Acting for Non-Majors

Theatre 101-804

Acting for Non-Majors

Semester: Spring 2016Instructor: Jim Tasse

Classroom: Mit 385Office: T-25

Class meets: M/W 11-12:15Office hours:T/Tr 11-12

3 Credit hoursE-mail:

Time expectation: 146 total hours

Class: 1 hour 15 minutes/29 classes (36.25 hours)

Class prep: 4/week (60 hours)

Scene Rehearsal (30 hours)

Attending 2 performances and papers (20 hours)

Catalogue Description: An introduction to basic acting techniques of personalization, focus, and scene study explored through participatory and collaborative exercises and assignments.

Course Description: The student will be introduced to the actor’s art through a variety of exercises which are designed to explore and develop: voice/body awareness, stage skills, approaches to a dramatic text, improvisational work, emotional/imaginative life, character development, rehearsal and performance process, analysis of performance, and an overall appreciation of live theatre.

Course Goals: (what you can expect from me) This course is designed to introduce the student to the art and craft of the actor in rehearsal and performance.

- The student will develop an understanding and appreciation for acting as a resource for other studies and life skills. (SLO#1)

- Through the exploration and creation of character, the students will have an opportunity to experience situations, ideas, cultures and motivations outside her/his experience. (SLO #1)

- The student will gain an awareness of local theatre scene.

- The student will practice critical analysis of her/his own work and that of fellow students in class, as well as performances in the community, applying knowledge and practice of skills gained in class. (SLO#3)

Course Requirements: (what I expect from you) The work in this class is largely participatory. Since classes cannot be made up, regular and prompt attendance is an important expectation. (Note grading)

-Students should be prepared for rigorous physical activity and dress accordingly.

- Students will attend and respond to two local theatrical performanceschosen by the instructor. (assignment sheet to follow)

- All work will be assigned a due date. There will be a 10% deduction for late work.

-Students will be assigned a variety of performance presentations that require varying degrees of preparation. These will include performance of one monologue and a two partner scene. Attendance for the presentation of these is mandatory.

GER Rationale: This course meets the PSOA GER criteria because it:

-Asks students to interpret and collaborate around a piece of dramatic literature through the actor’s craft (GER#1) - two character scene.

- Involves students in critical analysis of their own work as well as that of classmates and the theatrical community at large (GER#2) – daily, in discussion of the work before us and in the two written responses to theatrical performances.

- Requires students to understand and employ the techniques and processes used by an actor in performance and rehearsal (GER#3)-Mono

Grading:

Attendance and Participation: Approximately one point per class (30 classes). My expectation is for energetic and focused work. (There are no excused absences but always keep me informed). Consistent tardiness will have an effect on your final grade. 30 points possible Performance Reactions

Ten points for each of the performance papers. 20 points possible

Performance Projects

Monologue 20 points possible

Final Scene 20 points possible

Self-Evaluation 5 points possible

Instructor overall 5 points possible

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

Failure: 44 and below

University Policies

Superior
A
Four points / Remarkable
B
Three points / Accomplished
C
Two points / Substandard
D
One point / Failing
F
0 points
Emotional connection to the needs of the character is full and committed / Emotional connection to the needs of character is mostly full and committed / Somewhat emotionally connected / Weakly connected / No emotional connection apparent
Vocal and physical expression is free and appropriate to the demands of the character / Vocal and physical expression is mostly free and appropriate / Vocal and physical expression is somewhat free and appropriate / Vocal and physical expression appears mostly constrained or inappropriate / No appropriate vocal or physical expression
Collaborates with scene partner in an actively present and responsive manner and memorization is complete / Collaboration is mostly present and responsive and memorization is mostly complete / Collaboration and memorization is somewhat present and responsive. / Collaboration and memorization shows little presence and response / Collaboration and memorization shows no presence or response
The choice of the character’s given circumstance is consistent with the text and completely explored / The given circumstances are mostly consistent and explored / Circumstances are somewhat consistent and explored / Circumstances are inadequately consistent and marginally explored / Circumstances are inconsistent and unexplored
The characters objectives are appropriate and clearly played / The objectives are mostly appropriate and clear / The objectives are somewhat appropriate and clear / Objectives are marginally appropriate and clear / Objectives are inappropriate and unclear

GER Rubric: Presentation of a Two Character Scene

GER Outcome: Students will demonstrate integration of acting techniques and creative self-expression in the performance of a role.

GER Assignment: Students will perform a short (2-3 minutes) two or three character scene, chosen with the instructor’s approval, in which they will employ the following acting techniques: emotional connection, vocal/physical expressiveness, collaborative connection with partner, full use of the characters given circumstances and the pursuit of actable objectives.

Assignments Due/Important Dates:

Review Alter Ego Drafts: February 8

Library Visit: February 15

Alter Ego presentation: February 27-March 8

A Month in the Country: February 22-26, paper due March 1

Arcadia: May 3-7, paper due May 10

Final Scenes memorized: April 17

Final Scene presentations: May 8, 10

Syllabus is subject to change