolio presentation.

Web Presence:

Secure a website, upload documents and portfolio images & establish on-line professional social media accounts.

Interviews and Presentations

Mock Phone Interviews:

Participate in mock phone interviews with an industry professional. Practice speaking with authority.

Mock In-Person Interviews:

Participate in mock interviews with an industry professional. Dress the part.

Mock Portfolio Presentation:

Formal presentation of Portfolio to a committee & feedback.

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

GradeRange
A94% to 100%
A-90% to < 94%
B+87% to < 90%
B84% to < 87%
B-80% to < 84%
C+77% to < 80%
C74% to < 77%
C-70% to < 74%
D+67% to < 70%
D64% to < 67%
D-60% to < 64%
F0% to < 60%

Course Outline

W1 | The job search and resumes.
W2 | Resume revisions and research on prospective jobs. 
W3 | Final resume work and introduction to porfolios. 
W4 | Initial creation of portfolios. 
W5 | Introduce cover letters and continue portfolio work. 
W6 | Continue cover letters and portfolio work. 
W7 | Create portfolios.
W8 | Final cover letter work and introduction to marketing, contracts, and taxes. 
W9 | Final marketing work. Career planning post-interview. Introduction to interviews. 
W10 | Presenting portfolios and mock interviews. 
W11 | Presenting social media and mock interviews. 
W12 | Present portfolios. 
W13 | Mock interviews and portfolio presentations. 
W14 | Mock interviews and portfolio presentations. 

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

Late Assignments:

Except as noted, assignments will be submitted online. Consult the assignment information on Canvas for all due dates and times. As many assignments will be shared and critiqued during class, it is essential that assignments are submitted on time for optimal feedback. Presentations must meet the due dates as scheduled. Presentation dates will not be rescheduled except as required under university policies. Such exceptions MUST be documented and have advanced notice, otherwise no accommodation will be provided. Late projects may be accepted with a penalty increasing 3% daily. If you need to be absent, work due during your absence must be turned in ahead of time.

Attendance Policy

Attendance:

Attending and participating in class is essential to the learning process of this course. 10% of the overall grade will be based on participation: 5% at midterms, 5% at finals. Attendance will be taken during lecture and presentation classes. Active participation will be expected in the form of presentation, constructive feedback, and questioning. Work days will be provided throughout the semester in which absence won't be penalized but active work demonstrated either in class or remotely, will contribute to the participation grade. 

Statement of risk

Statement of risk:

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.

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.