Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Acting IV: Musical Theatre I/Audition (Face-to-Face)

THEA 3133-01

Course: THEA 3133-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Theatre, Dance, & Arts Admin
CRN: 33232

Course Description

Practical application in musical theatre performance, the course focuses on Broadway musical history, characterization, awareness of styles, and musical audition preparation.
Students will gain a knowledge of the history of the American Musical Theatre, and how to use that knowledge to choose and approach new repertoire. They will develop the ability to analyze the musical and textual elements of a song and their function within a show, and use that analysis as part of their approach to performance. The relation between mind, body and voice will be explored in order to
improve the student’s mastery of their instrument and their craft.
The instructor reserves the right to alter or adjust 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 the knowledge of Musical Theatre works, students MUST find legal copies of those used in song and scene preparation. It is left up to the student to choose whether these scores, librettos, or sheets are purchased or borrowed from the library.
Access to a computer and/or device that will keep you current on all CANVAS postings and assignments.
Attire: Students are required to wear clothes and footwear that will accommodate freedom of movement and the ability to lay on the floor.

Learning Outcomes

Develop and demonstrate healthy vocal techniques of breath, support, and placement. 
Comprehend and perform a wide variety of musical works and techniques. 
Apply their mastery of acting skill and technique to storytelling through song. 
Cultivate and demonstrate an understanding of their vocal range and type and apply this to choosing appropriate audition material. 

Course Requirements

Successful students will complete this course demonstrating competency in the following vocal/ musical learning outcomes. These outcomes will be reinforced through instruction, at home practice, and formative assessment. 

Course Outline

Early Musical Comedy
Audition Workshop
Golden Age
Midterm Reflection
Sondheim 
Final Reflection
Student Choice 

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

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

Student Responsibilities
Departmental Attendance Policy: In all theatre and dance classes, attendance is crucial. 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.
Also, This is a performance-based class, and your presence and participation are necessary for you to
learn the skills offered here.

A MAXIMUM OF FOUR MISSED CLASSES is all that is permitted. Each absence after that will
lower your grade.
Note: Absence from performances or rehearsals (even outside of class) when scene partners are
depending on you will lower your grade, even within the limit of the four missed classes

TARDINESS: Arrival after attendance is taken will be counted as 1/2 of an absence. If you are more than 5 minutes late you will be considered absent.
That being said, if you are experiencing any symptoms or have any possibility of having been exposed to Covid, please notify the professor, who will do their best to make sure the class is available on zoom. In this department, even one incident of Covid exposure could derail an entire production. Please take care
of your classmates and of the entire department by acting responsibly.
In the event of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to make up the missed work. Use your fellow students as a resource for this. Communicate with the instructor if you miss class.

Community building:
The more we support each other and bring positive energy to our interactions both in and out of the
classroom, the more risks we will be able to take as artists. You will find that this is an extremely valuable
skill as a professional - you will get hired because people want to work with you. Practice being that person/performer now.

Willingness to improve:
This includes both good study/practice habits and an ability to take constructive criticism and direction and use them to improve.
Warm-up

Our Tuesday and Thursday classes will begin with a warm-up at the beginning of the semester. You will
be expected to learn this warm-up and incorporate it into your daily routine. At some point you may be
asked to lead the class warm-up.

Respect
Respect for all persons at all times. This applies to opinions, cultural backgrounds, sexual preferences, religion, beliefs, etc.

IMPORTANT!
It may be necessary for your instructor to make physical contact with you to determine breathing, muscle
tension, alignment, etc., or in the form of interactive role-play. The instructor will always ask beforehand.
If this ever makes you feel 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. This process also includes physical exercises and activities. You must be
the judge of what your physical limitations are and only attempt what is within your range. 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.

REGULATIONS
Bottled water only.
No cell phones, food, firearms, or tobacco allowed in any class, theatre performance space at any time.

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.