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.