Course Syllabus
THE3082 - Theatre (Entertainment) Careers
School of Performing Arts, Theatre UCF
3 Credit Hours
Table of Contents
- General Course Information
- Course Description
- Course Materials and Resources
- Student Learning Outcomes
- Course Activities
- Grading Information
- Course Schedule
- Policy Statements
Instructor Information
- Instructor: Sheri Croft
- Office Location: None
- Office Hours: TBD
- Phone: None
- Digital Contact: Sheri.Croft@UCF.edu
Teaching Assistants
- GTA(s): Nathan Stout and Tori Micaletti
- Email: Nathan.Stout@ucf.edu; Victoria.Micaletti@ucf.edu
Course Information
- Term: Spring 2022
- Course Number & Section: THE3082
- Course Name: Theatre Careers (Entertainment)
- Credit Hours: 3
- Class Meeting Days: Asynchronistic
- Class Meeting Time: Weekly
- Class Location: Virtual On-Demand
- Course Modality: V - Courses are online with extensive use of digital video, which may be supplemented by additional online activity, projects, or exams. Flexible - Instruction is delivered through flexible, on-demand video.
Enrollment Requirements
Course Prerequisites: B.A. Theatre major or Theatre minor or Entertainment Management major, “c” (2.0) or better in THE 2000, and Sophomore standing.
Course Description
Techniques to secure employment in theatre and related entertainment fields.
- Online introduction to a variety of entertainment career options
- Videos with professionals who have already made the journey, curated and delivered to you
- Introspective learning about what it takes to “make it” in the business
- Technical skills for securing an interview and successfully sharing your experience
We will explore the many roles associated with entertainment. Students will hear from industry professionals with the goal of sharing information which will help secure employment in theatre and related jobs. We will also learn about interviewing and resume building to give students the boost they need for getting recognized in this highly competitive field.
Mostly, students will learn what it takes to be successful, not only in entertainment fields, but also in life. Life lessons are reflected in our art and this course guides students toward finding the power to persevere toward their goals.
Course Materials and Resources
Required Materials/Resources
-
Required Text: GRIT, The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth
Supplemental Readings
Supplemental readings (often provided as web links) are included as appropriate within the weekly content.
Optional Materials/Resources
- You will often be asked to do your own research.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will become familiar with different roles and responsibilities within entertainment fields. They will be able to create a resume consistent with the job they are seeking. They will clearly understand how to approach an informational interview.
Students seeking a clearer path toward their entertainment goals will hear from professionals who have already taken the journey. These industry leaders offer tips for reaching their ultimate career destination.
Of course, that is never enough. Some people with great talent make it in “the business” and others don’t. We will learn why some people with lesser talent find themselves at the top of their field. Each student will have the opportunity to learn what it takes to win and will be able to judge their own grit and willingness to achieve their goals.
Here's what you will accomplish:
- Narrow your field of interest and have an idea of a pathway toward your goal. You will be asked to articulate your initial assessment of your career path and during the semester you will be required to articulate your plan for your career moving forward.
- Identify what is in your professional "toolbox" of hard and soft skills.
- Create a resume that is appropriate for your field of interest.
- Set up an informational interview with a professional in your field for the purpose of expanding your network.
- Practice professional skills, such as an elevator pitch.
- Develop a tool for continuously mapping the expansiveness of the entertainment industry and the many pathways you may take on your career journey. You will be graded on your contribution to this project.
- Identify your own “Grit” scale, ability to manage adversity and work at your highest potential.
- Cultivate your network and gain tools to help you navigate the complexity of the entertainment world. You will be asked to identify a list of contacts within your network, who you would be able to connect with, for work after college.
- Find your own confidence and next steps as you progress toward your goals.
Course Activities
This course includes asynchronous weekly online content and assignments, reading, discussions, projects and quizzes/exams. Details regarding each portion of this course are provided below.
Course Activities and Projects
- Build a comprehensive list of the types of jobs you may encounter in the entertainment industry
- Create a resume that fits your specific job goals
- Create and practice an elevator speech
- Write a cover letter and thank you note
- Research and find individuals in your field that you want to connect with
- Write questions for and secure an informational interview with an industry professional
- Discussions regarding key learning from the speakers. This requires thoughtful interaction with your peers
- Weekly reading/watching from text book and other online supporting videos and articles
- You should have regular access to the internet and plan on logging into the course at least twice each week, and plan on at least two hours worth of homework outside of class each week.
Activity Submissions
Weekly Online Content
All online readings, assignments and quizzes are to be completed on your own, unless specified as a group/peer review project. Each week of online content includes the following:
- Introduction and objectives of the weekly topics
- Reading related to weekly topics that address the objectives, including our text for that week
- Assignments which include discussions, quizzes, and projects
- Video viewing required for discussion posts and other assignments
We will publish at least two weeks ahead so that you are able to see what is coming in the next week. New weekly content will be available to you every Friday at 12:01 a.m. Assignments for that week are due by the following Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. unless noted in the assignment!
RED FLAG WARNING: Do not wait until the last day to complete your assignments. If there is a problem that requires my attention for you to complete, you may not get immediate action. I have a life and business and while I will respond within 24-48 hours, it will not be my fault if you miss a deadline! If you need immediate attention, please include your teaching assistants, as they are likely to see the request and will reach out to me.
Attendance/Participation
If you complete your work weekly, you will stay on target for completion of class. If you miss any full week of assignments, you will not be able to go back to the assignment. There are NO late submissions for this class since you have a full week (or more) to complete all assignments. The only exception is per university policy below and with the proper documentation. If you are aware of a conflict prior to the week of your absence, you will need to send notification prior to the week involved and include documentation.
The Undergraduate Catalog states, “Reasons for acceptable absences may include illness, serious family emergencies, special curricular requirements (e.g., judging trips, field trips, professional conferences), military obligations, severe weather conditions, and religious holidays.”
There are no required face-to-face sessions, as this is a totally virtual on-demand course. However, participation and collaboration with your peers in various activities, projects and discussions is a key component to successful completion.
Make-up Exams and Assignments
Per university policy, you are allowed to submit make-up work (or an equivalent, alternate assignment) for authorized university-sponsored activities, religious observances, or legal obligations (such as jury duty). If this participation conflicts with your course assignments, I will offer a reasonable opportunity for you to complete missed assignments and/or exams. The make-up assignment and grading scale will be equivalent to the missed assignment and its grading scale. In the case of an authorized university activity, it is your responsibility to show me a signed copy of the Program Verification Form for which you will be absent, prior to the class in which the absence occurs. In any of these cases, please contact me ahead of time to notify me of upcoming needs.
Assessment and Grading Procedures
|
Assignment |
Percentage of Grade |
|---|---|
|
Discussions |
20% |
|
Quizzes and Exams |
20% |
|
Projects |
40% |
|
Assignments |
20% |
|
Total |
100% |
This course is based on a point system. There will be a combination of assignments; projects, quizzes/exams, and discussions. Graded assignments will have a designated point value. Discussions also have point values for original and secondary postings made by the required deadline. Both point values and deadlines are indicated in the assignment details.
Consult the latest Undergraduate or Graduate catalog for regulations and procedures regarding grading such as Incomplete grades, grade changes, and grade forgiveness.
Course Schedule
University Services and Resources
Academic Services and Resources
A list of available academic support and learning services is available at UCF Student Services. Click on "Academic Support and Learning Services" on the right-hand side to filter.
Non-Academic Services and Resources
A list of non-academic support and services is also available at UCF Student Services. Click on "Support" on the right-hand side to filter.
If you are a UCF Online student, please consult the UCF Online Student Guidelines for more information about your access to non-academic services.
Policy Statements
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|