Theatre Arts 46
Comedy Acting Workshop

 

Class Objective
This course explores comedic acting skills through the application and development of progressive comedy techniques. Through acquired knowledge of the genre and analysis of plays, this course fosters the development of acting techniques. Students will rehearse and prepare material and learn about the processes of comedy acting for the live theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.


Required Textbook
NTC’s Dictionary of Theatre and Drama terms   by J. Mobley
Various Assigned Reading by Instructor


Attendance and Participation
Attendance in class and for workshops is imperative. Excessive absences may result in being dropped from the course.  You may be dropped after 3 un-excused absences. In addition, tardiness and missed workshops/performances will not be tolerated. Arriving late to workshop may be counted as a full absence. Absences and tardiness will ultimately count against your potential grade.  You are required to participate in all class activities. These activities will include and are not limited to: lectures, demonstrations, vocal and physical warm-ups, class exercises and explorations, improvisations, scene rehearsals, and presentations as it relates to course objectives.


Assigned Presentations
You will be required to present/perform in a minimum of 10 assigned workshop presentations during the course of the session.  All material is subject to pre-approval and specific guidelines. You will be responsible for preparing, and rehearsing your assigned presentations outside of regular class time. Students will be given specific deadlines for required material. Failure to meet due dates and deadlines will affect the final outcome of your grade.


Paperwork
You will be required to fill out information worksheets and to provide a Xerox copy of all of the material presented/performed in class.


Midterm Project and Final Exam
A Midterm Project and a Final Exam will be due/given on the dates listed in the class itinerary. Midterm projects will be assigned by the instructor on a student-by-student basis. Final Exam will be given on the final exam date as determined by Santa Monica College.


SMC Theatre Arts Productions– Critiques/Exams
You will be required to see the Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Department productions as set down by the guidelines and requirements of all theatre arts students attending this College.  Information on these productions is listed in the class itinerary and tickets will need to be purchased by the students in advance.  In addition, two typewritten papers will be due on the dates listed in the course itinerary.  Instructor will determine criteria for these papers.

FAILURE to ATTEND the SMC PRODUCTIONS and turn in assigned papers will greatly affect the outcome of your grade. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!


Student Evaluations/Observations Notebooks
Students will be required to keep a notebook of evaluations and observations during the course of the session. These notebooks must be brought to class at all times and will be turned into the instructor for grading. Your ability to keep a well-organized, up-to-date notebook is mandatory and will determine the final outcome of your grade.


Instructors Notes and Feedback
 You are required to take notes during the process of this course. The class instructor will be giving you these notes throughout the duration of the session. Notes and feedback are focused toward improvement and the overall quality of your work and progression in the class. Your ability to give full attention to theses notes and to show a respect and willingness to take direction is vital to your improvement and acting work.


Final Product
As a member of this class it is your responsibility to be concerned with the final product and growth of your performance level. You must hold yourself accountable. You must focus on the highest level of achievement. You are responsible for the quality of your own progression in this course. Equally as important to your own personal growth, is the growth of your fellow classmates.  Your cooperation, respect, and thoughtfulness for other students is expected inside and outside of class. Positive group interaction, team work, and maintaining a respectful attitude toward class members, faculty and staff helps promote a progressive learning environment. Disruptive, negative behavior that impedes the learning process will not be tolerated.


Workshop Attire
All students participating in Comedy Workshop will be required to dress in workshop appropriate clothing.  Students will need to provide a plain white T-shirt.  Students will be asked to write their first name in clear bold print on the front of T-shirt in black sharpie. These T-shirts should be worn to every class meeting (unless instructor indicates a special costume assignment). In addition, students should wear pants that are appropriate for movement exercises to every class meeting. Shoe wear must be rubber bottom tennis shoes at all times. Any student who attends class without designated Workshop attire will not participate in class activities and be asked to “sit out.”  Sitting Out could result in a reduction of participation/team points.


Workshop Assignments
(1) Attendance in class daily with full cooperation and participation;
(2) Several Assigned Solo presentations;
(3) Several Duo/Scene presentations: (Some with at least two performances);
(4) Assigned Improvisation Work;
(5) Assigned Paperwork, as it relates to class assignments;
(6) Two Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Production Evaluations/Assignments;
(7) Evaluation Notebook;
(8) Midterm Project;
(9) Final Exam.


 Grading:
     Daily Attendance & Participation: 150pts
    Presentations: 150pts
    Paperwork: 75pts
    Production Attendance & Papers: 100pts
    Notebooks:100pts
    Midterm Project: 50pts
    Final Exam: 50pts
    Team Participation: 100pts



                  

Rules and Class Guidelines
 

  • No Foul Language - Unless designated by a published Playwright
  • No inappropriate Subject Material!
  • No Weapons or Realistic Looking Weapons of any kind!
  • No Alcohol in class or on SMC Campus!
  • No Nudity or Partial Nudity!
  • No Violence!
  • No Uncontrolled Farce or Dangerous Physical Work!
  • Follow Directions at all times!
  • Additional rules and guidelines may be added!

NOTE: Instructor will go over additional Rules and Class Guidelines! Any student who fails to follow rules and guidelines will be removed from workshop! It is important for your safety and the safety of other students that you follow directions, instructions, rules, and safety guidelines.
                                         

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