2016 Spring Syllabus for Intermediate Acting Class

 Welcome to Intermediate Acting,  the purpose of which is to introduce you to the world of theatre, and to the exciting process of rehearsing and performing in a production. I hope the acting class will be fun, educational, and exciting for you. In this class you will be introduced to the art and craft of acting, where you will learn about character development, script analysis, theatrical terms, and conventions. You will also learn about proper theatre protocol in terms of working with other actors and with the director, and appropriate behavior both as an actor, a theatre technician, and as an audience member. 

We will work on your character’s relationships with the other characters, and the character's objectives or motivations. We will also borrow from the great acting masters, such as Sanford Meisner, Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, and of course, Constantin Stanislavski.

The class will start with some vocal, relaxation and/or acting exercises and some theatre games, IN WHICH EVERYONE IS EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE.  Then I will work with one or two groups per class session on blocking, script analysis and character development, and acting exercises. After two or three rehearsals with me, you will then perform the scene, which will be taped before the class. During the final performance of the scene, you must have the scene memorized exactly the way it is written, you must perform the blocking and the direction as we rehearsed, and you must use props. You will watch the tape and write a reflection on your work, following a format which will be provided for you.

You are expected to work on at least one of the following: 

On the spring musical, HAIRSPRAY, either as a performer or as a stage technician, such as a member of the floor crew, light crew, prop crew, or costume crew, or as the light or sound operator during the show. 

Or in the spring production of ALMOST, MAINE, which is a series of eight scenes slated for performance on Thursday and Friday, April 7th and 8th in 503. 

Or work on scenes in the class which you will perform in Thursday Theatre. You must perform at least two scenes this semester in Thursday Theatre; the first performance must be before March 25th and the second performance must be before May 6th. 

You are also expected to either attend the magnet performances of ALMOST, MAINE; HAIRSPRAY; and the dance show, or to tech or usher the performances.  

Failure to meet at least one of the above requirements may result in a lower grade in this class. 

You are expected to keep a three-pronged light weight folder in which you are expected to keep all handouts, including this, and your scripts.  You will be given a copy of your script and you are expected to BRING IT EVERY DAY! If you do not, you will receive an "F" for that day; you will be loaned a copy of your script in exchange for some collateral property (cell phone, shoe, backpack). When you return the borrowed script, your property will be returned to you. If you lose your script, then you will have to copy the script out by hand.  Copies are at a premium and there is a very small quota per month to make copies.

There is NO EATING NOR DRINKING FROM CANS in class. We have had in the past a major infestation of rats and cockroaches from food left behind and sticky residue from spilt soft drinks. The custodial staff has been drastically cut and Room 503 is never swept, mopped nor cleaned, except when your teacher does it.  And it's a big room.

You will be graded on your participation.  You are expected to participate in all the acting and vocal exercises and theatre games at the beginning of the class, and in all of the assignments and rehearsals of the scenes.  Failure to participate in the exercises will result in a lowered grade in the class. When you are not rehearsing with me, then you must be in your assigned areas rehearsing with your fellow actors.  When you perform your scenes you must have your lines and blocking memorized and perform the scene to the best of your ability.  Failure to do so will result in a much lower grade and perhaps failing the class.

The class will only be as good as we all make it. Please be aware that you are working with other people and that your behavior and effort will affect them, their work and their grades.  Furthermore, it is imperative that we create an atmosphere of respect - respect for our fellow students, respect for the director, and respect for ourselves.  Please show respect by refraining from rude comments or actions, or talking or texting during class.  Please do not record other students' scenes.  Please remember that it is ILLEGAL and against district policy to record another student during school. Students can only do their best work when they feel safe and valued, so please give positive support during students' performances.

The grading scale is as follows:

90% - 100% = A

80% -   89% = B

70% -   79% = C

60% -   69% = D

Below 60%  = Fail

Participation: 30%

Scene Work: 40%

Group Work: 30%

I can best be reached by e-mail, either at jbridges@lausd.net or at jkatbridge@aol.com.

I look forward to working with you and helping you grow as a young adult, a student and as an artist.

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Student:

I have read and I understand the requirements of the class:

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Parent or Guardian:

I have read and I understand the requirements of the class:

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Phone number and/or e-mail where you can be reached.