Theatre Arts 41
Theatre Arts 41
Class Objective
The purpose of this course is to introduce comprehensive acting techniques for the beginning actor. This class is designed to provide the students with a detailed study of the acting fundamentals necessary to prepare actors for the theatre. Attention will be given to the application of these techniques, through the use of warm-ups, exercises, improvisations, and the development of scene work. The practical goal of the class is to enable acting students to utilize these skills as they educate themselves in the process.
Attendance:
Attendance in class is imperative. Excessive absences may result in being dropped from the class. In addition, absences and excessive tardiness will affect your grade. You will be dropped from class after 2 unexcused absences.
Participation:
You are required to participate in all class activities, including lectures, warm-ups, exercises, improvisations, and scene work. You will be graded on your participation in these assignments. If for some reason, medical or otherwise, you cannot participate in a given assignment please notify me in the beginning of class and I will make the necessary allowances.
Scene Work:
You are required to perform in 3 scenes during the course of the session. You are responsible for choosing and rehearsing scenes on your own time. Scene partners will be arranged during class time. Each scene will be performed two times and you will be given notes by the instructor. Scene choices must be made from modern, realistic, serious plays. All scenes are subject to approval.
Notebooks:
In addition to performing in scene work you are required to watch the scenes of your fellow classmates and to keep a notebook of scene evaluations. These notebooks must be brought to class at all times and will be turned in at the end of the session. I will give all students a handout stating the criteria for these evaluations. Your ability to give full attention to fellow actors during their performances and to keep a well-organized, up-to-date notebook is mandatory and will affect the outcome of your grade.
Paperwork:
Written paperwork is required for all memorized material performed in class. Paperwork is mandatory and must be handed in prior to performance of scenes. Please see handout regarding guidelines for paper work.
Final Exam:
A test will be given at the end of the session. The exam will be multiple choice/true-false and will be based on reading material from text, hand outs, and class lectures, so attendance at lectures along with note taking is vital.
Play Critique:
You will be required to see the Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Department productions. The information on this production will be listed in the class itinerary. An outline stating criteria for this critique will be handed out in class. Failure to turn in a paper will effect the outcome of your grade. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the events office.
Note:
Please keep all handouts passed out in class. You will be using them throughout the session. You will be required to make your own Xerox copies of some of these handouts. Please copy 10 of the handout "Unit Objective Breakdown", 10 of the "Scene Evaluation: Work in Progress", and 10 of "Rehearsal Log". You will need these copies for your paperwork.
Required Text:
The Stanislavski System: The Professional Training of an Actor by Sonia
Moore
Suggested Scene Books:
"The Actors Book of Scenes from New Plays"; Eric Lane & Nina Shengold
"The Actor's Scenebook"; Michael Schulman & Eva Mekler
"Modern American Scenes for Student Actors"; Lewy Olfson
"Contemporary Scenes for Student Actors" Michael Schulman & Eva Mekler
"Scenes and Monologues from the Mew American Theater"; Frank Pike
"DUO! The Best Scenes for the 90's"; John Horvath, & Lavnne Mueller
Grading:
Attendance/Participation- 25%
Scene Work/Paperwork/Notebooks- 45%
Play Critiques- 15%
Final Exam- 15%