Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Script Analysis (Face-to-Face)

THEA 1713-03

Course: THEA 1713-03
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Theatre, Dance, & Arts Admin
CRN: 30336

Course Description

This course provides students with a variety of tools with which to analyze a dramatic text for purposes of production. While our principal perspectives will be that of the stage director, actor, and designer, we will consider the perspective of all participants in the performance process, including dramaturgs, playwrights, stage managers, technicians, audience members, and critics. A broad selection of classic and contemporary plays, as well as critical and theoretical texts will be read and discussed.

Required Texts

Required Texts:

Thomas, James. Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers. 7th ed.

The paper text or digital access option can be purchased. You can use older editions as well.

  • Please note you will also need to attend department productions. We will discuss theatre productions on a given day in class from the perspective of Script Analysis (see the course schedule).
Plays:

(Note- TCD = Twentieth-Century Drama Database found through the library website)

PlaywrightPlayLocation
Lynn NottagePoofCanvas
William ShakespeareHamletAnywhere
Lynn NottageRuinedCanvas
Edward AlbeeThe SandboxCanvas
SophoclesAntigoneCanvas
Beth PiatoteAntíkoniCanvas
Sam ShepardTrue WestCanvas
Caryl ChurchillTop GirlsCanvas
Tennessee WilliamsCat on a Hot Tin RoofCanvas
Quiara Alegría HudesWater By the Spoonful***Purchase***
Milcha Sanchez-ScottThe Cuban SwimmerCanvas
Rajiv JosephTiger at the Baghdad ZooCanvas
Oscar WildeThe Importance of being EarnestTCD
Sarah RuhlThe Clean House***Purchase***
August WilsonGem of the OceanTCD
Jaclyn BackhausMen on BoatsCanvas
Larissa FastHorseThe Thanksgiving PlayCanvas
Heiner MüllerHamletmachineCanvas

Learning Outcomes

  • 1) Creative and Critical Thinking: Students will utilize the dramatic script as the primary source of information for theatrical performance via the application and deployment of a variety of analytical tools.
  • 2) Inquiry and Analysis: Students will develop a personal methodology for analyzing and evaluating scripts for theatrical requirements and aesthetic qualities.
  • 3) Communication: Students will write and speak clearly about dramatic literature, performance, and analytical techniques.
  • 4) Information Literacy: Students will identify and define key theatrical elements within a diverse array of scripts and performance texts.

Course Requirements

%ActivitiesAlignment with Outcomes & Assessment
10%Participation, Discussions, & Social Contract: All students are expected to participate actively in the community of this course—by that, I mean I expect each student to have read the assigned material before class begins, contribute to class discussion in ways that are constructive to your fellow colleagues, and to demonstrate openly, your learning process with the material. This will be a challenging course, and therefore it necessitates a positive attitude from each student. The choice not to contribute to class discussions or to foster a negative classroom environment will detract from your final grade. Thought Deposit: A virtual space to voice your thoughts about a script.Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be measured through classroom participation, preparedness, and demonstrated knowledge via specific discussion questions. Students will receive critical feedback from peers and faculty.
20%Activities, Questions, & Quizzes Questions for Discussion and Worksheets may be collected. It is expected that for each reading you will have a minimum of 3 thought provoking questions or topics for discussion derived from the textbook or play readings. Individual and group learning activities will occur throughout the course. These activities require you to have read and engaged with the material (textbook and plays) in preparation for the activity. You will be graded on the participation and quality of work produced in each activity. You and your group members will hold yourselves accountable. If you or other members of the group do not actively participate in the activity, credit for that activity can not be earned. Pop Quizzes may be given throughout the semester. If all reading is clearly done and engaged discussions occur, pop quizzes won’t happen.Learning outcome 2 and 4 will be measured through quizzes containing short answer, multiple choice, and essay questions. Each quiz may cover anything covered in class or in reading assignments.
10%Mid-Term Exam Come ready to answer questions in essay form about any of the plays we have read so far. Other exam questions will include multiple choice, fill in the blank, and true/false covering the first half of the course (lectures, classroom discussions, readings, etc.)All learning outcomes will be measured. Students will communicate clearly in written form, recall, identify, and define key analytical techniques. Apply field specific terminology. Think creatively and critically to analyze dramatic scripts.
30%Pitch Project ● Part I: Written Script Analysis ● Part II: Oral Pitch Presentation ● Pitch Voting SheetLearning outcomes 1 and 3 will be measured via the successful communication of the student’s conceptual interpretation of a play script.
20%Play Discussion Leader Project Each member of the will be assigned a group, and each group will be assigned a play and will lead the class through a discussion on that play as well as, content of the scheduled corresponding chapter in the textbook as it relates to the assigned play. Those not leading the discussion are expected to actively participate in the discussion OR complete the quiz in Canvas to earn participation points for each play.Learning outcomes 3 and 4 will be assessed via the group’s ability to clearly distribute information on a specific assigned play and script analysis tool.
10%Final ExamAll learning outcomes will be measured. Students will communicate clearly in written form, recall, identify, and define key analytical techniques. Apply field specific terminology. Think creatively and critically to analyze dramatic scripts.

Course Learning OutcomesCourse Assessments / Evaluations
Students completing the course will be able toAttendance / Participation | Pitch Project & Discussion Project | Activities, Question, & Quizzes | Exams
Pitch | Discussion | Mid-Term | Final
Outcome #1X | X | X | X | X
Outcome #2X | X | X | X | X
Outcome #3X | X | X | X | X
Outcome #4X | X | X | X | X

GradePercentageGradePercentageGradePercentageGradePercentageGradePercentage
A930-1000A-900-929B+860-899B830-859B-800-829
C+760-799C730-759C-700-729D+660-699D630-659
D-600-632F599-0

Course Outline

WEEKDATETOPICReadingAssignments Due
Week 1W 9/2Introduction / Syllabus
View USF Production of Hamlet September 2nd OR September 5th @ 8pm
Your Theatre Image Question & Questions/Thoughts – Intro
F 9/4Why Does Theatre Matter?Introduction (Thomas)
Week 2M 9/7LABOR DAY NO CLASSES
W 9/9What Makes a Play a Play?Ch. 1 Action Analysis Poof! (read in class)Questions/Thoughts – Ch. 1
F 9/11Analyze This! Part II Poof! Cont’dRead POOF in Class
Week 3M 9/14What Lives Between the Lines?Ch. 2 Foundations of the Plot: Given CircumstancesPoof Action Analysis
W 9/16ApplicationShakespeare – Hamlet
F 9/18ApplicationShakespeare – Hamlet Cont’d
Week 4M 9/21What is the Background Story?Ch. 3: Foundations of the Plot: Background Story
W 9/23Background Story ApplicationNottage – RuinedWhat is Your Background Story?
F 9/25Pitch: Present the Pitch Assignment
Attend USF production of Importance of Being Earnest
Wednesday, Sept. 24 @ 2pm
Thursday, Sept. 25 @ 8 pm
Saturday, Sept. 27 @ 2pm
Sign-up in Google Form The Importance of Being Earnest
Week 5M 9/28Knowing the Why.Ch. 4 Plot: External & Internal Action in the DialogueQuestions/Thoughts – Ch. 4
W 9/30External & Internal Action Application
View Mainstage Production of Sense and Sensibility Oct. 2, 3, 5, 9, &10 @ 8pm Engelstad Theatre
Albee – The SandboxProduction activity
F 10/2HSSC – NO CLASSES
Week 6M 10/5ApplicationThe Sandbox continued . . .
W 10/7Why I’m breaking up with Aristotle.Aristotle Reading on CanvasSo…What Do You Know About Aristotle? (Before & After Readings)
F 10/9Aristotle ApplicationSophocles – AntigonePitch – #1: Ch. 1, 2, 4
Week 7M 10/12Modern Times & AristotlePiatote – Antíkoni
W 10/14What are the bones of the story?Ch. 5 Plot: Progressions & Structure
F 10/16Application of Plot & Aristotle
How does Dramaturgy build meaning?
Shepard – True West
Canvas Reading - Dramaturgy
Structure/Progressions Video Uploaded to Canvas
Week 8M 10/19Fall Break NO CLASS
W 10/21Application of DramaturgyChurchill – Top Girls continued . . .
MidtermF 10/23Who are these characters really?Ch. 6 CharacterAnalyze Family OR Friend
Week 9M 10/26Applying Character AnalysisWilliams – Cat on a Hat Tin Roof
W 10/28Hudes – Water By the SpoonfulView Second Studio Production of Hedda Gabler Oct. 29, 30, 31 @ 7:30pm AND Oct. 31 @ 2pm
F 10/30MIDTERM EXAMMIDTERM EXAMMIDTERM EXAM

WeekDATETOPICReadingAssignments Due
Week 10M 11/2Discuss – Play Discussion Leaders Assignment
W 11/4Why this play now? AND What’s this play about?Ch. 7 IdeaFiguring Out the Idea–Why & How?
F 11/6Application of Idea
View Mainstage Production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical November 6, 7, 9, 13 @ 7:30pm AND November 7 & 14 @ 2pm
Sanchez-Scott – Cuban SwimmerPitch – #2: Ch. 3, 5, 6 By midnight
Week 11M 11/9Finding the Idea in a PlayJoseph – Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
W 11/11Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo continued
F 11/13How does language shape meaning?Ch. 8 DialogueHow Do You Use Dialogue?
Week 12M 11/16Analyzing dialogue to understand the play.Wilde – The Importance of Being EarnestDiscussion Leaders Group Project Memes, Tweets, & Posts
W 11/18Ruhl – The Clean House
F 11/20Tempo, Rhythm, StyleCh. 9 Tempos, Rhythm and Mood & Ch. 10 StyleStyle in Theatre
Week 13M 11/23Thanksgiving Break – NO CLASS
W 11/25Thanksgiving Break – NO CLASS
F 11/27Thanksgiving Break – NO CLASS
Week 14M 11/302,Finding the tempo and rhythmWilson – Gem of the Ocean
W 12/2Using script analysis to create a Production.
View Second Studio Production of Songs for a New World Dec. 3, 4, 5 @ 7:30pm AND Dec. 5 @ 2pm
Readings in CanvasPitch – #3: Ch. 7, 8, 9 &10
F 12/4Finding a production concept in the script.
View Department Production of Sweet Charity Nov. 22, 23 (matinee & evening)
Backhaus – Men on Boats
Week 15M 12/7PostmodernismCh. 11 A Case Study of Postmodern Drama & Müller – Hamletmachine
W 12/9Pitch Presentations
View Mainstage Production Faculty Dance Concert Dec. 10 & 11 @ 7:30pm, and 12 @ 2 pm and 7:30pm Randall Theatre
Pitch – Oral Presentations
F 12/11Pitch Presentations
Review/Recap for Final
Review Text, NotesPitch Voting Sheet Due
Bring questions or topics to discuss for the final
Section 02Thursday Dec. 17thFinal Exam for section 029:00 am -10:50 am
Section 03Monday Dec. 14thFinal Exam for section 0311:00 am -12:50 pm

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

Assignments/Late work:

Most assignments will be due by 11:59 pm and submitted through Canvas on the date they are due, unless otherwise noted on the syllabus or in class. All assignments should be typed unless otherwise specified by the instructor. Late work will be penalized 10% per day (not class period) that they are late.

Extra Credit:

Extra credit MAY be offered at various points throughout the semester. It is entirely at the instructor’s discretion and may not be offered at all. Extra credit, if available, will only be available up to a total of 50 points (5% of your total grade).

Attendance Policy

Attendance and Illness:

You are allowed 4 unexcused absences. Each absence after 4 will result in a 33.333 point deduction in your attendance and participation grade. If you negate your total attendance and participation grade your grade will continue to decline by 1/3 of a letter grade as per the TDAA Student Handbook. An absence may be excused for circumstances outside of your control. Arrangements must be made before the absence occurs (i.e., email or speak to me before you miss class). 4 tardies = 1 absence (leaving class early for any reason counts as a tardy).

  • No student missing 25% of scheduled classes can receive a passing grade. *****
  • This is NOT a remote course. There will be no Zoom links or participation via remote learning. ***

It is the student’s responsibility to get information missed due to an absence. Please reach out to peers in the course first.

Course Fees

No special course fees.

Course Policies and Communication

Professional Decorum Statement

The exercises you will be asked to complete in class may challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. This means that in class you may be exposed to new, different, and controversial ideas, language, and issues with which you may fundamentally disagree, which may even offend you in some manner. It is fine to respectfully disagree or point out how something might offend you and why. However, the recognition that controversy is at the heart of debate does not encourage or condone gender, sexist, racist, ethnic, or religious slurs, or any form of slander or hate speech. As always in our classes, these forms of speech will not be permitted. However, if you are still offended in any way by ideas and/or language that are different from your own, please contact the instructor.

Every effort will be made to ensure your physical and emotional safety, while also providing and holding a “brave space”. It is important to embrace the idea that studying theatre is not comfortable. Much like the work one does with a trainer at a gym, you will be asked to stretch yourself. You will be asked to go beyond where you expected to go. Within boundaries you will learn to trust the difference between a trigger and something that is unfamiliar and may feel scary.

Content Statement

This course focuses on diverse storytelling while maintaining physical and emotional safety boundaries. Because all material will reflect a wide range of human perspectives, you will likely encounter characters and situations that fall outside your personal lived experiences. You are expected to approach these narratives with an open mind and to respect your peers' work. If any script or exercise challenges your personal comfort level, please speak directly with your professor immediately so we can establish appropriate boundaries or discuss arranging alternative material.

  • In this course we challenge you to experience life from perspectives other than your own. Because of this, some course material may make you uncomfortable. Not all course materials are “family-friendly.” This is a university- level course. If you have any concerns about this issue, see me during office hours.
E-mails:

Please feel free to email me; however, I will be unable to guarantee my reply time and I will respond as soon as I am able. If you need an immediate response, it may be more advantageous to find me and discuss issues or concerns in person or via Zoom.

Canvas:

This class will utilize Canvas. Through Canvas you will find information concerning assignments, readings, announcements, grades, etc. It is your responsibility to check Canvas frequently and it is strongly encouraged to check often as information can be added or announcements and reminders made through Canvas.

Technology:

Please have access to technology for class. Many of the plays are available through Canvas or online. You will need access to them during class. Additionally, you may prefer to do the in-class activities digitally; you will need to have a computer or device that allows you to type and upload the document during class. You are permitted to use any and all technology so long as it is in service to the course. Texting, snapchat, Instagram, X, etc. are not permitted.

AI Policy

Acceptable and Unacceptable Use of AI

The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:

  • Brainstorming and refining your ideas
  • Fine tuning your research questions
  • Finding information on your topic
  • Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts
  • Checking grammar and style

The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:

  • Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you or content that you put into a Zoom chat.
  • Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
  • Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments.

You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification. ***Remember, unacceptable use of AI undermines your own artistic value.***

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.

Religious / Conscience Belief Accommodation

RELIGIOUS / CONSCIENCE BELIEF ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with SUU Policy 6.7 Student Belief Accommodation, students may request, in writing, that their faculty accommodate their sincerely held religious or conscience beliefs. Students should provide their faculty with sufficient advanced notice, if possible within the first five (5) business days of the semester or session, or thereafter with good cause for requesting an accommodation after the first five (5) business days.

Faculty must provide a schedule accommodation or excuse an absence, in any course, for students to observe or participate in religious holidays or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of the student’s religious tradition or religious organization.

In courses that are required for graduation or for an academic major, a faculty member may accommodate a religious or conscience belief by modifying an assignment or examination if its content conflicts with the student’s belief. Faculty may decline the accommodation if it would fundamentally alter the course requirements. If declined, the student may request review by a neutral arbiter using the Belief Accommodation Request Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv&layout_id=5

Questions go to Assistant Provost Jake Johnson at johnsonj@suu.edu.

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.