Northeastern State University

College of Liberal Arts

Department of Communications, Art and Theatre
Tahlequah, OK

INSTRUCTOR: Christopher Miller LOCATION: Shawnee Street Theatre
COURSE: THTR 4553 ADV. PLAYWRITING DAYS/TIME: M,W,F: 2:00-2:50
OFFICE: Shawnee Street Theatre 101 CONTACT: 918-444-2794
Office Hrs: 8am-9am M,W,F miller34@nsuok.edu
10am-11am M,W,F
10am-11am T,TH

PREREQUISITES: None

COURSE PURPOSE: The purpose of this course is to improve and focus student creativity in writing and performing for
the stage that culminates in the creation and development of original short plays through brainstorming and
improvisation.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Over the course of this semester, students will:
1. develop and utilize collaborative skills in play devising.
2. acquire knowledge of the techniques of improvisational play.
3. develop an understanding of character development, conflict, dialogue and dramatic action
4. realize the relationship between drama and human life.
5. put the above into practice through the writing of exercises, culminating the production of an original play.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: The student is responsible for attaining the following materials for the course:
-Access to online scripts and supplemental material

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: Writing activities; reading playscripts; Improvisation; class discussion/activities;

STUDENT PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES: (Attendance/Punctuality)
Attendance for this course is required since it is largely discussion and activity based. Your presence in both mind and
body is necessary. There is no such thing as an excused or an unexcused absence. There are simply absences. You are
allowed THREE absences; after the third absence, your course grade will be lowered by a letter grade for EACH absence
thereafter. If you arrive to class more than 15 minutes late, you are considered absent.

Punctuality is also of critical importance in the theatre. Its just as easy to show up five minutes early as it is to show up
five minutes late. You are considered late if you arrive after attendance has been taken. Additionally, you are considered
tardy if you leave early. Every THREE tardies equals ONE absence. These behaviors will negatively impact the attendance
and participation portion of the grade.

Arrangements can be made to turn in work early if you know you will be missing a class. Assignments missed as a result
of tardiness or absences may not be made up.

Social Contract and Participation
First of all, please remember that I am here to help you learn. Please do not hesitate to ask questions, or ask for help, in
or out of class. (In class is often best, since your classmates may have the same questions or concerns and you will be
helping them.) Since this course is participatory in nature, it is essential that you complete all homework assignments,
come to class prepared to engage in vigorous, critical discussion and invest fully in classroom exercises.
Please know that everyone feels uncomfortable sometimes, especially in front of large groups. It is your responsibility,
as class members to create a safe environment wherein all students feel free to participate and express their ideas,
thoughts and opinions.

Additionally, you must put away newspapers, magazines, homework for your next class, remove headphones and turn
off all cell phones, pdas, beepers, pagers, etc. before the start of class. If you ring or beep in class you will be asked to
leave and it will count as an absence.

Course Requirements and Grading Procedures:
Grades will be based on a points scale. The final point total for the course will be determined by the number of quizzes,
activities, and writing assignments we complete throughout the semester. Final grades will follow a normal scale of
90%=A, 80%=B, 70%=C, 60%=D

Administrative Withdraws:
Students who enroll this course and have poor attendance and/or poor participation (as determined by the instructor)
may be administratively withdrawn (involuntarily). Students who are administratively withdrawn will be responsible for
payment and repaying any financial aid received for the course or courses that must be returned to the provider. If you
are concerned about your absences, progress, or success in a particular course, meet with your instructor immediately.

ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES:
All class assignments are due on their scheduled dates. Late work WILL NOT be accepted. Being unable to find time to
meet with collaborators, having a computer or printer problem at the last minute, having a paper or exam in another
class, are not legitimate reasons for late performances or assignments. Plan ahead. Exceptions or extensions may be
negotiated in extreme circumstances, but must be worked out in advance of the due date and evidence of progress on
the project must be shown. All assignments must be turned in on time, in person, in class and typed.

STUDENT EVALUATION:
4 short play Assignments 10 pts. Each 40
1 One-Act Play Outline 10
Class participation/Peer Evaluation 20
First Draft/Presentation of One-Act Play 10
Final Draft/Presentation of One-Act Play 20
100points

Please go to http://offices.nsuok.edu/academicaffairs/SyllabiInformation.aspx for required information pertaining to:

Academic Misconduct
American Disabilities Act Compliance
Inclement Weather/Disaster Policy
Teach Act
Accessibility
Release of Confidential Information


Course Schedule
(subject to change)

WEEK 1 INTRODUCTIONS
Aug 15 Overview of course, review syllabus, discuss expectations, class introductions.
Aug 17 In class exercise
Aug 19 Discuss Dramatic Action/Conflict. In class exercise. Assign Assignment #1

WEEK 2 ENSEMBLE DEVELOPMENT
Aug 22 Workshop/Discuss Writing Assignment #1
Aug 24 Rehearse Assignment #1
Aug 26 Perform Assignment #1 (10 points) Assign Assignment #2

WEEK 3
Aug 29 Workshop/Discuss Assignment #2
Aug 31 Rehearse Assignment #2.
Sep 2 Perform Assignment #2 (10 points) Assign Assignment #3

WEEK 4
Sep 5 NO CLASS LABOR DAY
Sep 7 Workshop/Discuss Assignment #3
Sep 9 Workshop/Discuss Assignment #3

WEEK 5
Sep 12 In class rehearsal Assignment #3
Sep 14 Rehearse Assignment #2.
Sep 16 Perform Assignment #3 (10 points) Assign Assignment #4

WEEK 6 CHILDRENS PLAY WEEK
Sep 19-23 TBA

WEEK 7
Sep 26 Workshop/Discuss Assignment #4
Sep 28 Rehearse Assignment #4.
Sep 30 Perform Assignment #4 (10 points) Assign Outline Assignment

WEEK 8
Oct 3 Workshop/Brainstorm Outline
Oct 5 Rehearse/Improvise Outline
Oct 7 Pitch Outline to class

WEEK 9
Oct 10 Improvise/Develop Outline
Oct 12 Rehearse/Improvise Events
Oct 14 Rehearse/Improvise Events Present in class.

WEEK 10
Oct. 17 Improvise/Develop Outline/ Pitch Complete Outline (10pts)
Oct. 19 Pitch Complete Outline (10pts)
Oct. 21 FALL BREAK NO CLASS



WEEK 11
Oct. 24 Improvise/Develop 1
st
quarter
Oct. 26 Improvise/Develop 1
st
quarter
Oct. 28 Present 1
st
quarter

WEEK 12
Oct. 31 Improvise/Develop 2
nd
quarter
Nov. 2 Improvise/Develop 2
nd
quarter
Nov. 4 Present 2
nd
quarter

WEEK 13
Nov. 7 Improvise/Develop 3
rd
quarter
Nov. 9 Improvise/Develop 3
rd
quarter
Nov. 11 Present 3
rd
quarter
See The Cripple of Inishmaan at Shawnee Street Theatre. November 9-12 at 7:30. $5 tickets

WEEK 14
Nov. 14 Improvise/Develop 4
th
quarter
Nov. 16 Improvise/Develop 4
th
quarter
Nov. 18 Improvise/Develop 4
th
quarter

WEEK 15
Nov. 21 Present Staged Reading of 1
st
Draft ( 10points)
Nov. 23 THANKSGIVING BREAK NO CLASS
Nov. 25 THANKSGIVING BREAK NO CLASS

WEEK 16
Nov. 28 In-class rehearsals
Nov. 30 In-class rehearsals
Dec. 2 In-class rehearsals

WEEK 17
Dec. 5 Present One-Act Plays for class

FINAL PUBLIC PRESENTATION of One Act Plays (20 points)
TBD