Course Syllabus: TFMS 130

Introduction to Performance

Fall Semester 2006

MW 2:40-4:30 PM, Theater

4 credits

J. Klein

APPROACH: This course is designed to provide students a range of experiences in the creation of theatre. As such, it is a liberal arts education in microcosm and incarnate, and it will require students to explore their cultural matrices by rendering these (legibly, playfully, and passionately) in performed pieces. Through a series of projects, students will become familiar with the work of audiences, playwrights, directors, actors, and technicians by firsthand experience in these various roles. The principal method of instruction will be immersion: you will learn about these tasks by performing, evaluating, and experimenting with them.

EVALUATION: The grading of individual projects and my computation of your final course grade will be based on your improvement, your discipline (as shown by your commitment, your preparation, and your high standards), and your collaboration (as shown by your reliability, your adaptability, and your willingness). "Talent" and previous experience are excluded from these criteria.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Attendance: Course goals and methods necessitate conscientious class attendance. Excessive absences (more than 3) or tardiness will negatively affect your final grade.
• Participation: The quality and alacrity of your participation in classroom discussions and exercises, together with your preparation of assigned readings and attendance at assigned events or arranged rehearsals (as demonstrated by your classroom achievements and performance on quizzes), will determine 20% of your grade.
• Projects: Each student will participate in various capacities on three "unscripted" projects. Your work (whatever it is) on each project will determine 15% of your final grade. In addition to these three projects, each student will devise and execute, with my approval and consultation, a final project, which will figure as the remaining 20% of your final grade.
• Readings Quiz: During the second half of the semester, students will take a written quiz on previously assigned readings in The Theater Experience and other sources. The quiz will figure as 15% of your course grade.
• Shop Hours: During the semester, each student is required to work at least 10 hours in the Theatre Shop. You must arrange immediately with the Technical Director a mutually satisfactory schedule for completing this requirement. Failure to discharge this assignment will result in your course grade being lowered by one letter.
• Late or Missing Work: If approved in advance, I shall accept late work, but it will be penalized one letter grade. Otherwise, assignments are due for the class period as scheduled or will receive a grade of F. Absence will not excuse late work. Students must submit all assignments to pass the course.
• Incompletes: Grades of "Incomplete" will be assigned only by approval of a written petition from the student. This petition must explain the reasons for the request, and must be accompanied by documentation of either medical or personal emergency. "Incompletes" must be converted promptly, according to the College Catalog.
• Events: Students are required to attend all events included specifically on the attached syllabus. Additional required events may be announced during the semester. Whenever possible, try to attend other local films, performances, or events that are related to class.
• Readings: Your syllabus contains an enumeration of the assigned readings and their due dates. The text is available from the College Bookstore and may be supplemented by xeroxed materials to be distributed in class.
• Honor Code: Students must abide by the "Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities" in the Student Handbook.

OFFICE HOURS/ELECTRONIC ACCESS:

T 12:00 - 1:15 PM

W 1:00 - 2:15 PM

and by appointment

MH 179C; ext.4251

jrklein@smcm.edu (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

http://www.smcm.edu/users/jrklein/Index.htm

TEXT:

Wilson, The Theatre Experience

xeroxed materials as distributed in class

28 Aug

M Course Introduction and Theatre Games (**TFMS Open House, tomorrow at 7:30PM, Theater**)

W Theatrical Improvisation/Introduction to the Theater Shop (Wilson, Part 1: The Audience)

4 Sept

M Labor Day: No classes

W Metaphor Workshop (Group A metaphors due)

11 Sept

M Script Workshop (Group B scripts due) (Wilson, Part 3: The Playwright and the Play)

W Rehearsal of Scripts (Group C directs; Wilson, Chapter 7: The Director and the Producer)

18 Sept

M Rehearsal and Performance of Scripts (4 performances)

W Rehearsal and Performance of Scripts (4 performances)

25 Sept

M Metaphor Workshop (Group B metaphors due)

W Exercises in Craft: Acting (Wilson, Chapters 5 and 6: Acting)

2 Oct

M Script Workshop (Group C scripts due)

W Exercises in Craft: Fundamentals of Directing

9 Oct

M FALL READING DAY

W Rehearsal of Scripts (Group A directs) (**Haroun and the Sea of Stories opens tomorrow at 8PM, Bruce Davis Theater**)

16 Oct

M Rehearsal and Performance of Scripts (4 performances)

W Rehearsal and Performance of Scripts (4 performances)

23 Oct

M Designs for Theater (Wilson, Part 4: The Designers) (**Guest appearance by Leon Wiebers, SMCM scenographer**)

W Metaphor Workshop/Arrangements for Individual Conferences (Group C metaphors due)

30 Oct

M Individual Conferences (Final Project proposals due)

W Individual Conferences (Final Project proposals due)

6 Nov

M Script Workshop (Group A scripts due)

W Rehearsal of Scripts (Group B directs) (Wilson, Part 5: The Theater Landscape Today, including epilogue and appendices)

13 Nov

M Rehearsal and Performance of Scripts (4 performances)

W Rehearsal and Performance of Scripts (4 performances)

20 Nov

M Rehearse Final Projects/Quiz on Readings

W THANKSGIVING BREAK

27 Nov

M Rehearse Final Projects (Oral Presentations: Script writers)

W Rehearse Final Projects (Oral Presentations: Directors)

4 Dec

M Perform Final Projects: TBA (Hagen projects due: Performers)

W Perform Final Projects: TBA (Hagen projects due: Performers) (**The Wild Duck opens, 8PM, Bruce Davis Theater**)

FINAL EXAM PERIOD: Tuesday, 12 December, 2:00 -- 4:15PM, Critique Final Projects

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