Course Title: Acting I – TPP 2110

Course Number: Reference # 330674

Credit Hours:
Contact Hours per week:
Date/Term:
Instructor’s Name:
Telephone Number:
Emergency Telephone No.:
Email:
Instructor Website:
Office Location:
Office Hours:
Prerequisites:
Required Text:
Required Materials:
3
Tuesday and Thursdays 9 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Winter 2007 (20072)
Mariah Johnson
954-201-6708
954-201-6840 (Dept. Office)
MJohnso1@broward.edu
www.broward.edu/faculty/mjohnso1 (for syllabus, class schedule
& handouts)
Building 4, Room 183
Mondays & Wednesdays 10-11 a.m. and by appointment
None
The Stanislavski System by Sonia Moore
Comfortable clothing which allows freedom of movement.
Sneakers or soft shoes which allow grounding of the feet.
Notebook for notes, Folder for handouts, Journal

Course Objectives:
We will explore the basic elements of acting in a safe, supportive environment. Students will
learn basic acting terms and stage directions before developing a personalized physical and vocal
warm up which removes habitual tension and strengthens and focuses the vocal instrument. By
the end of the term students will be able to access and put into use observation, concentration,
listening, sensorial response, and commitment. Solid acting technique will be taught through
analysis of action, objective, given circumstances, subtext and improvisation.

Attendance Policy:
This is a performance class. In order to fully grasp the requirements of an actor in any
professional situation, you will be required to attend all classes on time. If you were consistently
late for rehearsals at a professional theatre, you would be fired. In this class three tardies will
equal one unexcused absence. Students who are more than 15 minutes late may receive an
unexcused absence on their attendance record for the day in question and may be
prohibited from participating in class activities. The first 15 minutes of class is dedicated to
a vocal and physical warm up. Students who are not adequately “warmed up” are at risk
of injury. You are allowed two (2) unexcused absences without penalty, however if you miss a
final presentation, test or quiz because of an unexcused absence you will receive a zero (0) for
that assignment. Each unexcused absence beyond the two allowed will result in the lowering of
your final class grade by ½ of a full letter grade or 5 points. A student may be withdrawn
from this class if he or she accrues a total of 6 unexcused absences.

Code of Conduct:
I expect all students to treat the instructor and fellow students respectfully. Hostility or negative
criticism of fellow students is not acceptable. As stated above, an acting studio must be a safe
environment. Class participation points will be deducted from students who repeatedly talk
aloud during lectures, presentations, or performances. If this behavior continues, the offending
student(s) may be dropped from the class in order to allow others to continue with the
curriculum. Also, do not give one another direction. In other words, it is not appropriate to
approach a fellow student and offer unsolicited advice about how that student should perform
their role. This is the director or instructor’s responsibility. The best actors focus on their own
growth and challenges.

NO FOOD, DRINKS, CELLPHONES OR iPODS ALLOWED IN CLASS.

Assignments:
Students will be expected to complete the following assignments:

A) Exercises/Observations – In-class improvisational exercises and written assignments.

B. Monologues - Monologue Selection, Acting Score, Character Analysis and Presentation

You will be required to find 2 monologues. You must obtain and read a copy of each
play in order to properly analyze the monologue.

C. Scene - Scene Selection, Acting Score, Character Analysis and Presentation

You will be required to perform 1 scene assigned by your instructor. Again, for your
scene, you must obtain and read a copy of the play. Also, I will expect a rehearsal
schedule from you and your partner which outlines the dates and times you meet.

D. Journal – You must record an entry for each class as well as each rehearsal outside of
class time. These entries should be dated and include your thoughts, feelings,
observations, and insights with regard to what you are learning about acting. These
journals should be a record of your growth and awareness as you evolve artistically. I
will review your journals midway through the semester and then again at the end of the
term. Your feedback will help me to better guide your individual journey as I will be able
to ascertain which assignments are helpful and where you need further illumination. Be
assured that the information included in your journal will be confidential and only you
and I will have access to these writings.

E. Reaction Paper - You must write one reaction paper describing the acting technique you
observed in a BCC Theatre Production. You should cite elements of acting that you have
studied in class such as ensemble, focus, objective, tactics, and character development.

F. Class Participation/Involvement - Students are expected to attend all classes, on time, to

the best of their ability. I expect everyone to attend with an open mind, a supportive
heart, and an honest desire to learn. The success of each of us is dependent upon the
level of commitment we share as a group. Please be respectful and encouraging to one
another.

Methods of Instruction:
Instructor will employ lecture, handouts, and guided exercises to stimulate the learning process
in students. Live demonstration of the techniques taught will be employed as well as guided
observation of life situations in a natural setting for character analysis. Additionally, students
will be required to witness a live theatrical presentation where they can observe the practical
application of tools they are learning in class.

Grading:
Exercises/Observations 10%
Monologues 30% (15% each)
Scene 1 20%
Journal 10%
Reaction Paper 10%
Class Participation/
Involvement 20%

A = 100 – 90 B = 89 – 80 C = 79-70 D = 69 – 60

A = Excellent B = Good C = Average D = Below Average

Grades will reflect demonstrated growth and commitment to each assignment.

Academic Dishonesty
BCC’s Policy 5.02, Student Code of Conduct states that dishonesty includes but is not limited to
the following: cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Students who
violate this policy once will receive a zero (0) for the assigned project affected by such behavior.
If the Student violates this policy twice, they will receive a zero (0) for as a final class grade.

Written class assignments (for example, your reaction paper) may need to be submitted to
“turnitin.com.” Go to the site (www.turnitin.com) and register as soon as possible. The class ID
number is 1773984 and the enrollment password is your class reference number which is
330674. To submit your paper later this semester you must re enter this information. You must
submit your reaction paper on time. Late submissions will not be accepted.

On a final note, I welcome you all to this wonderful, creative process! If you are willing to
commit fully, I promise you a fabulous, exciting and inspiring journey through self- realization
and artistic growth!
Course Title: Acting I – TPP 2110
Course Number: Reference # 330674
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours per week: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Date/Term: Winter 2007 (20072)
Instructor’s Name: Mariah Johnson

I, ___________________________, have read the syllabus for the above-

Print Name

listed class, understand it’s implications, and will abide by it. Furthermore, I
understand that required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity
review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers will
be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database solely for
the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. Use of the Turnitin.com
service is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com
site.

______________________________
Print name

______________________________ Date: ________________________

Signature

Contact Numbers*:

________________________ _________________________
Home Phone Other Contact Number
______________________________
E-mail address

Please check one:

____ I would like to have information about BCC Theatre Productions emailed to
me at the above-listed email address
____ I would not like to have information about BCC Theatre Productions
emailed to me at the above-listed email address

*Your contact numbers are strictly for instructor’s use only. This information will not be made
available to other parties.