Acting 2, Spring 2017
Theatre 230-801
Instructor: Jim Tasse Class time: T/Tr (9:00-10:45) in T-6
Office: T-25 Office Hours: T/Tr 11-Noon and appointment
414.534.2950
3 credits Time expectation: 149 total hours
Classroom instruction: 52.5 Reading and Research: 35
Weekly out of class rehearsal: 52 Performance attendance and response: 10
Catalogue Description: Basic acting techniques in realism and extended realism through scene work and exercises exploring Dramatic Action, focus of attention and script analysis.
Course Description: Continuing with the work on personal honesty and theatrical authenticity, we will begin to explore elements of craft that relate to the process of audition, rehearsal and performance of text.
Course Goals:
1. To identify and explore tools for the actor’s process in rehearsal and performance.
2. To create an audition piece of professional standards.
3. To collaborate and perform in two 2-3-character scenes.
4. To engage, as an ensemble, a significant contemporary text.
Student Outcomes/Objectives
1. The student will identify, rehearse and perform an audition piece new to them.
2. The student, through class work, table work and rehearsal, will engage and perform contemporary realistic (and extended realistic) texts.
3. The student will perform a scene from the primary play as well as a scene of their own choosing.
Rationale:
As a continuation of Acting 110 this course:
· Focuses on text and performance;
· Asks students to interpret and analyze text from an actor’s point of view.
· Exposes students to a variety of acting pedagogies and terms.
Required texts:
-Jory, Jon. The Complete Tips: Ideas for Actors, Smith and Kraus, 2014,
ISBN-13: 978-1575258539
-LaBute, Neil. The Shape of Things, Broadway Play Publishing, 2003, ISBN# 978-0881452228
Recommended Texts:
-Jory, Jon. Tips: Ideas for Directors, Smith and Kraus, 2002, ISBN# 1-57525-241-4
Expectations:
- See shows! As a theatre major, my expectation is that you attend all department productions as well as every other performance that you can; pay for, bully/sneak/charm your way into.
- Engaged and committed.
- Every class, on time. We’ll discuss this further in the grading section.
- Prepared. Be prepared for varied physical activity (dress in layers, lose the jewelry and gum!); ready to take notes (paper, pencils not pens). A usable water bottle is fine, no other food, please.
University Policies
http://www4.uwm.edu/secu/SyllabusLinks.pdf
Written work
Book response: A “book response” research paper, somewhere in the 1,500 word range (3-4 pages), written in response to a major piece of writing by a figure of 20th/21st century theatre/performance and their methodology and aesthetic philosophy. We may have time to present these in class. Subject of the paper is found either on the course “Approved Reading List”, or has been decided upon through consultation with the instructor. (10% of total grade) There will be a 10% deduction for late work.
Note: You will receive a written assignment and rubric for each graded project.
Grading (100 points possible)
In class presentations:
-Audition 10 points
-The Shape of Things
Scene preparation/presentation 15 points
-Chosen scene preparation/presentation 15 points
Overall
-Class work participation 10 points
-Attendance 30 points
-Book response 10 points
-Self evaluation 5 points
-Instructor final evaluation 5 points
Attendance: Each class (30) is worth a point. There are no excused absences and my expectation is that you attend every class. More than three absences will reduce your final grade one whole letter (A to B etc…). Role is taken at the top of class (I strive to begin promptly), if you are not here you will be marked as late. Three lates will equal one absence. Absence for a scheduled presentation may result in a failing grade.
Grading Scale
A 95-100
A- 90-94
B+ 85-89
B 80-84
B- 75-79
C + 70-74
C 65-69
C- 60-64
D+ 55-59
D 50-54
D- 45-59
0-44 Failure
Assignment Due Dates
Convocation Friday January 29, Noon/Theatre
Audition February 18
Callback February 23
1st Read through The Shape of Things February 25
Spring Break No class March 13-20
Present The Shape of Things April 14
Present Chosen scenes May 5
Book response/presentation due May 10
Exit Interview May 16
Subject to change.