Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

The Lightning Thief – Fall 26

THEA 4140-02

Course: THEA 4140-02
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Theatre, Dance, & Arts Admin
CRN: 30360

Course Description

This course is designed for intermediate students to learn, develop, and apply performance techniques and learn how to function as part of a performance ensemble by working in an actual production for public presentation. Students will receive face to face instruction in a non-traditional classroom setting. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Repeatable for Add’l Credit? Yes - Total Credits: 12 Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

The Production Script & Score for The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate professional collaboration, rehearsal and performance traits 
2. Recognize and articulate standard practices, etiquette and elements of the theatre production process.
3. Demonstrate textual and analytical research and interpretation of recognized play scripts and/or musical scores. 
4. Demonstrate intermediate to advanced collaborative, organizational, and commitment skills.

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. Rehearsal and Performance.
2. Call-time and preparation, and navigating through the Rehearsal process.
3. Blocking and/or Choreography, and Text/song study and memorization.
4. Backstage professionalism & behavior, Strike, and completion.

Course Requirements

INITIAL DIRECTOR'S THOUGHTS ON THE MUSICAL

THE STORY

The Lightning Thief is a wildly theatrical and adventurous musical adaptation of the beloved young adult novel by Rick Riordan. It follows the epic journey of Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is the son of Poseidon and embarks on a quest to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. Filled with action and
humor, the show takes audiences on a mythological adventure that celebrates friendship, bravery, and the power of self-discovery. Joined by his friends Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, Percy faces mythical monsters, impossible challenges, and his own self-doubt while learning what it truly means to be a hero.

What is the Musical About?
At its heart, this show is more than Greek mythology or epic quests. The story is about identity, belonging, friendship, family, and discovering that the qualities society often perceives as our weaknesses can, in fact, be our greatest strengths. Embedded in our production is also the power of “theatre,” where these qualities are nurtured and where
they thrive.

HOW WILL WE TELL THIS STORY?
The theatrical power of The Lightning Thief lies in its imagination rather than spectacle. While the world is populated with monsters, gods, and magic, the audience should never lose sight of the emotional journey of three young people trying to understand themselves.

As a proposed Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) production, I want to lean into theatricality and simplicity when making artistic choices. I want the production to work towards embracing theatrical storytelling, to allow audiences to participate with us in employing their imaginations.

Finding the "Humor" is always essential for me. The musical balances genuine emotional stakes with irreverence, wit, and self-awareness. On many occasions, the comedy and quirkiness of the characters will hopefully keep our young audiences engaged in the story, while playing emotional truth will help them stay invested in the characters.

Ultimately, the production should feel less like watching mythology unfold and more like going on an adventure with Percy.

WHY THIS STORY, NOW?
Young people today are growing up in a world filled with uncertainty, pressure, comparison, and questions about identity. Many feel misunderstood or believe they do not fit the expectations society places on them.

The Lightning Thief offers an empowering alternative narrative by celebrating young people who think differently. It reminds audiences that leadership can come from unexpected places, that vulnerability is a strength, and that no one has to face life's challenges alone. The story also encourages empathy. Each character carries invisible struggles, and every adult, especially the gods are flawed in some way. If executed well, it is a story that will invite conversations about mental health, family relationships, resilience, and self-worth.

Percy is a hero for today’s world. He succeeds because he perseveres, listens, learns from his mistakes, and trusts his friends. This is a way more accessible model of heroism for contemporary youth than the heroes found in traditional Greek mythology. At a time when many young people seek representation, belonging, and hope, The Lightning Thief reminds us that every person's unique story has value.

THEMES
Several powerful themes drive the musical and make it deeply resonant with young
audiences:
Identity, Self-Acceptance & Courage
Percy's greatest journey is not traveling across America to get to Hades It is the journey of understanding himself. Every young person today struggles with questions of identity, and Percy learns that embracing who he is, flaws and all, is the first step toward self-confidence and finding courage in the face of fear.

The Need for Belonging
Each of the young heroes’ longs to find where they fit. Camp Half-Blood becomes more than a magical refuge; it represents the universal desire to find a community that accepts us for who we are. This is also a “theatre member” concept.

Friendship & Trust
The quest succeeds not because of Percy, but because of “teamwork!” Percy, Annabeth & Grover relying on each other and one another’s talents. Their differences become their strengths, demonstrating that courage is often found in collaboration rather than individual heroics. Another “theatre” trait.

Importance of Family
The musical explores many kinds of family: biological, chosen, broken, absent, and complex. The gods are depicted as “imperfect parents.” Young audiences recognize that family relationships are rarely simple, and love sometimes goes hand in hand with disappointment.3

Your Difference is Your Strength
Perhaps the most meaningful message is what makes Percy and the other demigods different—their ADHD, dyslexia, impulsiveness, or unique perspectives—is not something to overcome but something that equips them for greatness. This reframing is especially significant for young audiences who may struggle to see themselves reflected positively.

Course Outline

REHEARSAL OVERVIEW:
Rehearsals begin on Thursday, Seprtember 17, from 4:30pm-7:30pm (Note our new time slot!). We will begin with Design Presentations, and then have our first Table Read.

The rehearsal schedule will be Monday thru Fridays rehearsal schedule from 4:30pm-7:30pm.
Saturdays will be flexible to start depending upon how much we get done in the first few weeks or so.
(There will be NO REHEARSAL on Fall Break, Monday & Tuesday, October 19 & 20).

NOTE: It is our hope that not Everyone will be called for all calls, however, due to the ensemble nature of the show and TDAA's limited rehearsal time, the schedule will be fairly heavy.
Bring homework and snacks when you can!

Crew View will be on Thursday, October 29.
Tech Rehearsals will be Friday-Monday, October 29-November 2
Dress Rehearsals will be held Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, November 3-5

Opening Night is Friday, November 6
The show runs: Evenings, November 6, 7, 9, & 13 at 7:30pm, Matinees, November 7 & 14 (Closing & Strike) at 2:00pm
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: There will be a Special On-School-Time Performance-Thursday, November 12 at 9:00am

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.