Theatre 165-301C

Spring 2011

Texts: Required text: Freeing the Natural Voice by Kristin Linklater 2^nd edition

Additional reading assignments will be distributed from a variety of texts that will relate to the work being completed in class. Please bring a spiral notebook for journaling/notes.

Goals and Objectives: The focus of the class will be on the mechanics of the voice as they relate to physical relaxation, physical alignment, breath support, articulation and use of specific intentions. By the end of the term, students will have accessed an awareness of their voices in a relaxed and aligned body. They will have completed a collection of exercises and warm-ups that focus specifically on vocal production, articulation, vocal variety, and physical relaxation. They will have applied this knowledge using acting scenes, literature, observing acting performances and creating character voices as tools to connect the personal process work to actual outcomes. They will have begun the process of clearing their speech of regionalisms by learning Standard American Speech for the Stage. The voice work done in this class utilizes the approaches of Linklater, Fitzmaurice, Rodenburg and Lessac. The physical emphasis is based in the Alexander movement technique.

Expectations:

-Leave shoes at the door due to new dance floor in room.

-Commitment: Don’t worry about doing something right or wrong – explore and enjoy!

-Attend class regularly and punctually!

-Be dressed appropriately and ready to work at the beginning of class. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. I need to be able to observe your breathing apparatus in the abdominal area so please no tight jeans. We will be doing improvisational movement activities and floor/mat work. Footwear: bare feet, socks or tennis shoes or dance jazz shoes.

-Complete assignments on time.

-Participate in class activities and exercises with a sense of discipline and commitment.

-Participate in discussions by having an opinion about what you have read.

-Students are required to attend and/or participate in two U.W. Oshkosh Theatre productions: The Boys Next Door and The Importance of Being Earnest.

-All electronic devices must be off. Cell phones, laptops, ipods, etc. If you need to be contacted in case of an emergency, then give the phone numbers of the theatre office – 424-7042 or campus security and they can find you if it is indeed an emergency.
-No eating or gum chewing in class. They interfere with the voice.

-Water is the only beverage allowed in class but it must be in a water bottle with a closeable top to prevent spilling.

-If there are concerns about any aspect of the class, please meet with me to discuss them

-Treat others in the class, the professor and yourself with respect at all times. Harassment of any form won’t be tolerated!

-Academic honesty and integrity is expected at all times. Plagiarism or other cheating will result in a zero on the assignment and appropriate official steps will be taken.

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend class and to be on time. 3 absences are allowed for any reason – this includes illness, appointments, etc. For each absence beyond the three allowed absences, the end of semester grade will be lowered one grade level for example: a student with a B+ for the semester who has had four absences will receive a final grade of B. Participation is an integral part of the work being done in this class. If a student is late to class on a regular basis or has a pattern of being late, points will be subtracted from the total participation points earned for the semester at the discretion of the professor. Arriving a ½ hour late to class is considered an absence. If a student arrives less than a ½ late to class and attendance has been taken, it is up to the student to inform the professor immediately following the class to receive credit for being there. If a student forgets to inform the professor, an email received that calendar day is acceptable.

General information:

-All papers must be typed. Papers will be graded for content as well as general writing skills. Papers are expected to be turned in on time = at the start of class. Papers turned in later than that or a day late will have half of the points subtracted. Any paper received after that point will receive a 0. No emailing papers – only hard copies accepted.

-Missed presentations a grade of 0, unless prior permission is granted by the professor.

If the weather conditions are questionable, the professors will follow the recommendations as recorded on the UW Oshkosh weather line, (920) 424-0000 and/or as announced on local television and radio stations regarding possible class cancellations.

-Dates class won’t meet: 3/4; Spring Break = 3/20, 3/22, and 3/25.

GRADING:

Participation: 100 points 100

Includes: Being prepared for and approaching with commitment the daily work done in class. Be on time. Participation in discussions based on readings and being a supportive member of the class process.

Grading scale:

A = 700-650, A- = 649-599, B+ = 598-548, B = 547-497, B- = 496-446, C+ = 445-395,

C = 394-344, C- = 343-293, D+ = 292-242, D = 241-191, D- = 190-140 and F = 139 or less.

Liberal Arts Statement:

Theatre is a collaborative, creative process requiring a broad knowledge of the human condition to be successful. The importance of theatre in society is well documented and understanding the role it plays in society contributes to the development of well-rounded citizens. Theatre holds a mirror to society and teaches us what it means to be human. Theatre, as with all areas of the Liberal Arts, is most effectively employed when it is built on a broad base of knowledge.

An assignment schedule for the semester will be posted/distributed during the 2^nd week of class.

(The professor reserves the right to modify the syllabus to accommodate the needs of students in the class.)