Acting 1 Syllabus

TPP 2110 - Acting 1: Instrument & Discipline

3:00 p.m. – 4:55 p.m. M,W,F*
ROOM: CON G015
Fall 2020

Instructor: Savannah Simerly

Office Hours: TBA
Phone: 407-401-2241
Email: s.simerly@ufl.edu

“Where do we begin? First, you must learn who you are.”

“Your craft will serve you, if you have a craft.”

-Uta Hagen, Respect For Acting

Course Description:

Acting One is an introduction to the craft of acting and the foundation for all performance majors
and students seeking entrance into the program. The course consists of group exercises to
develop physical awareness, concentration, imagination and trust. Basic physical, vocal and
analytical concepts; methods; vocabulary; and discipline required of the beginning actor will also
be explored. Students will develop personalized creative processes through monologues, scene
work, and exercises in observational awareness.

Course Objective:

A) To establish a common vocabulary that serves as a foundation for the

acting process.
B) To increase observational skills and develop self-awareness through exercise and
improvisation.
C) To develop in the student an understanding of the discipline of the art and to
refine concentration skills necessary within that discipline.
D) To introduce the student to the basic methods of relaxation as well as physical
and vocal freedom and control.
E) To develop in the student a sense of the ensemble nature of the discipline
through exercise in trust and communication.

Required Text:

¨ Respect for Acting. Hagen, Uta. (Wiley, 1973, ISBN: 0-02-547390-5)

o Published plays and reference materials, both of which may be obtained from the
campus libraries, will be utilized by the student in class. Handouts may be
distributed as well.

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Acting 1 Syllabus

§ Check out On The Technique of Acting by Michael Chekhov

Course Content:
Through the use of exercises, both structured and unstructured, the student will explore the basic
skills of acting, which include: a repertoire of relaxation and warm-up exercises from which to
build upon for use in the study of and preparation for acting, as well as the development of self-
awareness, imagination, the mechanics of staging, character-process, foundational work in script
analysis and mindfulness of the ensemble.

Students will memorize the general vocabulary of acting through the use of the addendum to the
syllabus and in-class exercises and explorations. A comprehensive, written exam will be given at
the end of the semester.

Execution of the basic acting skills will be demonstrated by the student in the form of in-class
performances of monologues and in scene work with partners. Students are expected to be fully
memorized for these performances and will be expected to submit written analysis for each
performance, the content of which will vary according to the student’s development of skills.

Expectations of Monologue Work

¨ Thorough written analysis/prep-work

¨ Clear through-line of thought
¨ Clarity of objective(s)
¨ Clarity of tactics
¨ Vocal exploration
¨ Physicality
¨ Presentations are fully memorized at the time of first performance

Expectations of Scene Work

¨ Thorough written analysis/prep-work

¨ Both characters “live” in the same world
¨ Clear through-line of thought
¨ Clarity in objective(s)
¨ Clarity in tactics
¨ Vocal explorations
¨ Physicality

Students will maintain a weekly journal detailing their observations regarding class work and the
development of their skills. (See handout for due dates and specific journal requirements.)

The course concludes in a final performance utilizing the skills and techniques acquired
throughout the semester.

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Acting 1 Syllabus

Attendance at UF/Hippodrome State Theatre Productions:

Students are required to see all UF main stage shows and be prepared to discuss them in class.
For 2 productions, you will submit a 2-page (double-spaced, 1 inch margin, name & section
number in page header) commentary to class (see timetable for due dates). The critique should
focus attention on the use of creative imagination, physical awareness, proper vocal technique,
and the overall creative development, not be a synopsis of the play. Discuss individual
performers, for example. The idea is to report your observations. Draw parallels between what
you observe and your work in class.

Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 Sweat by Lynn Nottage

@ Zoom

*Nov. 13 – Nov. 15 Now. Here. This. Book by Hunter Bell + Susan Blackwell,
Music + Lyrics by Jeff Bowen
@ Zoom

Dec. 4 – Dec. 6 Agbedidi Directed by Trent Williams Jr. + Augusto Soledade

@ Zoom

*Reaction Paper Required

Class Attendance:
This is a performance class; therefore, attendance is MANDATORY. You must be present to
perform. If you miss class, the work cannot be made up.

¨ We learn from each other, as an ensemble— your presence, whether or not a

“performance” is involved that day, is important to the collective learning process and
overall experience.

Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. If you come in after attendance has been
taken, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor after class that you came in late. With that
said, you are allowed 1 unexcused absence and 1 tardy.

¨ 2 tardies = 1 unexcused absence

Hybrid Attendance Policy

(proposed for hybrid performance classes that meet 3 times a week)
Students are expected to stay home and seek medical help for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure
(persistent cough, fever 100.4+, new loss of taste or smell, muscle pain/headaches, shortness of
breath, sore throat, chills, diarrhea, or feeling generally ill). The culture of hiding illness or the
“show must go on” mentality must be avoided. Students who are medically required to
quarantine will have documentation from a medical provider. Students who self-quarantine must
communicate with the instructor and “attend” courses remotely synchronously, when available,
or asynchronously if approved by the instructor.

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Acting 1 Syllabus

Students who elect to enroll in a hybrid course are expected to participate in in-person
instruction. If a student is uncomfortable attending in-person, the student should elect courses
that are delivered online only and plan to take the hybrid or face-to-face course in a future
semester. In the case that the student does not have the option to take the class at a later time
(i.e. a graduating senior), the student must make arrangements with the instructor to “attend” all
class meetings synchronously, when available, or asynchronously if approved by the instructor.

à Barring the above circumstances, students are expected to be in attendance (either remotely or
in-person, as assigned) daily and to be on time.

¨ Students are allowed 1 “unexcused” absence that does not require documentation and
does not conform to the UF “acceptable reasons for absence.”
¨ The second “unexcused” absence will result in a half letter grade (5%) deduction from
the final grade.
¨ All additional “unexcused” absences will result in a full letter grade (10%) deduction
from the final grade.

o Opportunities to make up missed material for unexcused absences is up to the

instructor’s discretion and will be made available through virtual classes or online
assignments.
§ *Religious observances do not require documentation.
• To help organize accommodations, students should inform the
instructor by the end of the second week of classes of religious
observances of their faith that will conflict with
class attendance this semester.

Any absence from class for the following reasons must be supported by official acceptable
documentation to avoid a grade penalty:

¨ Illness—doctor's note must be on official letterhead with address and phone

number, noting the date and time of visit and diagnosis verifying that an absence from
class is warranted, doctor name and signature
¨ Serious family emergencies
¨ special curricular requirements (e.g., judging trips, field trips, professional conferences)
¨ Military obligation
¨ Severe weather conditions
¨ Participation in official university activities such as music performances, athletic
competition or debate
¨ Court-imposed legal obligations (e.g., jury duty or subpoena)

Any student that acquires 3 absences (either excused or unexcused) will be required to meet with
this course’s instructor and/or area faculty to discuss the student’s continued participation in the
course.

¨ For Majors: Failure to attend this meeting will result in Artistic Probation.

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Acting 1 Syllabus

Due to the participatory nature of the course that includes in-class collaboration along with
partner and ensemble work, if a student acquires more than 2 unexcused absences, the student
may be prohibited from participation in partner/group exercises which will affect the student’s
final grade.

Late Assignment Policy:

1. If your written assignments are late (i.e., after the due date) don’t bother turning it in.
You will receive zero credit. Keep track of due dates that are outlined on the timetable
which accompanies this syllabus.
2. ** THERE ARE NO MAKE UP DAYS FOR WORKSHOPS OR PERFORMANCE
DAYS** If you miss your assigned workshop or performance day, you forfeit the points
for that day. Only in extreme cases will scenes be rescheduled.

*NOTE: Requirements for class attendance and make-up exams, assignments, and other work in
this course are consistent with university policies that can be found at:
catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-regulations/attendance-policies/

While we are a hybrid course, we will have face-to-face instructional sessions to accomplish
the student learning objectives of this course.

In response to COVID-19, the following policies and requirements are in place to maintain
your learning environment and to enhance the safety of our in-classroom interactions:

¨ You are required to wear approved face coverings at all times during class and within
buildings. Following and enforcing these policies and requirements are all of our
responsibility. Failure to do so will lead to a report to the Office of Student Conduct and
Conflict Resolution.
¨ This course has been assigned a physical classroom with enough capacity to maintain
physical distancing (6 feet between individuals) requirements. Please utilize designated
seats and maintain appropriate spacing between students. Please do not move desks or
stations.
¨ Sanitizing supplies are available in the classroom if you wish to wipe down your desks
prior to sitting down and at the end of the class.
¨ Follow your instructor’s guidance on how to enter and exit the classroom. Practice
physical distancing to the extent possible when entering and exiting the classroom.
¨ If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html), please use the UF Health screening system
(https://coronavirus.ufhealth.org/screen-test-protect/covid-19-exposure-and-symptoms-
who-do-i-call-if/) and follow the instructions on whether you are able to attend class.
o Course materials will be provided to you with an excused absence, and you will
be given a reasonable amount of time to make up work
(https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-regulations/attendance-policies/).

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Acting 1 Syllabus

Online:

¨ We won’t be regularly recording our class meetings, but our class sessions may be audio
and visually recorded for students in the class to refer back and for enrolled students who
are unable to attend live. I will always give a heads up when recording will be happening,
but Students who participate with their camera engaged or utilize a profile image are
agreeing to have their video or image recorded.

o *If you are unwilling to consent to have your profile or video image recorded,
communicate this preference with me ASAP and be sure to keep your camera off
and do not use a profile image.

¨ Likewise, students who un-mute during class and participate orally are agreeing to have
their voices recorded. If you are not willing to consent to have your voice recorded
during class, you will need to keep your mute button activated and communicate
exclusively using the "chat" feature, which allows students to type questions and
comments live. The chat will not be recorded or shared. As in all courses, unauthorized
recording and unauthorized sharing of recorded materials is prohibited.

Grading:

Students may have varying degrees of “talent” and experience in acting. Therefore, students will
not be graded solely on the basis of the skills and talents they bring to the class. Consideration
will be given to the student’s improvement, and quality of effort demonstrated in class.

Participation is a key factor in grading. Criteria for this grade include attentiveness, participation
in and/or leadership of exercises, willingness to participate in class discussions, etc… in general,
the TIME, EFFORT, and COMMITMENT the student displays toward this class.

Obviously, assignments must be complete in order to receive complete points. Each assignment
will be awarded a specific point value. Points will be tallied at the end of the semester to
determine the student’s final grade.

300-270 A 225-239 C+ 180-194 D

255-269 B+ 210-224 C 193 and below E
240-254 B 195-209 D+

“Acting/Self Analysis” Paper 15pts

Journals 12 pts ea. (60 pts total)
Reaction Paper 15 pts (30 pts total)
Monologue 25 pts
Scene 25 pts
Vocabulary/Terminology Exam 25 pts
Final Scene 50 pts
Participation 70 pts
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TOTAL POINTS = 300

For information on current UF grading policies for assigning grade points, please visit:
catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-regulations/grades-gradingpolicies/.

Physical Contact Policy:

Unlike most classes, acting can require a certain amount of physical contact between students or
between instructor and student. This contact may be used to aid in releasing tension, promote
deeper breathing, or to fuel a deeper emotional connection. If at any time you feel uncomfortable
with any physical contact suggested in class, you have the right to refuse it with no repercussion
towards any sort of grade.

Academic Honesty Policy:

UF students have the responsibility to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner while
pursuing their studies. They are expected to abide by the UF Academic Honesty Policy, which
defines an academic honesty offense as “the act of lying, cheating, or stealing academic
information so that one gains academic advantage.” In the context of this course, this includes
conducting original research and properly citing sources for any materials (both printed and
online) used in the writing reaction papers, journals, and self-analysis paper. Submitting work
that has been plagiarized will result in a failing grade. For more information on the UF Academic
Honor Code visit: https://sccr.dso.ufl.edu/policies/student-honor-code-student-conduct-code/.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities requesting accommodations should first register with the Disability
Resource Center (352-392-8565, dso.ufl.edu/drc) by providing appropriate documentation. Once
registered, students will receive an accommodation letter which must be presented to the
instructor when requesting accommodation.

Course Evaluations:
Students are expected to provide professional and respectful feedback on the quality of
instruction in this course by completing course evaluations online via GatorEvals. Guidance on
how to give feedback in a professional and respectful manner is available at
gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/students/. Students will be notified when the evaluation period opens, and
can complete evaluations through the email they receive from GatorEvals, in their Canvas course
menu under GatorEvals, or via ufl.bluera.com/ufl/. Summaries of course evaluation results are
available to students at gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/public-results/.

Campus Resources/Health & Wellness:

1. U Matter, We Care: If you or someone you know is in distress, please contact

umatter@ufl.edu, 352-392-1575, or visit umatter.ufl.edu/ to refer or report a concern
and a team member will reach out to the student in distress.
2. Counseling and Wellness Center: Visit counseling.ufl.edu/ or call 352-392-1575 for
information on crisis services as well as non-crisis services.
3. Student Health Care Center: Call 352-392-1161 for 24/7 information to help you find
the care you need, or visit shcc.ufl.edu/.
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Acting 1 Syllabus

4. University Police Department: Visit police.ufl.edu/ or call 352-392-1111 (or 9-1-1 for
emergencies).
5. UF Health Shands Emergency Room / Trauma Center: For immediate medical care
call 352-733-0111 or go to the emergency room at 1515 SW Archer Road,
Gainesville, FL 32608; ufhealth.org/emergency-room-trauma-center.

Final Business:

Acting is ACTION. Acting is not about attitude or being clever. It’s not about your ability to
conjure up or manufacture a feeling or emotion. Acting is about the TASK. To get forgiveness, to
get them to love you, etc., etc., etc. Be deliberate. Be direct. Be fearless. Learning to do this is
the function of this class.

TENTATIVE TIMETABLE
This timetable is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion

WEEK 1:

¨ Orientation, syllabus
¨ Theatre games and explorations
¨ “What is Acting?”
¨ Start working on journals

WEEK 2:

¨ *DUE Wednesday, Aug. 28th: 2-3 page paper – What does Acting mean to me?
o Your thoughts regarding what you hope to take away from this class. What are
your current perceptions, thoughts/feelings on the term “Acting?”
o This may include your prior experiences with the craft (if any), or your thoughts
in general on the topic.
o Papers must be typed and stapled.
¨ Individual Inventory: Body Awareness and Vocal Awareness

WEEK 3:

*NO CLASS – Monday, September 2nd: Labor Day

(Ongoing assignment for the semester: Begin Respect for Acting. I will be checking-in with
your progress on this reading as the semester continues, and applying your knowledge from this
text to in-class work and exercises.)

¨ Read Chapter 1 in the Hagen book (Concept)

¨ Goals/Obstacles/Discoveries/Tactics
¨ Exercises in exploring character/text and “finding the answers”

* DUE Wednesday, September 4th: JOURNALS

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Acting 1 Syllabus

WEEK 4:

¨ The Acting Space—continuing the actor’s awareness

¨ Putting it together—Monologue in class workshops and exercises in exploring the
monologue to find meaning and depth.
¨ Introduction to Acting Vocabulary and Terms

WEEK 5:

¨ READ Chapter 3 in the Hagen book (Substitution)

¨ Continuing explorations in “finding the answers”
¨ Putting the Monologue into Action—working with your monologue

*DUE Wednesday, September 18th: JOURNALS

WEEK 6:

¨ READ Chapter 28 in the Hagen book (The Rehearsal)

¨ Preparing a Role/Rehearsing/Choices
¨ Stanislavski vs. Other methods: how we can utilize all the tools at our disposal

*DUE DATE – Wednesday, September 25th: Response paper for We Are Proud to Present…

WEEK 7:

¨ Introduction of Scene Study/Neutral Scenes

WEEK 8:

¨ Scene performances
¨ Feedback on scenes and continuing explorations
¨ READ Chapter 25 in the Hagen book (The Objective)

*DUE Wednesday, October 9th: JOURNALS

WEEK 9:

¨ Raising the stakes: continuing the development of your skills

¨ Review of skills and vocabulary up to this point—in class explorations using scenes
and/or monologues

WEEK 10:

¨ Scene Study: continuing exploration and exercises

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Acting 1 Syllabus

¨ READ Chapter 26 in Hagen book (The Obstacle)

¨ Using the text as a tool

*DUE Wednesday, October 23rd: JOURNALS

WEEK 11:

¨ Scene workshops
¨ Feedback and further explorations of the scenes in class

* DUE DATE – Wednesday, October 30th: Response paper for Pippin

WEEK 12:

¨ Showing of scenes and feedback

¨ Review and preparation for Vocabulary/Terms Exam

*DUE Wednesday, November 6th: JOURNALS

WEEK 13:

*NO CLASS – Monday, November 11th: Veterans Day

¨ VOCABULARY/TERMINOLOGY EXAM – Wednesday, November 13th

WEEK 14:

¨ Audition Workshop/ The Business of Acting

¨ In class scene workshops
¨ Feedback and explorations of final scenes

DUE Wednesday, November 20th: FINAL JOURNALS

WEEK 15:

* DUE DATE – Monday, November 25th: Response paper for Agbedidi.

* NO CLASS- Wednesday, November 27th —Thanksgiving Break

WEEK 16:

¨ Wednesday, December 4th: Final Scene Presentations – Last Day of Class

This syllabus is a good approximation of what this course will be like this semester. The
instructor reserves the right to make reasonable additions or subtractions to the syllabus or to
allow more or less time for certain sections based on how the work progresses this semester.

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