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Fall 2008

BEGINNING ACTING

Purpose:    
        This course introduces the beginning student to the art of STAGE acting. The major emphasis is on actor development and growth through character portrayal, scene performances, and written work.

Texts:
        Required:
            Lewis, Robert. Method or Madness. (copies in library reserve or get by Dec 1)
            Schulman.  Actor's Scenebook, Contemporary Scenes for Student Actors (get now). 
            Duo.  (get now)
            Stanislavski.  Building a Character.  (copies on library reserve or get by Oct 23).

        Recommended:
            Various theatre scene and monologue books.
            Books by Albright, Benedetti, Boleslavsky, Cohen (L), Cohen (R), Dunn, Hagen, Lewis, Moore, Glenn,
                Pike, McGaw, Shengold and Clark are helpful.

Textbook Reading Assignments:

Plan to read entire plays from which your performance scenes are chosen.

Performances:

During the semester there will be a minimum of four scenes, three of which have two showings. There is also a monologue. All 8 performances are graded on dates due. Non-performance is "F".

Performance paperwork

Examinations:  (bring a blue book and pen - blue or black ink - for essays)

Written Work:
Due dates for assignments:

Grading and Attendance:
Grading is primarily on the scenes and the written work which accompanies them. Scene work counts for 50% of the grade, SMC theatre production attendance counts for 30%, and midterm and final count for 20%. You are expected to be in class and on time. No leaving class to "work lines", grab a smoke, or change costumes. Your three allowable absences are for tardies, early departures, court, counselor, doctor appointments and other emergencies. After that,  grades may be lowered or you may be dropped. It is the student's responsibility to drop if he/she stops attending. Non-attendance is an "F" grade.

PLEASE: NO SMOKING, EATING OR DRINKING IN THE BUILDING
NOTE: NO NUDITY, FIGHTING, FIREARMS, WEAPONS, ALCOHOL

Always perform in costume and with real props, such as glasses and cups. Use clear water for liquid. Do not pantomime anything.

SMC Production Information:
SMC Productions:    Main Stage and Studio Stage
      NOTE:  Be sure to ask for Attendance Card when entering and return completed form to house staff when leaving.

Other theatre opportunities

Scene Choice:
        Scenes are to be serious, two-person scenes from modern realistic theatre. Stay away from comedy*, styles, and film. Choose confrontational scenes -- ones where something happens to change the fortune of those in the scene. Avoid scenes where people not there are talked about. Length should be 5 minutes.
        Suggestions for authors: Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, William Inge, Lillian Hellman, some of Edward Albee, August Wilson, David Rabe, David Mamet and most authors in your scene books. Always clear choices with me.
        Most rehearsals are on your own times, so choose a partner whose schedule meshes with yours. Find your own space and police it. Full scripts are available at libraries, or for purchase at Samuel French, Inc., 7623 Sunset Bl., Hollywood (323/876-0570); or 11963 Ventura Bl., Studio City (818/762-0535).

*You may perform scenes from this or next season, even if comedy.
 

Schedule:

Written Work:  (Typed. Due when specified. No late papers.)
      

       (If you miss class, have someone deliver your assignment to the Theatre Arts Department office or to me on the due date.)

        A.    SCRIPT (10% of total grade):
                    Turn in a script and script worksheet. Divide scene into units; write objective in the left hand margin and blocking in the right hand margin; and diagram blocking in the attached groundplan, using different color ink for each character.
Due at performance time for each scene. Each actor must turn in own work.

        B.    PLAY REVIEWS (15% each of total grade - 30% of total grade):
                Due at or before the beginning of class.
                    Write a 500-word essay (2 pages typed) including:
                    Paragraph 1:    Plot.  Be brief -- 6 or 7 sentences maximum.
                    Paragraph 2:    Form.  Tell what form it is -- comedy, tragedy, melodrama, and so on. Choose one form only and tell why the play falls into this category. For instance, in tragedy there is a hero who has a downfall from sources inside himself. In a melodrama the downfall is from sources outside his control -- like a tidal wave or shark. Again, use 6 or 7 sentences to develop this paragraph.
                    Paragraph 3:    Theme.  What is the show saying? Find a thematic statement, "A Streetcar Named Desire is about the total destruction of a person of worth." Defend your statement. There will be other themes besides the main one. Name them. For instance, Romeo and Juliet has several themes: "All people are the same, regardless of color." "Organized religion does not fulfill our spiritual needs." "Parents should be trusted." "Take care to do things in the right order rather than act solely on emotions." You can probably find a dozen more! List them and support them from an action in the play. Again, use a 6 to 7 sentence format for this paragraph.
                    Paragraph 4:    Production.  Discuss the production -- name actors and designers and evaluate their contributions. Refer to the program for names. 6 to 7 sentences.
                    Paragraph 5:    Universal worth.  Was this worth doing? Why? 6 to 7 sentences.
Attach the program and ticket stub. You MUST complete a Student Attendance Card when you attend the performance.

Midterm and Final Study Questions:

        A.    MIDTERM (10% of total grade):  This is the midterm using Stanislavski's Building A Character and your second scene.
                1.    Describe how you dressed your character for scene 2.
                            (300 wds.  50 pts.  Chs. 1 & 2)
                2.    What is meant by restraint and control, and how does this concept apply to your second scene?
                            (150 wds.  20 pts.  Ch. 6)
                3.    What is meant by the concept of tempo-rhythm, and how is it used in your second scene?
                            (150 wds.  20 pts.  Chs. 11 & 12)
                4.    What is stage charm?
                            (100 wds.  10 pts.  Ch. 13)

        B.    FINAL (10% of total grade):  These are study questions from Method or Madness by Lewis. The written final will be on the scheduled examination day. There will be five essay questions. Bring a small blue book and a pen.

WARNINGS!

PLEASE

THIS IS A SMOKE-FREE BUILDING

NO EATING, DRINKING OR SMOKING IN THIS BUILDING

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