Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Movement III-Suzuki Movement Training

THEA 4102-01

Course: THEA 4102-01
Credits: 2
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Theatre, Dance, & Arts Admin
CRN: 33925

Course Description

Suzuki movement training develops the actor’s inner physical sensibilities and strength through specific techniques of Tadashi Suzuki, which have been adopted and utilized to great success in many of the major graduate schools and professional theatres throughout the world. The best and most consistent evidence of this work is apparent onstage reflected through an increasingly centered and controlled actor, possessing a mastery of stillness and breathing, and increased vocal power. (Fall - Odd Years) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): THEA 3212 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Registration Restriction(s): Acting majors only or instructor permission

Required Texts

Required Text:
None. All reading materials will be in the form of class hand-outs and/or online research.

Required Supplies:
All students are required to purchase one pair of Japanese footwear prescribed for this work known as Indoor Tabi socks. You want the ones that are heavy-duty cotton with white canvas soles. The best quality will be in the $20-$30 range, don't skimp! We have found the best place to get them is through Ebay.com.

PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS: SIZES ARE IN INCHES NOT U.S. MEASUREMENTS. I recommend adding at least a half-inch to your inch sizes, due to the fact that they shrink a little in the wash. It's best to hang dry them, to prevent too much shrinkage. TABI MUST BE PURCHASED AND WORN IN CLASS NO LATER THAN: Monday, September 28.

Required Dress:
Everyone is required to wear movement clothes. Fitting must not be too loose. This consists of appropriate sweats; yoga or dance attire, leggings, etc., anything that will show breathing and form, and will not restrict freedom of movement. 

Extras:
A journal is always a good idea. Self-reflection can be very valuable in this type of intense physical and emotional work.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate mid to upper level mastery in Tadashi Suzuki movement technique & exercises (traditional march, fast walks, slow walks, standing & sitting statue work and advanced marches)
2. Demonstrate mid to upper level mastery in performance discipline, physical power & form, and recognizing and valuing different human perspectives from the Noh tradition of acting.
3. Demonstrate mid to upper level mastery of key Suizuki Training goals: Stillness, Stamina, Balance, Focus, Breath Control, Core Development, Vocal Power and Point of View.

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. Master instructor evaluation and analysis, critical feedback, and physical coaching. Suzuki Method research.
2. Execution of specific and varied Suzuki movement training exercises, and receiving coaching and correction. 
3. Suzuki Training Routine, Suzuki Battles, and possible Final Performance Project.

Course Requirements

  • Attendance is expected. Please know that your absence diminishes the class experience as a whole. 
  • Participate fully in every workshop exercise
  • Respect for all persons at all times. (Opinions, Cultural Backgrounds, Identities, Religions, etc.)
  • PLEASE USE DEODORANT. This is an intense class, in a confined space, we are working to feel powerful, not smell powerful. 
  • Constructive criticism of classmate’s progress.
  • Commitment to the group dynamic and respect for collaboration.
  • In this class, Silence means SILENCE. It's absolute. Violation will result in ejection from class and being marked absent for that course period.
  • No food (bottled water ONLY), cell phones, firearms or tobacco are allowed in class or performance space at any time.
Suzuki Movement Training is designed to be very challenging, to provide strict discipline, and to make the participant uncomfortable, off-balance, control erratic breathing, etc., this is how we grow strong in the work. Suzuki Movement Training requires many uncommonly difficult physical exercises and activities. IT WAS CREATED TO BE CHALLENGING; TO PUSH THE ACTOR TO A NEW AND MORE GROUNDED WAY OF BEING THEN THEY'VE EVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE.However, all that said, if you feel faint or experience any unexpected pain, please pull yourself out of the exercise and continue watching from the side. This is not to be confused with "discomfort." Discomfort is expected and the goal in Suzuki is to use your mental focus to move beyond it. That said, you must be the judge of your physical limitations. Your strength and flexibility will improve at an individual rate. Please make your professor aware of any existing conditions that might affect your physical participation in class.

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 exercises and/or 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, respecting one another's personal boundaries, and understanding 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)

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Departmental Policy requires all Acting Majors to audition for every main stage and 2nd Studio production. ALL BFA Musical Theatre candidates MUST audition for ALL main stage and 2nd Studio musical productions. ALL BFA Acting candidates MUST audition for ALL main stage and 2nd Studio non-musical plays. ALL BFA Tech/Design candidates MUST apply for ALL tech and design positions for all main stage and 2nd Studio musical and non-musical productions.

Course Outline

Units Covered
  1. Physical Strength 
  2. Stillness and Calm
  3. Stamina and Endurance
  4. Balance and Equilibrium
  5. Focus and Concentration
  6. Relaxation and Breath Control
  7. Core Development
  8. Point of View
  9. Vocal Power and Grounding
  10. Advanced Suzuki Marches, (Basic March, Shakohachi, Kanjincho, and Battles.)
  11. Standing and Sitting Statues
  12. Fast and Slow walks
  13. Incorporating Greek and Shakespeare text, and others.
  14. Final Movement Based Project Work
Fall Course Schedule

1. Wednesday, September 2
Review Course Schedule/Start Warm-up
Preparation: Kizuna (See "Assignments")

Monday, September 7
LABOR DAY – NO CLASSES!

2. Wednesday, September 9
Preparation: Kizuna 

3. Monday, September 14
Warm-ups-Begin Demonstration of Form: March, Shakuhachi, & Statues

4. Wednesday, September 16
Warm-ups-Continue Demonstration of Form: March, Shakuhachi, & Statues

5. Monday, September 21
Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, & Statues-ADD Fast Walks (Forward, Side R & L, Backward), Basic Slow Walk

6. Wednesday, September 23
Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks (ADD: Pigeon, Pendulum, Toes & Cockroach), Slow Walk-ADD Kanjincho

7. Monday, September 28
SILENCE BEGINS-All Tabi Expected Today! – Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Slow Walk, Kanjincho (1st Suzuki Text Memorized by Today!)

8. Wednesday, September 30
SILENCE – Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho-ADD Slow Walk Expanded (Flow) (2nd Suzuki Text Memorized by Today!)

9. Monday, October 5
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks. (3rd Suzuki Text Memorized by Today!)

10. Wednesday, October 7
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks.

11. Monday, October 12
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow). 

12. Wednesday, October 14
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

Monday, October 19
FALL BREAK – NO CLASSES!

13. Wednesday, October 21
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

MID-TERM 

14. Monday, October 26
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

15. Wednesday, October 28
SILENCE – Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

16. Monday, November 2
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

17. Wednesday, November 4
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

18. Monday, November 9
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

19. Wednesday, November 11
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

20. Monday, November 16
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

21. Wednesday, November 18
SILENCE – Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

Monday - Friday, November 23 – 27
THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO CLASSES!

22. Monday, November 30
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

23. Wednesday, December 2
SILENCE – Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

24. Monday, December 7
SILENCE– Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

25. Wednesday, December 9
SILENCE – Warm-ups, March, Shakuhachi, Statues, Fast Walks, Kanjincho, Battles, Slow Walks (Flow).

Tuesday-Friday, December 14-17 – Final Exam Week
THERE IS NO FINAL EXAM FOR THIS CLASS

*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

NO COURSE FEES FOR THIS CLASS.

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.