Acting I Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

DRAM-1351-002 Acting I

Prerequisites

Course Description

An introduction to the fundamental principles and tools of acting as used in auditions, rehearsals and performances. This may include ensemble performing, character and script analysis, and basic theater terminology. This exploration will emphasize the development of the actor's instrument: voice, body and imagination.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs 3 lec )

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

None required

Supplies

• Something to take notes with on discussion days
• Appropriate attire
  • (clothes to move in on rehearsal days, audition attire for monologues, costumes for final)

Student Performance

The student will develop critical thinking skills (such as creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information) by using the learning from in-class exercises in future scene work. The student will also work on communications skills; written skills through critique of the AC production during the semester; oral communication through oral critiques of fellow students’ presentations; and visual communication through physicalization of characters in scene work.  Students will develop teamwork through in-class exercises, at least 12 hours of outside class rehearsals, and work on multiple character scenes.  The student will explore social responsibility through evaluation of scenes to determine a scene’s appropriate audience(s) and to the members of his/her cast.  And, finally, the student will delve into his/her personal responsibility through analysis of characters, and the connection between the actor and character.

By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

• Feel comfortable with working alone and with fellow performers, both in rehearsal and before an audience;
• Have a sense of ensemble;
• Apply GOTE as a character analysis tool;
• Apply Stanislavski's method to a role;
• Recognize and use basic blocking techniques;
• Bring personal moments to the given material, as well as, create characters different from himself/herself;
• Recognize and use some of the specialized vocabulary of the theatre;
• Observe life and borrow elements, which are useful for performance; and,
• Have an appreciation for theatre as an art form.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to come to each class prepared to fully engage their body, voice, and mind in the work. This course asks you to be curious, open to exploration, and willing to try new techniques, even when they may feel unfamiliar or outside your comfort zone. An open mind and a respectful, non-judgmental attitude toward yourself and others are essential to creating a classroom where everyone feels supported in taking risks and growing as an artist.

Much of the work this semester will be individual, but we will also work with partners and/or in small groups. Everyone is expected to focus on their own growth while also contributing to the growth of the class as a whole. This means being willing to communicate, collaborate, listen, and learn from one another. You do not need to arrive already knowing how to do everything. You do need to arrive ready to work, participate, experiment, and grow.

The performing arts, like most things in life, require discipline and professionalism. I expect both from every student in this course. Cell phones should be silenced and put away when class begins. We will have a lot of fun together, but having fun does not mean that we stop being focused, respectful, or professional. The best creative work often happens when we can be playful while still taking the work and one another seriously.

Class Attire and Physical Participation

This is a physical course, and students should come to class wearing clothing that allows for comfortable and unrestricted movement. Clothing or shoes that significantly restrict movement, including heels, tight or restrictive jeans, and similar items, are not appropriate for class activities. Long hair should be pulled back when needed, and jewelry may need to be removed for certain exercises to allow everyone to work safely and comfortably.

If you have a disability, injury, medical condition, or other physical need that may affect your participation in movement, stretching, breathing, relaxation, or other class activities, please communicate within the first week of class or as soon as any occur. You are not required to share private medical details. My goal is to work with you, along with appropriate campus resources when needed, to support your participation in the course and help you engage with the material safely and successfully.

Grading Criteria

The final grade will be calculated using the following breakdown.

Participation/Attendance                             = 20%

Monologues                                                 = 15%

A-B Scene                                                    = 10%

Play Critiques                                               = 10%

Assignments                                                = 20%

(GOTE, Analysis, Memorization, Character Collage, etc)

Test                                                             = 10%

Final Project                                                = 15%

Attendance

Students are also required to attend rehearsals that they have scheduled with their scene partners outside of class. If a scene partner misses a scheduled rehearsal or does not use the rehearsal time properly, the other partner should contact the instructor immediately.

Students are strongly encouraged to make good and wise use of the rehearsal times listed in the class schedule.

All assignments and critiques must be submitted through Blackboard within the timelines listed below in the Course Calendar.

*****Please remember that communication goes a long way.  If you have issues or need help, please reach out.*****

Calendar

Additional Information