Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

BFA Showcase (Face-to-Face)

THEA 4471-01

Course: THEA 4471-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: TA
CRN: 12038

Course Description

This class is designed to bridge academic training with post-academic, professional practice. Students will refine all aspects of their creative and professional portfolios in preparation to enter the theatre industry and move to their first professional target city. This course will foster self-motivation and self-reliance toward greater ownership over the theatre artist's craft, and connect those motivated individuals with industry professionals who may assist them as they continue on their career path. Coursework will culminate in the production of a One-Person, Ten-Minute Performance Showcase. These showcases may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: personal storytelling; existing original, contemporary and/or classical monologues; Broadway, pop, or other songs; theme of production, and other elements developed in the fall Professional Portfolio course. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): THEA 4412 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Registration Restriction(s): BFA Acting or Musical Theatre majors only. Instructor reserves the right to edit, alter, or revise this syllabus at any time during the semester. 

Required Texts

  • No text books are required for this course, however, because the thrust of the work depends greatly on performance, students MUST find personal copies of plays used in monologue preparation for auditions. It is left up to the student to choose whether these scripts are purchased or borrowed from the library. Ask about available PDFs, too!
  • Access to a computer and/or device that will keep you current on all CANVAS postings and assignments.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Demonstrate mastery of all professional portfolio elements, i.e., digital, oral, and written.
  2. Develop a basic understanding of pertinent business elements of the professional career, i.e., independent producing, mission statement, network spreadsheet, identity branding, etc.
  3. Develop and cultivate network relationships in their post-undergraduate/professional careers.
  4. Continue to demonstrate mid to upper level mastery of advanced performance and audition skills, self-assessment, and self-correction for continued learning and growth in their professional process and career.

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. Class workshops & lectures, audition portfolio/materials assessment and critique. Audition Book, Building/launching personal website/brand.
  2. Foundations of "networking." Introductions to and conversations with working Industry Professionals, i.e., casting directors, artistic directors, etc. Connecting with SUU Alumni in future cities of employment interest.
  3. Mock auditons, Regularly scheduled rehearsals for BFA Showcase, with analysis and feedback. Live performance of 10-minute, One-Person BFA Showcase Performance Capstone.

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 all showcase rehearsals, work-throughs, tech-throughs, etc., as well as all class discussions and/or guest workshops. This means be attentive and engaged at all times, contribute to discussions, and ask questions that matter. 
  3. Be the professional you wish to be. 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.  Please be mindful and respect each other’s personal playing spaces.
  6. Attire: Students are required to wear comfortable clothing and footwear that will accommodate freedom of movement as well as professional attire for scheduled mock auditions and/or Showcase dress rehearsals and performance.
  7. No food (bottled water ONLY), cell phones, firearms or tobacco are allowed in class or performance space at any time.
  8. Constructive self-reflection, collaboration, and goal oriented drive in the areas of building personal marketing tools is expected throughout the semester.

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

COURSE SCHEDULE
1. Wednesday, Jan 7
ZOOM GUEST DAY:
CHELSEY MAROCCHI, Entertainment Company Manager, Lagoon Amusement Park. Chelsey will be discussing all things Lagoon and upcoming auditions for their summer company.

2. Friday, Jan 9
DISCUSSION/LECTURE: Networking Spreadsheet/Writing Letters of Interest/Talent & Casting Agencies. Assignment: Write (3) Three Letters of Interest for Professional work.

3. Monday, Jan 12
Showcase Staging Rehearsals
 
4. Wednesday, Jan 14
Showcase Staging Rehearsals

5. Friday, Jan 16
Showcase Staging Rehearsals

Monday, Jan 19
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY – NO CLASSES

6. Wednesday,  Jan 21
Showcase Staging Rehearsals

7. Friday,  Jan 23
Showcase Staging Rehearsals

8. Monday,  Jan 26
Showcase Staging Rehearsals

9. Wednesday, Jan 28
Showcase Staging Rehearsals

10. Friday, Jan 30
Showcase Staging Rehearsals

11. Monday, Feb 2
Showcase Staging Rehearsals

12, Wednesday, Feb 4
Showcase Staging Rehearsals

13. Friday, Feb 6
Group Vocal Rehearsal

14. Monday, Feb 9
Showcase Work-Through Rehearsals

15. Wednesday, Feb 11
Showcase Work-Through Rehearsals

16. Friday, Feb 13
Showcase Work-Through Rehearsals

Monday, Feb 16
PRESIDENT'S DAY – NO CLASSES

17. Wednesday, Feb 18
Showcase Work-Through Rehearsals

18. Friday, Feb 20
Showcase Work-Through Rehearsals

19. Monday, Feb 23
Showcase Work-Through Rehearsals

20. Wednesday, Feb 25
Showcase Work-Through Rehearsals

21. Friday, Feb 27
Showcase Work-Through Rehearsals

22. Monday, March 2
Showcase Work-Through Rehearsals

23. Wednesday, March 4
Showcase Work-Through Rehearsals

24. Friday, March 6
Group Vocal Work-Through Day

Monday, March 9 thru Friday, March 13
SPRING BREAK – NO CLASSES

25. Monday, March 16
TBD-Slot for Dry tech and/or Dress-Tech Rehearsals, etc. 

26. Wednesday, March 18
TBD-Slot for Refining Showcase Performances, Dry tech and/or Dress-Tech Rehearsals, etc. 

27. Friday, March 20
TBD-Slot for Refining Showcase Performances, Dry tech and/or Dress-Tech Rehearsals, etc. 

28. Monday, March 23
TBD-Slot for Refining Showcase Performances, Dry tech and/or Dress-Tech Rehearsals, etc. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: FINAL DRESS REHEARSALS MAY AND WILL OCCUR BETWEEN MONDAY, MARCH 23 thru MONDAY, MARCH 30, in the 3-5pm SLOTS. THIS MAY ALSO INCLUDE TIMES TBD ON SATURDAY, MARCH 28. BE PREPARED.

29. Wednesday, March 25
TBD-Slot for Refining Showcase Performances, Dry tech and/or Dress-Tech Rehearsals, etc.

30. Friday, March 27
TBD-Slot for Refining Showcase Performances, Dry tech and/or Dress-Tech Rehearsals, etc. 

31. Monday, March 30
TBD-Slot for Refining Showcase Performances, Dry tech and/or Dress-Tech Rehearsals, etc.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Final Dress Rehearsals may occur sometime between the 3-5pm slot on this day.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31
FESTIVAL OF EXCELLENCE: SHOWCASE PERFORMANCES

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION/LECTURE & ZOOM GUEST DAYS DEPEND ON VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL SCHEDULES AND ARE, THEREFORE, SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

32. Wednesday, April 1
DISCUSSION/LECTURE: Self Producing: How and where do I start?

33. Friday, April 3
DISCUSSION/LECTURE: The Ins & Outs of Actor’s Equity.

34. Monday, April 6
ZOOM SPECIAL GUEST DAY:

35. Wednesday, April 8
DISCUSSION/LECTURE: Building your Professional Website-Part Two. 

36. Friday, April 10
DISCUSSION/LECTURE: Building your Professional Website-Part One. 

37. Monday, April 13
ZOOM SPECIAL GUEST DAY:

38. Wednesday, April 15
ZOOM SPECIAL GUEST DAY:

39. Friday, April 17
Completion Day

Monday, April 20 thru Thursday, April 23
FINAL EXAM WEEK
*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.

Course Fees

None for this course.

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.