Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

The Comedy of Errors-F25

THEA 4140-01

Course: THEA 4140-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 30666

Course Description

This course is designed for intermediate students to learn, develop, and apply performance techniques and learn how to function as part of a performance ensemble by working in an actual production for public presentation. Students will receive face to face instruction in a non-traditional classroom setting. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Repeatable for Add’l Credit? Yes - Total Credits: 12 Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

Required Text:
The Comedy of Errors TDAA Production Script
Provided.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate professional collaboration, rehearsal and performance traits 
2. Recognize and articulate standard practices, etiquette and elements of the theatre production process.
3. Demonstrate textual and analytical research and interpretation of recognized play scripts and/or musical scores. 
4. Demonstrate intermediate to advanced collaborative, organizational, and commitment skills.

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. Rehearsal and Performance.
2. Call-time and preparation, and navigating through the Rehearsal process.
3. Blocking and/or Choreography, and Text/song study and memorization.
4. Backstage professionalism & behavior, Strike, and completion.

Course Requirements

PRELIMINARY DIRECTOR'S NOTES & THOUGHTS
A Looney Tunes-inspired, 1980's influenced take on Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors.

WHAT IS THIS PLAY ABOUT?
At its core, The Comedy of Errors is about IDENTITY, REUNION, and the chaos of MISTAKEN IDENTITY. It follows 2 SETS of IDENTICAL TWINS—Antipholus of Syracuse and Ephesus, and their twin servants, the Dromios—separated at birth. When fate brings them to the same city, misunderstandings erupt like popcorn in a microwave.

But underneath the gags, this is a story about FAMILY—reunited against all odds, and the SEARCH OF SELF in a disorienting world.

WHAT’S THE STORY AND HOW MIGHT WE TELL IT TODAY?
We’re setting this in a neon colored, cartoonish version of the 1980s—think Looney Tunes meets 80’s TV, with some Ghostbusters gadgets, big hair, and synth pulses. The city of Ephesus becomes a stylized, zany metro world that’s half mall, half arcade, and all chaos –– maybe even like we’re inside a giant pinball machine.

To keep the energy electric:
  • Ensemble Foley Artists will create live, cartoon sound effects—boings, zips, wacky bonks, exaggerated footsteps, and slide whistles.
  • Mini-trampolines & gym mats will be incorporated for live, safe pratfalls, flips, and cartoonish exits—our Dromios should feel indestructible.
  • Quick-change costume tricks may help us create rapid, confusing entrances that make the twin mix-ups even more dizzying.

We’ll lean into “bit-style” staging, mirroring the rhythm of animated shorts, using bold physicality, loud SFX, and musical cues to guide the action. NOTE: This production will be geared for younger, teen, and/or modern audiences (High School Shakespeare Competition friendly!) who are used to visual and kinetic storytelling.

IMPORTANT THEMES & MOTIFS
  • Mistaken Identity/The Fragility of Perception: No one knows who anyone really is—just like how in Looney Tunes, reality is elastic, and identity is often defined by costume and timing.
  • Reunion and Belonging: After all the chaos, the family is reknit—timeless and universal.
  • Order vs. Chaos: The city is a maze of legal traps, emotional storms, and clownish confusion until clarity arrives in the final act.
  • Doubling/Duality: We’ll reflect this visually (mirrored choreography, twin costumes), aurally (dual Foley cues), and spatially (split-stage gags, classic chases).

WHY THIS PLAY, AND WHY NOW –– IN 2025?
Because we live in an era of information overload, glitchy online identities, and constant confusion over what’s real and what’s not. Like the twins, we often feel disoriented—swiping through versions of ourselves, meeting strangers who act like they know us.

Plus, in today’s noise and spin of modern life, laughter is a necessity and more vital than ever, and, funnily enough, Shakespeare knew that better than anyone. With today’s constant threat of AI takeover, deepfakes, and digital avatars –– Mistaken identity has never been more relevant.

Our TDAA fall production of The Comedy of Errors will strive to be a kinetic explosion and celebration of nostalgia, joy, and Shakespeare’s smarts. It’s a show where classical language, inspired by Commedia de’Arte, dances with the visual comedy of Chuck Jones; and where every door is a portal to another mix-up. It wants to be loud, brash, colorful, fast, and most of all –– FUNNY. It should also be full of heart. And yes, it should wrap up with a very happy ending. Let’s turn this 16th-century farce into a gloriously goofy, high-octane, onstage cartoon that speaks to our 2025 audience through laughter, chaos, and connection.

Course Outline

REHEARSAL OVERVIEW:
Rehearsals begin on Saturday, August 23, from 12:00pm-4:00pm. We will begin with Design Presentations, and then have our first Table Read.
There will be Double-Session rehearsals: Monday, August 25 and Tuesday, August 26, These occur before the first day of school on Wed the 27th.
Double Rehearsals on those first two days will be from 12:00-3:00pm and 5:00-8:00pm.

Beginning Wedesday, August 27, we will begin our Monday thru Fridays rehearsal schedule from 6:00-9:00pm.
(There will be NO REHEARSAL on Labor Day, Monday, Sept 1).
Saturdays will be flexible to start depending upon how much we get done in the first few weeks or so.

NOTE: Not Everyone will be called for all calls.
However due to the ensemble nature of the show and the limited time the TDAA first slot usually has the schedule will be fairly heavy.
Bring homework and snacks when you can!
Crew View will be on Wednesday, Sept 17th.
Tech Rehearsals will be Thursday-Saturday, Sept 18-20
Dress Rehearsals will be held Mon, Tues & Wed, Sept 22-24

The show opens Thursday, Sept 25
We have off Friday, Sept 26th (SUU has scheduled Forever Red on that night-loud rock music and fireworks!)
We will resume our run on Sat, Sept. 27
Continue Mon, Sept 29
The following weekend (High School Shakes Comp weekend!) Thurs-Sat, October 2-4. 
All showtimes are at 8pm in the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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.