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Term: FALL 2005 (August 29 – December 5, 2005)
Course Number: MFA 496 (35-496M)

Instructor: Larry A Brechner (BA-1980, MA-1994 Purdue University; D.F.A. candidate ABD)
Office: see off-campus contact
Office Phone: (219) 746-6609 (Please do not use the campus office number)
E-mail: LAB@brech.com or auditorium@iname.com

Web Site: www.munaud.org/ccsj

OFF-CAMPUS CONTACT:
School Town of Munster - Auditorium ( 8808 Columbia Ave , Munster , Indiana )
(219) 836-3200 x248 office 836-0732 x248 office voice mail
(219) 746-6609 mobile/pager

Office Hours: by Appointment (willing to meet with students at Munster office)

Course Time: Monday, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. (also field trips or viewings as scheduled on other days)

Course Description:

This course is a study of the principles of dramatic art of performance. Students learn theories and practical techniques of acting, with emphasis on modern methods. They will engage in practical applications through classroom exercises, improvisation, scenes studies from representative plays and will be open to students bringing material to class. A major portion of the course will involve learning to constructively critique performances of others in class, and by doing so learn the process of self-critique of their own individual performance. Outside of class (and in some cases to substitute for a class), opportunities will be encouraged to view current play productions in the area, learning to review and critique these performances. Also we may view video in class as a means to prompt discussion of the acting analysis.

Prerequisites:

None -Interest in acting and performance.

Textbook:
Acting is Believing, eighth edition
by Charles McGaw, Larry D. Clark, Kenneth L Stilson
Wadsworth Publishing, 2003, ISBN: 0155059823

ACTING IS BELIEVING emphasizes that "an actor must believe to make his audience believe." ACTING IS BELIEVING is a classic text in the field, having been used by many generations of actors and now updated to speak to a new generation of acting students. It has a strong theoretical grounding, while providing numerous exercises to help the acting student apply the key concepts of actor training. It maintains the three-part structure of Actor; the Actor and The Play; and The Actor and the Production.

Statement of Plagiarism:
If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel find that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed under the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances.

Calumet College of St. Joseph adheres to citation guidelines as written in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fourth Edition. A copy is available from the Calumet College of St. Joseph bookstore. This text outlines how to cite references from a variety of sources, including electronic media.

Withdrawal from Classes Policy:
After the last day for class changes has passed (see College calendar), students may withdraw from a course in which they are registered with permission from the faculty member conducting the course. A written request detailing the reason(s) for the withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar. Written request for withdrawal must be received by the Registrar by the last day of classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue. Written requests may be mailed to the Registrar or faxed to the College fax number 219-473-4259. Students are to make note of the refund schedule when withdrawing from courses. The request is forwarded to the faculty member, who makes the final determination to accept or deny the request. If the request is honored, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal; if denied, the notification will indicate why the withdrawal is disallowed. Note: Degree Completion Division (DCD) students should consult the DCD Student Handbook for information on DCD withdrawals.

An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the student's transcript. Dropping a course without written permission automatically incurs an "F" grade for the course (see Refund Schedule).

Class Policy on Attendance:
As with any Calumet College class, attendance is very important and missing class could affect your understanding of the course material, and ultimately your final grade for the course. Because of the unique nature of this class, which may require the student to visit and research class work on their own in lieu of a regular class meeting, students will be on their honor to complete these “off-site” assignments. Three unexcused absences will result in a drop of one letter grade. If there is a problem, please call in advance, emergencies not-with-standing. Alternative assignments may be used at the discretion of the instructor to correct any class work or attendance deficiencies.

Class Policy For Assignments: On time. If absent, then may be turned in next class. Exams should be turned in before or on the due date. Late exams will receive reduced credit.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Objectives:
This course is an introductory survey and study of the principles of dramatic art of performance. Students learn theories and practical techniques of acting, with emphasis on modern methods. Also, the understanding the audition process, interpreting the dramatic structure of a play, characterization, script analysis, line interpretation, training, vocal techniques, stage movement, and relating these into a consistent performance for an audience. More importantly the course endeavors to develop a deeper understanding of theater in its many forms by students through the class and outside activities.

The course will overview the organizational structure of the various technical and production aspects including acting, directing, stage management, house management, technical direction, scenic design, lighting design, properties, sound design, make-up/hair design, plus some aspects of theater as a business and career. An understanding of the collaborative nature of theater as a whole, and how these separate disciplines must work together to create a finished production. A basic understanding of how different types of productions (musicals, comedy, children’s, drama, classic drama, etc.) will be handled by the theater staff, plus how the various types of stages affect the process.

The "big idea" of the course is to develop each student's ability to understand the basics of how to interpret a script and develop a character plus be able to critically review and evaluate there own performance and production values found in theater.

METHOD
The course will first use class discussion of the text and handouts as a basis for understanding the methods of acting. Students will engage in practical applications through classroom exercises, warm-up routines, improvisation, and scenes studies from representative plays. I certainly will be open to students bringing material to class. A major portion of the course will involve learning to constructively critique performances of others in class, and by doing so learn the process of self-critique of their own individual performance. Because it is difficult to actually view productions, video presentations of theater will be used to demonstrate and evaluate various forms of performance. As much as possible, however, exposure to practical aspects of theater by tours of facilities, attending rehearsals and performances, involvement (where practical) in various production processes, and guest lectures by people involved in various fields of theater. The course aims to develop the critical review of theater by observation and writing, which is important to the understanding both the performance and production process by the student. The special interests of individual students will be considered and encouraged during the course towards this end.

EXAM
The course will have one exam. This will cover text, class discussions, guest lecturers, videos and theater visits. They will be open book essay exams about general understanding of acting/performance concepts, and not about small details or terminology. Details will be given later in the course, and no surprise quizzes! Typed is preferred or if handwritten if very legible.

FINAL PERFORMANCE
A final acting project presentation will consist on an excerpt scene (dialog, monologue, comedic, dramatic modern or classical) mutually selected by the student and instructor. The intent is to expose students to a simulated performance situation. Class time will be used to develop this scene or scenes, which will be presented as the final class meeting on November 28. The students will have the opportunity to invite friends and family is they desire. Due to time constraints, we will not be able to rehearse and perform an entire play.

COURSE OVERVIEW
The readings from the text book, handout, preparation for improvisation or acting assignments, and other site visits or performance viewing assignments for that week's class. The student will be asked to keep a brief journal of their activities relating to acting, class and assignments. I am especially interested in your critical observations of television, motion picture and theater experiences during the course. The contents of these journals will be shared orally with the whole class, and these will be used to reflect on acting to promote comfort in live performance and stimulate discussion. If desired these will be kept by the student at the conclusion of the course. Journals are due the week after they are assigned with a total of 9 journals due each end and by the end of the course. Outside of class (and in some cases to substitute for a class during that week), opportunities will be encouraged to view current play productions in the area, learning to review and critique these performances. Also we may view video in class as a means to prompt discussion of the acting analysis.

FINAL THOUGHTS
It is my hope to make this course interesting and worthwhile. As with any course, the instructor is more often learning as much as the students. It is my sincere hope we all can go on a journey of learning together, and have fun in the process. My door is always open, and if you ever have any questions, concerns, problems, or even ideas, I would more than happy to hear them so the course and each student can benefit from them.

Assessment:
Research Paper                                                     100 points              25% of grade
Final Exam                                                             100 points              25% of grade
Rehearsals / Final Performance                               100 points              25% of grade
Acting participation/performance                             50 points              12½ % of grade
Journal/attendance (5pt/ea + 1/2pt/class)                50 points              12½ % of grade
TOTAL                                                                400 points             100%

Per Cent Grading Scale:

A: 95-100 A-: 90-94 B+: 88-89 B:82-87 B-:80-81 C+: 78-79 C: 72-87 C-:70-71 D+: 68-69 D:62-67 D-:60-61 F: 59 or lower

Format for Written Assignments:
Journals may be handwritten if it is easily readable, but typewritten/printed form is always preferred. Journals are done throughout the class and are returned. Then they are collectively returned at the end of the semester for a final journal review.

The Exam are preferred type/printed but very neat handwriting is acceptable. Other work should follow the journal format.

The Paper should be typewritten/word processed and may be submitted in electronic format. This should follow acceptable guidelines for a college level research paper.