Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Acting II (Face-to-Face)

THEA 2033-01

Course: THEA 2033-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Theatre, Dance, & Arts Admin
CRN: 30337

Course Description

Intensive studio approach to further develop the principles of acting and its artistry through historic aesthetic theory. Examination of Modernism and extended Realism. Advance scene study, character analysis, and development. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): THEA 1033 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Registration Restriction(s): None

This course is designed for the intermediate actor to further develop the skills and principles of acting and its artistry. Through advanced scene study, text and character analysis, rehearsal and in class performances students will learn to integrate and build upon the skills they have learned in Acting I. An intensive studio approach, this course will guide students in the development of their own artistic processes.

Required Texts

Required Texts & Materials

We will not be using any singular textbook for this course. We will instead read selections from a variety of sources. All required readings will be made available in Canvas or distributed in class as needed. The anticipated source material is listed below. Please note this list may not be exhaustive and may adjust as the semester unfolds. If so the list will be updated accordingly.

Though you are not required to purchase any individual book, all of these would make excellent additions to a personal Acting library. I recommend purchasing them in time and as your budget allows. If you do, I think you will find they are useful for years to come. 

Reading Source List

  • The Art of Acting by Stella Adler
  • The Technique of Acting by Stella Adler
  • A Practical Handbook for the Actor by Melissa Bruder, Lee Michael Cohn, Madeleine Olnek, Nathaniel Pollack, Robert Previto, Scott Zigler 
  • Acting Power by Robert Cohen
  • Dear Tilly Norwood, Some Blunt Advice, Actress to “Actress” by Betty Gilpin
  • Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen
  • A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen
  • On Acting by Sanford Meisner
  • Actioning and How to Do It by Nick Moseley
  • An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski
  • A Dream of Passion by Lee Strasberg
  • Acting: A Handbook of the Stanislavski Method by Lee Strasberg

A note on play/material selection:
Our acting scripts will be sourced from a variety of contemporary plays that have yet to be determined. You will sometimes choose your own material, you will sometimes have material assigned to you. Regardless of how your material is chosen, you will need to find and read the play in its entirety.  This will require good time management and in some cases funds to purchase individual plays. You will never be assigned acting material that you need to pay for. If there is a play you are interested in but cost is of concern, please talk to me so we can investigate all options.

Materials
  • Highlighter & Pencil
  • Notebook/paper for notes (you may enjoy having a dedicated Acting Journal)
  • Folder to hold your scripts
  • The ability to access Canvas daily


Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, successful students will:

  1. Demonstrate an ability to work at an intermediate level on character development, believability, and specificity.
  2. Illustrate an ability to embrace imaginary circumstances, take on a character's point of view, and implement feedback.
  3. Show an intermediate mastery of vocal and physical presence.
  4. Apply textual analysis and playing-of-action to performance.
  5. Create authentic performances through imagination, collaboration, and disciplined rehearsal.


These outcomes will be reinforced through instruction, at home practice, and formative assessment. Students’ efforts will be assessed via a number of interrelated performances, workshops and written assignments.


Course Requirements

Course Requirements 

Performance & In Class Assignments:
  • Readings: Complete assigned readings before class and come prepared to participate in discussion and activities.
  • Audition Assignment: Prepare a monologue and audition for the Directing Classes.
  • First Read Assignments: Arrive with a printed script, highlighted lines, and a strong understanding of the text for table work for both of your Scenes.
  • Monologue Performance: Select, memorize, and perform 1 contemporary monologue.
  • Scene Performances: Rehearse and perform 2 scenes from contemporary plays.
  • Performance Workshops: Post performance work sessions in front of the class.
  • Cold Read Audition: Prepare a scene audition from a contemporary play and audition in front of the class. This is the final.


Written & Canvas Assignments:

  • Production Viewings: See 4 productions total (1 USF, 2 Mainstage and 1 Second Studio) and submit proof of attendance for each. Be prepared to discuss.
  • Production Response: Choose 2 productions to focus on and submit 1 paper comparing and contrasting the acting elements of each.
  • Actioned Scripts: Submit your physical scripts for each of your performances showing your textwork and actions.
  • Performance Reflections: Immediately after you perform, write a short reflection identifying strengths and areas for improvement. 

Course Outline

Below is a general outline of the anticipated schedule of weekly topics, readings and major assignments. Details and items may be added at a later date.

This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor as determined by the needs of the class. Any changes will be communicated in a timely manner. Always check Canvas for the most current version.


Week(Dates)*Notes | Major Weekly Topics | In Class Activities | At Home/On Canvas

  • Week 1 (9/3) | Introductions & Acting in the 21st Century 
    • Tr | Syllabus Review & Opening Discussion | Begin Monologue search Reading: TBD

  • Week 2 (9/8 - 9/10) 
    • Tu | Discuss Reading Topics | Activities TBD
    • Tr | Activities TBD by needs of class | Reading: TBD

  • Week 3 (9/15-9/17) 
    • Tu | Discuss Reading Topics | Activities TBD
    • Tr | Activities TBD by needs of class | Monologue Selections Due, Read Play, Prepare for First Read

  • Week 4 (9/22 - 9/24)  | Begin Scene 1 
    • Tu | Scene 1 First Reads
    • Tr | Warm Up & In Class Rehearsal | Reading: TBD

  • Week 5 (9/29 - 10/1)  
    • Tu | Discuss Reading Topics | Activities TBD by needs of class 
    • Tr | Warm Up & In Class Rehearsal | Reading: TBD

  • Week 6 (10/6 - 10/8)  | Scene 1 Performances
    • Tu | Discuss Reading Topics & In Class Rehearsal as time allows 
    • Tr | Scene 1 Performances | Actioned Script Due, Reflections by Midnight, Review Notes for Workshop

  • Week 7 (10/13 - 10/15) Spring & Directing Class Auditions | Scene 1 Workshops 
    • Tu | Scene 1 Workshops 
    • Tr  | Scene 1 Workshops | Reading: TBD

  • Week 8 (10/20 - 10/22) Midterm | Monologue Performances
    • Tu | Discuss Reading Topics | Activities TBD by needs of class 
    • Tr | Monologue Performances  | Actioned Script Due, Reflections by Midnight, Review Notes for Workshop

  • Week 9 (10/27 - 10/29) Monologue Workshops 
    • Tu | Monologue Workshops 
    • Tr | Activities TBD by needs of class | Read Play and Prepare for First Read

  • Week 10 (11/3 - 11/5) Begin  Scene 2 
    • Tu | Scene 2 First Reads  
    • Tr | Warm Up & In Class Rehearsal  | Reading: TBD

  • Week 11 (11/10 - 11/12) 
    • Tu | Discuss Reading Topics | Activities TBD by needs of class
    • Tr | Warm Up & In Class Rehearsal  | Reading: TBD

  • Week 12 (11/17 -11/19) Scene 2 Performances 
    • Tu | Discuss Reading Topics, In Class Rehearsal as time allows
    • Tr | Scene 2 Performances | Actioned Script Due, Reflections by Midnight, Review Notes for Workshop

  • Week 13 (11/24- 11/26)  THANKSGIVING BREAK

  • Week 14 (12/1 - 12/3) Scene 2 Workshops
    • Tu | Scene 2 Workshops 
    • Tr | Scene 2 Workshops | Reading: TBD

  • Week 15 (12/8 - 12/10) Semester Wrap Up + Final Prep
    • Tu | Discuss Reading Topics | Activities TBD by needs of class
    • Tr | Preparing for a Scene Audition | Production Response Due

  • Week 16 (12/14 - 12/18) FINALS WEEK 
    • Final: Scene Audition & Final Discussion IIA: Thursday 12/17, 9:00 -10:50am 


This schedule is subject to change. Check Canvas for the most current version.

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

Late Submissions
Written assignments turned in after the deadline will be penalized 10% per day (not class period) that they are late unless other arrangements have been made with the instructor before the assignment deadline.

Performance Expectations
Performance dates are hard deadlines. When they occur you are expected to be present and prepared. Do not make the mistake of thinking that “getting through it” or that remembering all of your lines is enough. It is not. 

Missed Performances
The rescheduling of a missed performance due to an unexcused absence will be evaluated on a case by case basis. As a result potential grade lowering may occur and will be entirely at the discretion of the instructor. 

It is no small thing to miss a performance, do everything you can to avoid this. If you cannot, speak to the instructor beforehand so an appropriate plan can be made.


Attendance Policy

Attendance
Attendance is required for all classes unless excused by the instructor or for official university travel or religious exemption. You are allowed 3 unexcused absences for the entirety of the semester. Each absence after 3 will result in a 33.333 (or one-third) point deduction in your attendance and participation grade. If you negate your total attendance and participation grade, your final grade will continue to decline by 1/3 of a letter grade as per the TDAA Student Handbook. 

3 Tardies = 1 unexcused absence, see Tardiness policy below.

Tardiness
If a student arrives to class more than 5 minutes late, they will be considered “tardy.” Leaving class early unexcused will also count as tardy. Three instances of tardiness will be counted as one unexcused absence and applied to the attendance grading policy. 

Students who are habitually late to class will be subject to final grade lowering at the discretion of the instructor.


Course Fees

No Course Fees.

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.