COURSE SYLLABUS - Regent University

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COURSE SYLLABUS SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & THE ARTS THEATRE DEPARTMENT THE 730 SCREEN ACTING 1 FALL 12 COM 125 – MONDAY/WEDNESDAY 10:00 A.M.-11:50 A.M.

All students are required to read and have a thorough understanding of the syllabus. Any questions or concerns need to be addressed to the instructor. Please initial here to indicate that you have read and understood the requirements outlined in this syllabus __________________ Student initials

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INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION Instructor: Mark Paladini Phone: (757) 352-4691 Fax (757) 352-4279 E-mail:[email protected] Office Hours: M/W 1:30 P.M.-3:00 P.M.; T/Th 9:30 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. Office Location: Com 222

COURSE DESCRIPTION I. COURSE DESCRIPTION Screen Acting 1 is designed to build on the foundation provided in Meisner 1&2 with additional tools helpful in on-camera acting and auditioning. Students will discuss advanced concepts regarding screen acting technique and strategically apply this technique to create on-camera performances. Students will work in various genres (e.g., night time soap, science fiction, filmed drama, comedy, et al.) while also addressing technical problems posed by the different types of camera shots (e.g., close-up, two-shot, establishing shot, et al.). Additionally, students will learn how to analyze three different styles of commercials and perform in the film style. Students will work in the Slice-of-Life format as well as the Character Spokesperson form. Finally, students will analyze a live theatre performance comparing and contrasting performances with the obligations of screen acting. RATIONALE/COURSE OVERVIEW The truthful, objective-driven acting is a combination of truthful inner life and corresponding physical life. A screen acting class provides actors with objective feedback, allowing them to playback their performance in order to learn from them. Actors gain experience by critiquing their own work and the work of others when called to do so. Actors also learn to strip away theatrical mannerisms in order to temper their performance for the camera. Ultimately, this stripping away allows for more truthful, objective-driven discoveries in theatre performances as well. Additionally, a wide variety of scripts are utilized to enable actors to access authentic behavior in a variety of genres. This semester focuses on material that calls for simplicity and emotional connection to the material. Matters of period, style and advanced technical problems are left to the second semester of Screen Acting. CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

I utilize the Rules for Christian households (Colossians 3:18-25) as a model for my teaching. Being a father is very much like being a teacher. “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” My aim is not to discourage my students. My aim is to empower them. I expect students to “…work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” My critique of students follows Paul advice in 1 Theassalonians 5:14-15. In addition to providing constructive feedback, I will, “Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.”

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PREREQUISITES Enrollment is limited to second or third year MFA cohorts or by permission of the instructor. DEPARTMENTAL (THEATRE) PROGRAM OUTCOMES 

All MFA in Acting students will demonstrate mastery of objective-driven acting technique at a professionally competitive level.

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All MFA in Acting students will demonstrate objective driven acting as the cornerstone of performance in diverse literary genres.

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All MFA in Acting students will articulate and defend artistic choices in the language of acting craft, ensuring their relevance as informed collaborators in the creative process.

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All MFA in Acting students will demonstrate healthy, effective, character-driven work in the applied disciplines of voice and movement.

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All MFA in Acting students will effectively integrate and apply biblical principles of the Christian faith to their academic and creative work.

COURSE (THE 730 – SCREEN ACTING 1) OUTCOMES   

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Students will be able to utilize the language of acting craft to summarize acting technique, defend artistic choices and critique the work of others. o Class discussion, Response to Theatre, Hagen Abstract Students will be able to analyze scenes utilizing basic principles of screen writing and screen acting and the terminology of Uta Hagen. o Scene work, Class discussion, Hagen Abstract Students will be able to perform scenes from different filmed genres utilizing scene analysis and strategic acting tools that will be explored in conjunction with their current acting technique. o Scene work Students will be able to analyze commercial copy, identify the commercial acting style that best serves each piece of copy and perform commercials on-camera in the film acting style. o Discussion Board, Class Discussion Students will be able to incorporate direction into their scene work. o Scene work Students will gain experience using a teleprompter for character spokes copy. o Scene work

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COURSE MATERIALS

REQUIRED TEXBOOKS: Hagen, Uta. A Challenge for the Actor. New York, New York: Scribner, 1991. ISBN: 978-0684190402 Barr, Tony and Eric Stephan Kline. Acting for the Camera. New York: HarperPerrenial, 1997 ISBN: 978-0060928193 See, Joan. Acting in Commercials. New York: Backstage Books, 1998 ISBN: 978-0823088027 Students are required to access a computer for written assignments including (but not limited to) the Blackboard Discussion Board, Blackboard Course Materials, Blackboard syllabus updates, et al. Recommended Resources: 

See frequently updated Course Materials on course Blackboard Site

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS A.

Students must read all reading assignments and be prepared for a quiz or class discussion when reading is due.

B.

Text Analyses – Students will analyze the text of each scene either assigned to them or chosen by them prior to presenting work to the class.

C.

Class Participation - Students must participate in thoughtful class discussions on a daily basis.

D.

Students must bring in memorized and prepared work when assigned.

E.

Students must turn in all written assignments when due.

GENERAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS In order to succeed in this course, you will need to fully understand the following: 1. Attendance and Participation: Your attendance and participation are important means for the instructor to assess your skills, quality of thought, and growth as a student. The attendance policy and procedures are described below. When applicable, requirements for your participation in Blackboard discussions —important both for your learning and for your instructor’s evaluation of your progress in the course—are described below (see “Requirements regarding Blackboard Discussions”).

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2. Assignments: Pay close and timely attention to reading assignments and other assigned work posted in the syllabus and Blackboard. You are responsible for preparing assigned readings carefully by the date listed on the schedule below and to complete tests, projects, and other assignments by the date listed. Out of fairness to all, late assignments are penalized as described below under “Late Assignments.” 3. Policies and Procedures: Carefully follow course policies and procedures regarding writing, academic honesty, submission of assignments, formatting, and other matters, as specified below or through Blackboard. Since following directions is a crucial skill for university graduates—and since the smooth operation of our course depends on all of us meeting each other’s expectations—adherence to policies can positively or adversely affect a student’s grade. 4. Writing: All papers and essays at Regent University must follow the writing style format required by the degree specialty for which they are being written. The writing style to be used in this course is MLA. 5. Course Completion/Incompletes: All courses require extensive engagement (with other students, the instructor, and with the course materials) as well as timely completion of assignments. Many assignments are due weekly. Thus, keeping up with the schedule is essential to your success. Some work is difficult or even impossible to make up (such as discussion with others), so you must plan your schedule carefully. Be sure you can complete this course in the scheduled period. Grades of “Incomplete” will be granted only for true emergency situations, not for poor planning. The policy for grades of “Incomplete” can be found in the School of Graduate Studies Catalog, found online. 6. Blackboard: Students are expected to check the Announcements section of Blackboard each week beginning one week before the start of the course. Students must keep their e-mail address current in Blackboard; they are expected to check their Regent e-mail daily to ensure timely receipt of messages from the professor. 7. Internet and Software: You must have continuous access to a working and dependable Internet provider as well as reliable e-mail software that can send and receive attachments. You must also have access to Microsoft Word 2000 or later for writing assignments. Additional software requirements for this course are …. BLACKBOARD INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS Blackboard has four primary purposes in our courses: (1) to provide a means for students to receive timely information about the course in general, assignments, grades, and announcements from the instructor; (2) to promote thoughtful interaction between the instructor and students and among students themselves as they work through course materials; (3) to provide a means for students to complete quizzes and other forms of evaluation; and (4) to enhance the learning process by providing a variety of materials. For courses with online discussions, they will be posted in Blackboard. Unless otherwise instructed, the parameters for a student’s postings are two to three paragraphs (please keep the posting in this range). The purpose of these parameters is to promote writing that is both thorough and concise. The instructor will post questions and activities weekly with some exceptions. Since not everyone will see things identically, students are to review one another’s postings in order to further their insight and learning. This is an important benefit of dialogue. Students are required to respond to at least one other post for each discussion board assignment. Late discussion board posts may be posted with a demotion in grade until the last week of classes. Please do not post on the discussion board during class or your grade will be demoted. Note that the expectations for quality work in the Blackboard group discussions differ from the minimal requirements for attendance.

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Please check the Resources link in Blackboard for University Library information and Academic Support information, Blackboard Tutorials and Resources, Academic Honor Code, Writing Styles, Discipline Policies, and Disability Services. If you have technical problems with Blackboard and/or are not able to log in, please contact the Help Desk/IT department. You can e-mail the Help Desk at: [email protected] or call at (757) 226-4076.

DISCLAIMER: THE 728 – Scene Study includes assignments from contemporary literature. Assigned texts will reflect the diversity of world views currently produced in the professional American theatre. Since most working actors are asked to engage in this diverse spectrum of literature, my goal is to provide a safe environment in which to process such literature, engage in discussions about uncomfortable subject matter, debate the moral implications of playing characters who are not necessarily Christian role models and develop personal, faith-based criteria for guiding future professional decisions related to such literature. I will not force you to play a scene with which you are uncomfortable. If you request to do a “less objectionable” scene (in a timely manner) after being given an assignment, I am open to assigning a different scene. I’m also interesting in discussing matters of faith inside and outside of class, especially when it comes to weighing reasons to play roles that reflect a world view contrary to one’s own.

SECTION 3 – POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COURSE PROCEDURES SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS All assignments (unless otherwise instructed) for this course should be submitted via the “Assignment Link.” Papers should be in MS Word format (.doc). When saving your document, the file name should include your initials and assignment, in that order –for example, “JS Response to Theatre” When sending your document, make sure you name is on the front page of the assignment. This makes it easy for your instructor to track your work. See the “Completing and Submitting an Assignment” section of Blackboard online tutorials for further instructions. LATE ASSIGNMENTS INSTRUCTOR WILL ACCEPT LATE ASSIGNMENTS WITHIN A WEEK OF BEING DUE WITH A REDUCED GRADE UNTIL THE FINAL DAY OF CLASS. LATE DISCUSSION BOARD POSTINGS MAY BE SUBMITTED UP TO THE FINAL DAY OF CLASS. LATE PAPERS ARE ENTITLED TO NO FEEDBACK. EMAILING YOUR INSTRUCTOR The subject line of all e-mail messages related to this course should include the course number (e.g., GENE 101), and the name of the student (For example, SUBJECT: GENE 101, John Smith). Following these directions enables the professor to identify quickly the student and course, facilitating a timely response. Students should always include their first and last name at the end of all e-mail messages. BECAUSE INSTRUCTORS OFTEN NEED TO REACH STUDENTS, ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO KEEP THEIR MAILING ADDRESS, E-MAIL ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS UP TO DATE IN GENISYS.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Students are expected to come to class on time and prepared for that day’s activities. Students are allowed two absences for illnesses or other personal emergencies. Every absence after the second absence will result in a 10% reduction of the final grade. It is the student’s responsibility to inquire about any missed information or assignments prior to the next class meeting. Three late arrivals constitute an absence. After ten minutes, a tardy is considered an absence. If class has begun, please enter as quietly as possible. Please be aware of what it is you are interrupting by your late arrival.

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One additional note on working with scene partners: Graduate level acting calls for the commitment and discipline of a reliable, professional nature. This includes being both respectful and resourceful in regard to scheduling time to rehearse with scene partners. The Theatre Department expects that all outside rehearsal commitments, memorization deadlines and other obligations to scene partners in class (and on any stage for that matter) be strictly upheld. Should there be any issue with a scene partner’s preparedness or attendance at rehearsal, it is imperative that I be informed immediately. Feel free to leave a voice mail (757) 352-4691 or send an email ([email protected]) at any time of day to report infractions. You may also call me on my mobile during the day and early evening (818) 613-3982. Any unprofessional behavior obstructing the acting process shall trigger significant grade penalties at the sole discretion of the instructor. UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWAL (from Catalog) Students who wish to withdraw voluntarily from the university during a term shall meet with the dean of the school or his/her designee and secure school approval on the withdrawal form. Students must satisfy all financial obligations before leaving campus or they will not receive transcripts or be allowed to reenroll. Grades of W (Withdrew) or WF (Withdrew Failing) shall be placed on the students’ transcripts for the courses in which they were enrolled. The grade W (Withdrew) will be posted on the transcript for all standard courses taken during the term if the student withdraws before the mid-point of the term; a grade of WF (Withdrew Failing) will be posted thereafter. Withdrawal from courses taught in non-standard formats (i.e., modular cluster courses, etc.) will result in either a W or WF on the transcript, depending on the withdrawal deadline determined by the individual school. Students who have not attended any classes for which they are registered that term, or distance students who have not participated in instructional events by the end of the add/drop period will, in accordance with university practice, be assumed to have unofficially withdrawn and will be administratively withdrawn. For students who leave the university during the term or for students who are suspended for disciplinary reasons, a grade of W or WF will be recorded on the transcript for the courses in which the students were enrolled. The regular refund policy applies for a student suspended for disciplinary reasons. UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC HONOR CODE Students are on their honor to complete assignments with honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty involves intentionally or unintentionally stealing the intellectual property of others. Students are expected to be familiar with the university’s policy on academic integrity found in both the University Student Handbook and School of Graduate Studies Catalog (http://www.regent.edu/general/catalog/) and to follow it. As an academic and Christian community, Regent University takes seriously the call for integrity and penalizes breaches of of academic integrity.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: The instructor along with the Regent University community of teachers and scholars upholds the standard of academic integrity. Any instances of academic dishonesty (e.g., lying, cheating, defrauding) or plagiarism (e.g., failure to acknowledge indebtedness to another for the source of salient points, presenting the concepts or writings of another as one’s own) will not be tolerated. In addition to receiving an F on the assignment, additional discipline as noted in the Regent University Catalog and student handbook may also be in order.

INCOMPLETE GRADES POLICY: Students desiring an incomplete must submit their request to the course instructor and academic dean prior to the end of the term. An incomplete grade will be given in a regular course only for legitimate

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deficiencies due to illness, emergencies or extraordinary reasons acceptable to the professor, including equipment breakdown or shortages, and not because of neglect on the student’s part. Incompletes require the final approval of the school dean or his/her authorized representative. A regular grade will be given by the instructor if all requirements for the course are submitted by the end of the following academic term. The instructor will submit the new grade to the Registrar’s Office no later than two weeks after the beginning of the subsequent term. If all work is not submitted by the end of the term following the granting of the incomplete, a grade of FX (NP for pass/fail courses) will be posted automatically unless a Request for Extension of Incomplete has been approved and submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The FX shall be counted as an F in the computation of the GPA. Any student desiring reinstatement to the course after an FX or NP has been posted must register for the course in a subsequent term and pay the full current tuition for the course. IN PROGRESS GRADES: In Progress grades shall be given when work is not completed by the end of the term for the following academic work: independent studies, internships, practica, portfolios, theses and dissertations. An IP is also an appropriate grade for courses in which the completion of course requirements for ALL students extends beyond the academic term in which the course is offered. An IP may be continued to a maximum of two terms when the student requests and extension and the approved form is submitted t the Registrar’s Office prior to the end of the first term. If the requirements for removal of the IP grade are not completed by the end of these two terms. A grade of FX (NP for pass/fail courses) will be posted automatically. Exceptions may be made for dissertations, which may continue without penalty. Any student desiring reinstatement to the course after an FX or NP has been posted must register for the course in a subsequent term and pay the full current tuition for the course.

A.

SECTION 4 – SCHEDULE AND EVALUATION Weight Scene work Journal/Discussion Board Response to Theatre Essay A Challenge for the Actor Abstract

B.

Scene Work Rubric Discussion Board Rubric Essay Rubric Abstract Rubric

60% 20% 10% 10% Total 100%

Scale Grade

Percentage

A

96–100

A-

93-95

B+

90-92

B

85-89

B-

81-84

C+

78-80

C

75-77

CD+ D DF

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COURSE SCHEDULE: Date

Subject Introduction – KWL The W’s Getting to Know the Space & Objects Caine’s Plausible Variations of Thought

Assignments Due

8/22

Caines Plausible Variations of Thought (cont.) Nighttime Soap - One Line Intro to Adjustments based on Shot/Framing

8/27

Nighttime Soap Scene Rehearsal Process

Read Hagen Animation pp100-122 The Play pp. 233-251 Read Barr pp 3-7, 59-70, 167-191 Preparation/ Facts & Conditions/Day One on the Set Read Hagen Homework & Rehearsal pp247-255 Read Barr pp. 83-92 Learn the Role – Not the Lines

8/29

Nighttime Soap Scene Rehearsal Process

9/3 9/5

Labor Day – No Class Science Fiction – One Line

9/10

Science Fiction

9/12 9/17

Science Fiction Video

9/19

Film Drama Adjustments based on Shot/Framing Film Drama Adjustments based on Shot/Framing

8/20

9/24

9/26 10/1

Film Drama Adjustments based on Shot/Framing Film Comedy

Read Barr – pp. 155-159 Working with the Director

Read Barr pp.40-53, 136137 The Emotions & Personalization Read Hagen The Psychological Senses pp83-99 Read Barr pp.160-162 Prepared Scenework Read Hagen pp.152-163 The Fourth Side Exercise Prepared Scenework

Read Barr pp. 144-149 Comedy and Drama

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10/3 10/8 10/10 10/15

Subject Film Comedy Film Comedy Film Comedy Modular Week – No regular classes

10/17

Modular Week – No regular classes

10/22

Mocumentary

10/24 10/29

Mocumentary Mocumentary

10/31 11/5 11/7 11/12 11/14 11/19 11/21 11/26

Mocumentary Sitcom Sitcom Sitcom Sitcom KWL - TBA At Home Commercial Research Day Commercial Acting Styles – The One Liner

11/27

Film Style Commercials – Slice of Life

12/3

MOS – Film Style/Bite & Smile Intro: Character Spokes

12/5

Character Spokes Teleprompter

Assignments Due

Prep Character Background “The Tempest” Response Email Essay by 11:59 PM

Read See – pp.57-75 Styles pp. 88-94 The One Liner Read See - 109-116 Slice of Life & The 5 W’s Read See – pp.76-87 The MOS Three to six page, doublespaced abstract due on A Challenge for the Actor Read See – pp. 95-108 The Character Spokesperson

DEPARTMENT RESOURCES Theatre Department Student Forms Page (including prop check-out form) UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND RESOURCES Please review the following links for important information on University policies:  

Academic Calendar/Registrar Information Bookstore

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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: The instructor along with the Regent University community of teachers and scholars upholds the standard of academic integrity. Any instances of academic dishonesty (e.g., lying, cheating, defrauding) or plagiarism (e.g., failure to acknowledge indebtedness to another for the source of salient points, presenting the concepts or writings of another as one’s own) will not be tolerated. In addition to receiving an F on the assignment, additional discipline as noted in the Regent University Catalog and student handbook may also be in order. Honor/Plagiarism Policy  Regent Library  Student Services (includes links to student handbook, disability services, University calendar, University Writing Center, etc.)  Technical Support – University Helpdesk  Grading Policies: DISABILITY STATEMENT: THE STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE AT 757.352.4867 TO REQUEST ACCOMMODATIONS, PROVIDE NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION, AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH EACH INSTRUCTOR. THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE IS DESIGNED TO HELP OUR DISABLED STUDENTS LEARN OF THEIR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES WITH REGARDS TO DISABILITY SERVICES. THE SITE ALSO HAS RESOURCES FOR FACULTY TO BECOME BETTER INFORMED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS THE DISABLED STUDENTS IN THEIR CLASSES.

http://ww.regent.edu/disabilities STUDENT COURSE EVALUATION Becoming Christian leaders includes learning how to evaluate others by providing honest evaluations that include positive affirmation and constructive feedback, as appropriate. Consequently, university policy requires that all students submit a formal student evaluation of teaching form at the end of the academic term. This mandatory requirement must be completed before students will be able to access their final course grade. This form is only available in an online format. Prior to the end of the course, students will receive an e-mail indicating that the form is available. Instructions on accessing the evaluation will be included. Since these evaluations are only available for a limited time, students should complete the evaluation as soon as they receive the e-mail notification that the evaluation form is available. Instructors will not have access to course evaluations until after grades have been submitted and will only have access to anonymous summary data. Students are also encouraged at any point during the term to offer comments that may be helpful to the improvement or refinement of the course. Students can access the online evaluation system at: http://eval.regent.edu/regentsurvey/students.cfm. If you have questions about the online evaluation please contact [email protected]. Last Updated: 6/4/2012 At times, due to unforeseen circumstances, course content may be subject to change. Please check with your professor to insure you have the most recently updated Syllabus for this course. Regent University 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, 23464 Phone (888) 718-1222

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© 2009 Regent University, All Rights Reserved. Cut here and return to instructor signed

Screen Acting 1 Syllabus Fall 2012 All students are required to read and have a thorough understanding of the syllabus. Any questions or concerns need to be addressed to the instructor. Please initial here to indicate that you have read and understood the requirements outlined in this syllabus

______________________ Student signature

_______________________ Please print name

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