Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU/UC
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course prepares a student to apply basic acting theory to performance and develops the skills of interpretation of drama through acting. Special attention is paid to skills for performance: memorization, stage movement, vocal production, and interpretation of text. (C-ID THTR 151).
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate basic skills of acting, including physical, vocal, imaginative, analytical, and emotional elements.
- Compose a character analysis.
- Analyze dramatic textual components as they pertain to performance.
- Critique a scene from an observer’s point of view, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the presentation.
- Utilize appropriate theatrical terminology and jargon.
- Use and apply a basic craft of acting in performance.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Application of acting methods; theoretical approaches to acting | 6.00 |
Concentration and focus | 6.00 |
Basic vocal and physical technique | 6.00 |
Principals of stage movement and blocking | 6.00 |
Opportunities to apply basic craft approaches for acting | 6.00 |
Introduction to script analysis | 6.00 |
Improvisation | 6.00 |
Basic acting and theatre terminology and vocabulary | 6.00 |
Performance and evaluation processes and techniques | 3.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Class Activities
- Collaborative Group Work
- Demonstrations
- Discussion
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Quizzes
- Class participation
- Final Examination
- Written Assignments
- Practical Evaluations
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read During the Run and write an application for character development.
- Read the Rules of Rehearsals and apply content to an assigned scene.
Writing Assignments
- Prepare a 500-word written analysis of a character from a scene from Long Day's Journey Into Night.
- Write a ten-page research paper discussing acting techniques in 20th century drama. Examine character portrayals, focusing on physicality, voice, and emotion. Discuss major acting methods and their development. Analyze notable performances from key plays and films. Use scholarly sources and your own insights. Include citations and a bibliography. Present a clear thesis and arguments demonstrating your understanding of acting's impact on dramatic works.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Rehearse and perform a scripted scene (five to ten minutes in length) from a contemporary play.
- Memorize text and rehearse assigned scenes and monologues in preparation for in-class performances.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Michael Kostroff. (2022). The Stage Actor’s Handbook. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1st. 978-1538160435.
Other Learning Materials
Scripts or articles assigned by instructor
Minimum Qualifications
Drama/Theater Arts (Masters Required)