Arts, Letters and Social Sciences                                                                    Spring, 2010

THEA 161 001, Problems in Speech and Drama (1-3,0)                                     1 Credit

Prerequisites:   Permission of the Dean

            Instructor(s):     Professor Robert Cooper                                                                    

      Arts Center 225                                             

      906-635-2275                                                 

      <rcooper@sympatico.ca>                            

 Office Hours:  By appointment and at rehearsals. 

Required Texts:                     Romeo and Juliet.  Any edition.

Recommended Text:             None

Course Description:  Practical problems in speech and theatre. Requires participation in forensics, debate, Readers Theatre or theatre.  Maybe repeated for a maximum of three credits.

Course Goals:  To give the student opportunity to gain practical experience in aspects of theatrical production and performance

Course Objectives: At the conclusion of THEA 161 001 students will:

1.   Be able to perform and or narrate a character, or be able to solve productions problems.

2.   Be able to think more critically and analytically about performance texts.

3.   Be able to engage the rehearsal process to improve their performances.

4.   Be able to gain a greater appreciation for artistic process of performance.

5.   Be able to improve and hone performance skills.

6.   Be able to create teaching packages for  high school teachers.

Grading Scale and Policies:

Point Values: 

Rehearsals and group work                                                                                    500 points

Performances and productions                                                                              500 points

                                                                                                                        Total 1000 points

Grading Scale:

                        1000 – 900      A

                        899-800           B

                        799-700           C

                        699-600           D

                        599                  F    

Course Policies: 

• The student will successfully complete a minimum of 45 hours of production /performance work for each 161 credit.

• The student must attend all rehearsals and discussion sessions unless excused by the instructor/director.

• The student is expected to be available for all technical, dress rehearsal and scheduled performances.

• The student is expected to contact their professors and schedule to complete makeup homework, course assignments or tests when traveling to perform at festivals and other performance events including campus productions.

             Norms and Behaviors:

•    Please be respectful of your classmates/other cast members.  Sexist, racist, ageist and discriminatory language is not acceptable nor will it be tolerated. Please don’t embarrass self or your classmates.

•    Please be quiet and respectful when joining rehearsals after they have begun due to evening classes and/or meetings and prior commitments.

•    Cell phones/PDAs/BlackBerries/Ipods/I-phones, etc. must be turned off nor used during class time.

•    No food is allowed in the rehearsal space or theatre, but water is acceptable.   You spill it, you clean it up.

•    Take care of your scripts, they will not be replaced.  Should you loose them, you will have to pay for the cost of replacing them.   In most cases, you will also return the scripts after the production is complete.

University Policies and Statements:

             American Disability Act and Accommodations:  In compliance with Lake Superior State University policy and equal access laws, disability-related accommodations or services are available to students with documented disabilities.

             If you are a student with a disability and you think you may require accommodations you must register  with Disability Services (DS), which is located in the KJS Library, Room 147, (906) 635-2355 or X2355 on campus.  DS will provide you with a letter of confirmation of your verified disability and authorize recommended accommodations. This authorization must be presented to your instructor before any             accommodations can be made.

             Students who desire such services should meet with the professor in a timely manner, preferably during   the first week of class, to discuss individual disability-related needs,  Any student who feels that an accommodation is needed – based on the impact of the disability – should meet with the instructors   privately to discuss specific needs.

            IPASS: If at mid-term your grades reflect that you are at risk for failing some or all of your classes, you   will be contacted by a representative of IPASS.  The IPASS program (Individual Plan for Academic   Support and Success) is designed to help you gain control over your learning through pro-active communication and goal-setting, the development of intentional learning skills and study habits, and            personal accountability.

 Tentative Course Outline and Daily Schedule

             Daily schedule will depend on production and/or festival dates.  Generally the schedule will be constructed by the instructor/director after the production has been cast/decided upon.  Rehearsals generally are held Sundays through Thursdays anywhere between 4:30 pm and 10:00 pm.  Rehearsals generally last for 2-3 hours.  Other meeting times will be scheduled as appropriate.