Introduction to Acting and Dramatic Arts

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Julian Whitlock (Assistant Teaching Professor of Music and Theatre)
• Email: jwhitlock@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Lovell Hall 172
• Office Hours:
  • Tuesday & Friday: 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (In person, Lovell Hall 172)
  • Wednesday: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Introduction to the fundamentals of acting, dramatic analysis, and stagecraft, featuring studio performance exercises in vocal projection, physical expression, scene study, and improvisation. THTR 105 introduces students to the fundamentals of acting, dramatic analysis, and stagecraft through immersive studio performance. Rooted in Stanislavskian principles and contemporary physical theatre practices, this course guides actors through vocal projection, expressive movement, psychological objectives, and active listening. Students learn how to analyze dramatic scripts from an actor's perspective, score scenes for dynamic beats and subtext, and collaborate effectively with ensemble partners. Through monologue presentations, intensive scene study, and critical evaluation of live theatre, participants cultivate creative confidence, empathetic interpretation, and disciplined artistic expression.

Prerequisites

None.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of THTR 105, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Dramatic Texts: Identify character objectives, beats, tactics, subtext, and dramatic structure in theatrical scripts.
2. Develop Vocal and Physical Presence: Demonstrate vocal projection, breath control, articulation, and physical awareness suitable for stage performance.
3. Apply Foundational Acting Techniques: Employ psychological realism and Stanislavskian principles—including given circumstances, action, and obstacles—in scene work.
4. Execute Collaborative Scene Performance: Rehearse and perform memorized contemporary dramatic scenes with focused partner connection and active listening.
5. Evaluate Live Theatrical Performance: Critique theatrical productions analytically in written reviews addressing acting choices, directing, and stagecraft.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Uta Hagen with Haskel Frankel. Respect for Acting. 2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons, 2008. Approx. $18 print or digital purchase.
2. Alkimi University Theatre Production Tickets (admission to two campus productions during the semester). Approx. $15 for two student-rate tickets.
3. Acting editions of selected contemporary plays for monologue and scene study (Dramatists Play Service / Concord Theatricals). Approx. $15 for printed acting scripts.
4. Total estimated cost: $35 to $50.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), THTR 105 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to research theatrical production histories, brainstorm hypothetical character backstories, or explore historical dramaturgical context for your assigned scenes.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI to write your rehearsal journals, compose your play attendance response paper, analyze scene objectives, or replace memorization and live performance work.
• Disclosure: If you use generative AI for background dramaturgical research or historical context, you must include a brief disclosure note at the end of your written submission citing the tool and prompts used.

Grading Components and Weights

• Contemporary Monologue Performance: 15% (In class, Thursday, October 1)
• Play Attendance Dramatic Response Paper: 15% (Due Thursday, October 29 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Scene Study Performance: 25% (In class, Thursday, November 19)
• Rehearsal Journal & Script Scoring: 15% (Actor's process journal documenting rehearsal discoveries, character objectives, and beat scoring submitted periodically in Canvas)
• Studio Warm-Ups & Ensemble Engagement: 15% (Active, punctual participation in vocal warm-ups, physical theatre exercises, improvisation drills, and peer critiques)
• Culminating Dramatic Performance & Analysis: 15% (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: None is offered.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Acting is fundamentally an ensemble art and studio discipline requiring live, collaborative engagement. Active attendance at every class session is mandatory. You are permitted two unexcused absences without penalty; each additional unexcused absence lowers your final grade by one-third of a letter grade. Missing more than five class sessions will result in a failing grade for the course. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Written assignments, including character analyses and the play attendance response, lose 10% per calendar day late and are not accepted after three days past the deadline. Rehearsal journals cannot be submitted late without prior instructor permission. Performance dates (monologues and scene studies) are scheduled in advance; missed performance slots without an excused medical absence cannot be rescheduled.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).