Syllabi for Ms Mendez
Course Syllabus - ACTING I – TPP -1110
Mixed-mode class fall 2021 - Class meets face to face on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:15am in Building 5 Room 253 in addition to online work.
Professor: Aixa Méndez
TPP 1110 ACTING I 3 Credits 1 lab hours
ACTING I - Introduction to practical skills necessary to art of stage acting. Includes character and script analysis and development and techniques for performance preparation, including relaxation, physical and vocal warmups, memorization techniques, rehearsal procedures, and hands-on experience in the performance of monologues and/or scenes from dramatic literature.
Communication Protocol:
For ease and diversity of communication, the Professor will be using the following means:
• PRIMARY EMAIL: Valencia College Email: amendez9@valenciacollege.edu
• SECONDARY EMAIL: You may also contact Professor through your inbox on the Canvas course, navigable from the left-hand column
• *PHYSICAL OFFICE: The Professor does not have a physical office.
• OFFICE HOURS: Via Zoom on Thursdays 10-12 by appointment only or after class on Wednesdays by appointment only.
• ADDITIONAL ZOOM TIME: Each student in Acting 1 gets one hour of individualized Zoom time throughout the semester to use for coaching, work on scenes, questions, etc.Course Pre-requisite:
There is no pre-requisite for this class other than an interest, and an agreement to be open to the journey.
Catalog Course Description: TPP 1110 Acting 1 - 3 Credit / Mixed-mode
ACTING 1: Introduction to practical skills necessary to art of stage acting. Includes character and script analysis and development and techniques for performance preparation, including relaxation, physical and vocal warmups, memorization techniques, rehearsal procedures, and hands-on experience in the performance of monologues and/or scenes from dramatic literature.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will:
• Demonstrate the principles and process of creating a believable character on stage. Collaborate with other acting students in the successful rehearsal and
performance of scenes from dramatic literature (and/or devised or open scenes and monologues)
• To develop the basic skills and break down barriers in acting through exercises/support/observation
· Critically evaluate acting performances on the stage
· Learn to discern
· The Who/What/When/Where/ and Why
· Beats
· Playable actions
· Utilize for performance through development of monologues and scenes
Controversial Material Statement
Since we will be studying, reading, and memorizing monologues and scenes, there may be times when some of these monologues and plays may include or allude to sexual, nudity, and other adult content. If you feel uncomfortable with this, please let me know and we can make accommodations.
Copyright
This course includes copyright protected materials such as video clips, films, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used in compliance with the Fair Use Act aiming to enrich the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this class and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder. All work within the context of the class is used for educational purposes only. No work shall be uploaded or shared on any existing or emerging media including but not limited to social media platforms, YouTube, snapchat, etc.
Masking and social distance during Covid Statement.
• Wear a mask: To protect ourselves and each other, all employees, students and vendors on campus will still be required to wear face masks that cover the mouth and nose while indoors. Masks are welcome outdoors but are not required.
• Distancing welcome: Physical distancing will be accommodated to the situation. Classes are reduced to minimal possible students.
• Stay Home if You’re Sick: Although the Daily Health Assessment is not required, please know the symptoms of COVID-19, and stay home if you feel sick.
• Wash hands frequently: Remember to keep your hands clean by washing them regularly. Hand sanitizing stations have been placed on campus so you can keep hands clean when hand washing with soap and water is not convenient.
• Illness reporting protocols are still in effect: Valencia is here to support you if you become ill, test positive, come in close contact to someone who tests positive or must provide care for someone with COVID-19. Please follow our illness reporting protocols and contact Valencia College’s COVID-19 Case Management Team at COVIDillness@valenciacollege.edu.
Florida House Bill 233
As your professor, I’m committed to giving you as many opportunities and resources to support your learning as possible. Therefore, you may find it beneficial to record class lectures to review later. Please keep in mind that you do not have your peers’ permission to record them, and they have a right to privacy; your peers should not be in your recordings. You may not record class discussions, student presentations, labs, group work, and private conversations. These recordings are permitted for your own personal use; you should contact me to discuss sharing options. Note that while these recordings are useful for review, we want you to attend class for your insights and questions; these recordings are not substitutes for class participation and attendance. Should you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me through Atlas email or Canvas message.
Course Text:
There is no text for this class. At varying times, videos and readings will be made available.
Grading Scale:
90–100%=A
80–89%=B
70–79%=C
60–69%=D
Below 60%=F.
Grading Breakdown:
There are no written “exams” in Acting 1. However, in-class participation and written support/assignments, videos and dedication count towards your grade. This is about your dedication and personal growth through the class! All assignments must be backed up with required paperwork, if any. Grade is cumulative based on:
· Weekly assignments and discussions Participation (75% cumulative)
· Developed Warmups, Given Circumstance, and other exercises (50%)
· Devised Monologue /Development/Performance/accompanying paperwork, if any (50%)
· Prepared Audition Monologue / accompanying paperwork (50%)
· Devised or spare scene /Development/Performance/accompanying paperwork, if any (50%)
· Final Submission of a portfolio with sketches (you could use cut-outs) on how you envision the costumes, light design, sound, a billboard design, and dramaturgical notes from the process on devising your final scene or choosing a spare scene, depending on what you chose to work on. I must include the given circumstances (75%)
Total – 350%
Course Structure:
This course is organized in module units. Each module will have videos, assignment, or readings to support your leaning journey. Each module will have a face-to-face component. Class meetings will be used to present the work developed in the online section of the module, and peer-to-peer critiques. If needed, provide in-depth explanations of the material, and answer any questions students may have. After class, a few days later, but before the end of the week, the professor will send a canvas message with her evaluation.
Course Competencies
The course seeks to strengthen students’ skills applicable to Valencia’s Student Core Competencies: Think, Value, Communicate, and Act. Professor Note: As a performing arts class, Acting I is uniquely suited to engage and strengthen the beginning to advanced student in Think (through assessment), Value (insight into others and diversity), Communicate (in a collaborative nature with the ensemble) and Act (direct application of all skills learned)
Course Policies:
Attendance Policy:
• Face to Face Modality: As this is a continually evolving class requiring a strong group dynamic, it is particularly important to keep absences to an absolute minimum. When rehearsing scenes, you MUST be able to schedule time with your scene partner. Excessive absences (more than 10% of classes) will result in a lower grade.
Expectations. If you miss a class, please email so we can catch you up to speed and make other arrangements if you are needed for in class work.
• Online Modality: The course is structured on a weekly basis with scheduled exercises, observations, self-tapings and/or other varied assignments. Assignments must be completed each week by due date and time.
Important Dates Fall 2021
• Start Date: Monday August 23, 2021
• End Date: Instruction Ends 12/12, Final week end 12/14 (Note: For this course, all materials must be in no later than 12/12 @ 12 noon.
• Withdrawal Deadline: October 29, 2021 @ 11:59 pm
• College Closed: 6 Sept (Labor Day) ~11 Nov (Veterans Day) 24 Nov-28 Nov (Thanksgiving) 22 Dec- 2 Jan (Winter Break). Here is the link to the full college catalog.
Computer Equipment/Requirements:
• Student shall have access to laptop, desktop, or similar device to access course.
• Student will at varying times be recording assignments, warmups, monologues, and scenes. Use of a standard cell phone is satisfactory. If student has access to a tripod for a cellphone it will aid but is not necessary.
Technology Access/Skills
• Student shall have access to internet for online work.
• At varying times ZOOM or a similar program may be used for rehearsing or performance of scenes. These will be independently scheduled with those involved in the project.
NOTE: The expectations for this course are that unless something is scheduled specifically with the agreements of all parties, that it can be accessed asynchronously by both student and Professor.
College Policies:
No Show Policy:
Class attendance is required for face-to-face classes beginning with the first-class meeting. If you do not attend the first-class meeting, you may be withdrawn from the class as a “no show. If you are withdrawn as a “no show,” you will be financially responsible for the class and a final grade of “WN” will appear on your transcript for the course.”
Withdrawal Policy:
Per Valencia withdrawal policy a student who withdraws from class before the established deadline for a particular term will receive a grade of “W. A student is not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline.
The dean or a staff member will withdraw a student up to the withdrawal deadline for violation of the class attendance policy. A student who is withdrawn by the dean or staff member for violation of the class attendance policy will receive a grade of “W”. After the withdrawal deadline, the student will not withdraw, and the student will receive the grade earned at the end of the course. Any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of “F.” If you do not intend to complete the course, you must withdraw yourself prior to the withdrawal date.
College Student Conduct Policy:
Valencia is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but also to the development of responsible personal and social conduct. As a registered student, you assume the responsibility for conducting yourself in a manner that contributes positively to Valencia’s learning community and that does not impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the college as described in the Student Code of Conduct
Academic Honesty:
All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, acts or attempted acts of plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, facilitating academic dishonesty, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive.
All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the students' individual thoughts, research, and self-expression. Whenever a student uses ideas, wording, or organization from another source, the source shall be appropriately acknowledged. If a student is caught submitting plagiarized work a first offense will result in a zero score on the assignment, a second offense will result a class grade of F.
Students with Disabilities:
Valencia is committed to ensuring that all its programs and services are accessible to students with disabilities. The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) determines reasonable and appropriate accommodations for qualified students with documented
disabilities based upon the need and impact of the specific disability.
Any student requiring course accommodations due to physical, emotional or learning disability must contact the Professor and provide a Notification to Professor form by the end of the second week of class. To obtain a letter of accommodation, contact OSD.
Baycare Student Assistance Services
Valencia College strives to ensure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help with issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. BayCare Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP). Services are free to all Valencia students and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. If needed, the counselor may refer the student to appropriate resources or to speak face-to-face with a licensed counselor.
Useful College Links
• Valencia College Current Catalog
• Valencia College Policy Manual
• Valencia College Student Handbook
• Valencia College Software Instructions
• Onsite/Online Tutoring, Writing Help, etc.
Late Work/Makeup Policy:
Student to submit late work or makeup work not completed must email Professor. Email should outline anticipated timeline to have the word completed. Any assignment completed after due date must be submitted with permission with points diminished based on circumstance, timeline, and assignment.
Extra Credit Policy:
There are no extra credit currently.
Copyright Policy:
Any work within the context of the class is used for educational purposes only. No work shall be uploaded or shared on any existing or emerging media including but not limited to social media platforms, YouTube, Snapchat, etc.
FERPA Policy:
Valencia College has a firm commitment to protecting privacy rights.
Final Exam Policy:
There is no written final exam in Acting 1 Students will create and submit a portfolio with sketches (you could use cut-outs) on how you envision the costumes, light design, sound, a billboard design, and dramaturgical notes from the process on devising your final scene or choosing a spare scene, depending on what you chose to work on. Submit on Module Final in Canvas.
Program of Theatre Diversity and Inclusion Policy:
The professor will continually strive to foster inclusivity and sensitivity towards students
identities, backgrounds, and viewpoints, and openly welcomes class discussion as we work together to be more understanding.
COURSE SCHEDULE – FALL 2021
Disclaimer Statement
The course schedule is subject to change. Should a change in schedule occurs, students will be notified via canvas messages or by posting announcements.
Put special attention to the final exam. Scroll down and read over the requirements for the final. Have fun with it.
WEEK ONE: 8/23/2021 – 8/29/2021
“Introduction and Welcome”
AT HOME PROJECT: Student shall submit a video introduction in discussion 1 board and
respond to a minimum of two (2) other students – Have fun with this one. Access the
discussion on the Canvas page either in Module 1, or by clicking the Discussion tab.
Deadline 11:59pm on Sunday, 8/29/2021
IN CLASS: Students will take turn presenting themselves to the rest of the class. Situation: You are a politician selling your candidature. Convince your audience you are the one candidate that will act in their favor and thus must be chosen.
WEEK TWO: 8/30/2021 – 9/5/2021
“Noise Reduction/Warmups/Physical”
Introduction to Warmups / Breathing/Relaxation/Articulation
AT HOME: Research varying physical warmups, submit 3 for possibly ones in the Discussion 2. Read full class submissions and comment on two other student entries. Access the discussion on the Canvas page by clicking Module 2 in by clicking on the discussions tab and click on discussion 2.
Deadline 11:59pm on Tuesday, 8/31/2021
IN CLASS
We will discuss the warming exercises found at home. Students will lead some of the warm-ups (students’ choice).
WEEK THREE: 9/6/2021 (Labor Day) – 9/12/2021
“Phasic Relaxation/ Warmups - Vocal”
AT HOME: Research varying vocal warmups, submit 3 for possibly inclusion in discussion. Read full class and comment on two other student entries. Access the discussion on Module 3 in the Canvas page or by clicking the Discussion 3 tab.
Deadline 11:59pm on Tuesday, 9/07/2021
IN CLASS: Students will lead some of the warm-ups vocal studied (student’s choice).
WEEK Four: 9/13/2021 – 9/19/2021
“Introduction to Improvisation
Introduction to improvisation, discussion of subjects, approach, etc.
AT HOME: After you watch all the videos, post in the discussion your understanding of what is improv, what entails? and any other comment you wish to make. Read over full class and comment on two other student’s entries. Access the discussion on the Canvas page by clicking the Discussion tab.
Deadline 11:59 on Tuesday 9/14/2021
IN CLASS: Students will present to the class their improvisation. We will do an exercise called “TAP” or others.
WEEK FIVE: 9/20/2021 – 9/26/2021
“Given Circumstances” Who, What, Where, When, and Why
Introduction to Given Circumstances (Video/readings, or handouts) Read the following information from this website before you begin your assignment.
AT HOME: Discern the given circumstances of a scene submitted to class by Professor. Upload as a Microsoft Word Document ONLY in the corresponding canvas tab.
Deadline 11:59pm on Tuesday, 9/21/2021
IN CLASS: You will present a discussion on the given circumstances you wrote about in your paper. Situation: you are given a lecture to a class of 100+ students. You will discuss the given circumstances, what are they using the 5 Ws and explain your rationality used in your paper.
WEEK SIX: 9/27/2021 – 10/3/2021
“Devised Monologue, First Draft”
AT HOME: Student will write first draft of a devised monologue along with given circumstances Upload as Microsoft Word Document only in the corresponding canvas tab.
Deadline 11:59pm on Tuesday, 09/28/2021
IN CLASS: Students will read to the rest of the class their devised monologue. The class will provide feedback regarding the 5 Ws. The student will receive the professor’s feedback in a message in canvas in preparation for next in-class meeting
WEEK SEVEN: 10/4/2021 – 10/10/2021
“Devised Monologues, Performance and Taping”
Introduction to Self-Taping, slating, etc.
AT HOME: Read watch the following website on An Actor's Guide to Self-Tape Auditions | Backstage. Students will self-tape devised monologue with full costume/props using the situation below. Direct address to camera. Slate beforehand. Include all learnings up-to-now. Monologues should be memorized, yet if for some reason some lines are forgotten, use improvisational skills. Upload your full video in canvas.
Deadline: 11:59pm on Tuesday, 10/05/2021
IN CLASS:
You will present your video to the class. Situation: you are presenting your monologue to an entrance panel for a school admission. You must provide an explanation of your monologue before showing it. Include the why you chose it. The class will evaluate your performance in terms of the 5W. Is it clear where the actor is? Who is the character, etc?
WEEK EIGHT: 10/11/2021 – 10/17/2021
“Picking an Audition Monologue and Audition Tips”
Introduction to choosing an Audition monologue and Audition Tips. (Video/readings and handout)
AT HOME: Read/watch: 10 Tips for a Winning Acting Audition | Backstage and other videos embedded in the module. Read How to Prepare for a Theater Audition (nyc.gov)
Choose three audition monologues from plays and/or online sources. These will be submitted to Professor through links, screenshot, or Microsoft word document uploaded in the corresponding canvas tab
Deadline: 11:59pm on Tuesday, 10/12/2020
IN CLASS: Students will present the three ideas to the class. The class will provide feedback on which monologue the student should perform. The majority will win. However, if the student does not agree with the majority, they should argue their choice by presenting reasons on to why they rather to do their choice. The professor will send an email advising the monologue the student should perform. Student and professor then will agree on a choice.
WEEK NINE: 10/18/2021 – 10/24/2021
“Self-Taped Audition”
Based on the student and professor agreement.
AT HOME: Student will self-tape audition monologue with full slate in audition style taping. Student will upload video to Canvas course on the respective module.
Deadline: 11:59pm on Tuesday, 10/19/2021
IN CLASS: Student will present the audition monologue to the panel of students who will watch and provide constructive and civil feedback. After class, the professor will email through canvas message their feedback.
WEEK TEN: 10/25/2021 – 10/31/2021
“Introduction to Scene Work”
Introduction to scene work.
AT HOME: You must collaborate with a partner; one will be assigned if you cannot find one. You must meet with each other in person or via Zoom, it is your choice, and begin barnstorming on possible ideas for your scene work. Out of the ideas, select three you would like to work on. Scenes should o ne=be longer than 2/3 minutes each.
Deadline: 11:59 on Tuesday, 10/26/2021
IN CLASS: It is theatre games. Improv on a subject. First the whole class will participate and after, with you partner, you will improv the scene and after analyzing the given circumstances talk to the class.
WEEK ELEVEN: 11/01/2021 – 11/07/2021
“Introduction to Spare Scenes:
Introduction to Spare/Open Scenes. (Video/reading)
AT HOME: Write and submit to 2 possible spare scenes, one for two actors and ne for three. Submit a word documents to the discussion board following the corresponding tab.
Deadline 11:59pm on Tuesday, 11/02/2021
IN CLASS: You will bring your scenes to class. You will direct them. Choose actors to participate and begin the directing process. Enjoy!
WEEK TWELVE: 11/8/2021 – 11/14/2021
“Beginning Rehearsals”
AT HOME: Rehearsal work with Scene Partner
Submit Discussion/Journal entry. Comment on two other student entries. Begin working on final exam.
Deadline 11:59pm on Tuesday, 11/09/2021
IN CLASS: Present to the class a reading of your scene. Begin blocking. Improvisation on movements. Decide why you are moving this way.
WEEK THIRTEEN: 11/15/2021 – 11/21/2021
“Rough Rehearsal on Zoom or in person”
AT HOME: Rough rehearsal on Zoom or in person with professor. (Schedule to be agreed upon between students and professor) – Professor will give notes and give formative feedback. Continue working on final exam.
Deadline: 11:59pm on Tuesday, 11/16/2021
IN CLASS: Presentation of final scene in class. Let us make sure everyone have a chance to present
WEEK FOURTEEN: 11/22 – 11/28/2021 (Thanksgiving) 22 Dec- 2)
AT HOME: Rehearsal work with Scene Partner
Submit Discussion/Journal entry on Rehearsals into Discussions
Comment on two (2) other student entries.
Deadline: 11:59pm on 11/23/2021
IN CLASS: No face-to-face classes
WEEK FIFTEEN: 11/29/2021 – 12/5/2021 (Fall Day and Evening Classes End)
AT HOME: Final Exam – Create and submit a portfolio with sketches (you could use cut-outs) on how you envision the costumes, light design, sound, a billboard design, and dramaturgical notes from the process on devising your final scene or choosing a spare scene, depending on what you chose to work on. Submit on Module Final in Canvas.
Deadline: at 12:00 pm. on 11/30/2021
IN CLASS: Presentation of final scene work. Exhibition of your portfolio. You can use art stands or lecterns, and a table to display your work. We will find a table(s). If you can not find a lectern, we could use the room walls. Please let me know in advance, what will you need.
WEEK SIXTEEN: 12/6/2021 – 12/12/2021
AT HOME: Please submit on discussion line a final observation/reflection on the semester. How you feel you progressed in the class. Read your fellow classmates’ observations and respond to at least two (2) students.
Deadline: 5:00pm on Saturday, 12/08/2021 (NOTE: Different due date and time from usual)
THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL SEMESTER!