Approved by Faculty Senate March 30, 2009
THDA 131: Performance I For Everyone (3 S.H.)
Winona State University Course Syllabus Fall 2008
MWF 10:00-10:50 Memorial 300 Dance Studio
Professor: Gretchen Cohenour Email:
Office: PAC 212 Voicemail: (507) 457-5665
Office Hours: M 11:30-12:30 and 2:00-3:00
T 11:00-12:30 and 3:30-4:30
W 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00
R 9:30-10:30 and 3:30-4:30
F 11:00-12:00 and 1:00-2:00 and by appointment
CATALOGUE COURSE DESCRIPTION
Practice in and integration of movement and voice in expressive performance through solo and group improvisation and collaborative work. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required of THAD majors and minors unless excused by the department. P/NC option.
UNIVERSITY STUDIES
This course satisfies the Fine and Performing Arts Core of WSU’s University Studies program. It includes requirements and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to…
a. explore the language, skills, and materials of an artistic discipline;
b. use the methods of an arts practitioner to actively engage in creative
processes or interpretive performances;
c. understand the cultural and gender contexts of artistic expression:
d. engage in reflective analysis of their own art work or interpretive
performance and respond to the work of others.
Course activities and assignments that address these Fine and Performing
Arts Requirements will be identified in the syllabus by letter (a), (b),(c), (d)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1) To explore and practice the foundations of movement and voice necessary for expressive communication and performance. (a), (b), (c), (d)
2) To develop observation skills and awareness of oneself and others in perceiving movement, body alignment and voice and in linking intension with action. (a), (b), (c), (d)
3) To Learn and apply basic stage directions, elements of blocking, facing and direction choices, and awareness of spatial patterns in relation to performers, audience vantage points, and the environment. (a) (b)
4) To cultivate a focused presence and centered physicality embodying breath and core support along with a balance of tension and release, and to apply these principles in warm-up, class process and performances throughout the course and continuing in life. (a), (b)
5) To work independently and collaboratively with fellow performers integrating movement and voice with the awareness of self and the group, sharing energy, taking risks, and building trust, cooperation and confidence as individuals and as an ensemble (a), (b), (c)
6) To understand and use movement concepts and qualities (i.e. Laban applications of flow, space, time, and weight; developmental movement, functional anatomy; etc…) in creating, and enhancing characters, developing expressive range as performers, and as choreographers and directors in staging scenes. (a), (b)
7) To respond and articulate through written and discursive observations and reflections on performance process and product. (a), (b), (c), (d)
COURSE CONTENT AND STRUCTURE
The course objectives are realized for each student through focused participation and engaged learning. Class content develops skills from a range of techniques including breathing and centering exercises, yoga, meditation, relaxation, physical and vocal warm-ups; Laban movement analysis; improvisation, collaborative play and game structures; and creative work in making and scoring movement studies, creating and blocking scenes, writing, and developing text and movement choices. As the semester progresses, students will be responsible for building on foundational knowledge, and to apply concepts learned in class through creating and performing solo and group projects, and responding with self and peer observations. Material will be presented via lecture and demonstration, explored via structured improvisation and other means of physical application, and reflected upon via prompt feedback from peers and the instructor. (a,b,c,d)
*Physical contact with your fellow performers is part of this course. If you have reservations or discomforts regarding this, please let me know.
COURSE OUTLINE
I. Skills
a. Developing movement, flow, body awareness and presence; becoming more aware of mind/body habits and cooresponding alignments and postures that arise; linking intension and action; and increasing a natural and comfortable expressive range
b. Developing awareness of breath, centered-ness and balanced effort to find the natural voice with anatomical support.
c. Spatial awareness and movement patterns in regard to blocking and stage direction
d. Using and understanding Laban vocabulary and analysis of movement qualities and effort and developmental movement structures.
II. Integration, Observation, Collaboration
a. Applying language and developing skills to composition of a solo project
b. Effectively and respectfully collaborating with other performers to complete tasks, create new movement and scenes, and actively participate as part of an ensemble
c. Using improvisation as means of cultivating sponteniety and exploring and creating with materials and concepts
III. Reflection and Assessment
a. Articulate with the performing community a viewpoint using descriptive (v.s. judgemental) language and appropriate vocabulary
b. Articulate personal reactions to other performers’ work, shows, readings, etc via writing
c. Articulate personal and honest reactions one’s own performance process and product.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Attendance: … is MANDATORY. This is a performance-based course where much of the work requires your active participation in class. Attendance and participation means you are in class on time, properly dressed, and fully engaged in the day’s activities. You are allowed THREE absences before your final grade drops. Every absence after three will lower your final course grade by one letter per absence. Illness is not an excused absence, even with a doctor’s note. **Students are responsible for notifying the instructor via email of an absence and for reviewing class material missed with peers before the next class.
**Please notify me immediately of extenuating scheduling circumstances, pre-existing medical conditions, or injury suffered during the semester outside of class. Scheduling issues should be submitted in writing to your instructor no later than Wednesday, Sept 3.
Injury Policy: Credit for all technique classes is contingent upon participation. If a student has or incurs an injury in the course of study resulting in more than 2 weeks layoff from moving, it is the student’s responsibility to consult with the instructor as to creative options for the learning process of withdrawal from the course.
Tardiness: Each tardy less than 10 minutes equals ½ an absence. If you are more than 10 minutes late without having notified the instructor in advance, it will be counted as a full absence. **Be sure to check with the instructor after class if you are late to be sure your attendance was recorded. *If you leave more than 5 minutes early without notifying the instructor, it will count as a ½ absence.
Active Observation Without Participation: You are responsible for assessing your own state of health in consultation with your doctor. If you are unable to dance, you may actively observe 2 classes without participating. This active observation may include notating movement, drawing floor patterns, giving peer feedback, journaling, etc. The written document should be handed to the instructor after class.
Make-up Classes and Extra Credit: Students are encouraged to notify the instructor if a class is to be missed. Students are allowed 3 make-up classes/extra credit opportunities. This includes taking another course in the curriculum that is an appropriate substitute or attending a non-required professional theatre or dance performance. If a student attends another course, arrangements must be requested via email to outside instructors ahead of time, and cleared by your instructor of this course. Obtain a signature from the make-up class instructor with the date of attendance, and hand it in with a 1-2 page typed written summary of what you experienced in class and how it relates to your course of study in this class. If a student chooses to attend an outside concert, ticket stub and program should be stapled to the 1-2 page typed response paper. All make-up papers are due one week after the make-up class/extra credit attendance and will be accepted until Mon. Dec. 1.
ASSIGNMENTS- See Calendar for Due Dates
1. Bring a notebook and pen to class daily for in class assignments
2. Weekly studio time and log: You are responsible for a minimum of 1 HOUR of studio time per week. This time should be used either rehearsing projects or reflecting on the material in class. Do not merely summarize your activities, but reflect on the nature of the work with the progress in class. Date each entry and give the time. Sign up for studio time in Memorial 300, PAC 127 or a location of your choice. The location should be QUIET so you can work alone (or with a partner). See Studio Use Guidelines
3. Performance Responses and Letters. Format: Each paper is typed, 1-3 pages, 12 point with 1 inch margins all around. The papers are due on the next class day after attending the performance, or as specified on our calendar. If you have a known conflict with any required dates after reading the syllabus, notify me by W. Sept. 3 in writing.
4. Performance Projects: Throughout the semester, there will be many informal opportunities to perform with and for your peers in class exercises and improvisations. Formal performance presentations, requiring preparation and rehearsal in and out of class will be taped for assessment and revision at Midterm and Final.
5. Reading and Response: “The Confident Performer” text will be on reserve at the library under the name of the instructor and the course number. It is recommended, not required. Supporting articles relevant to course content will be posted on D2L as needed for class discussion.
ASSESSMENT
40% Class Attendance and Participation
35% Written Work: Performance responses, letters, etc…5% each
10% Midterm Performance Project, score, and assessment
5% Final Self-Assessment for the course and Studio Log
10% Final Project and Score
100%
Performance I Fall 2008 Assignment and Event Calendar
W. 8/27 Read syllabus and add assignment dates into your planner. (Please notify Gretchen of any pre-existing conflicts with required dates by Wednesday 9/3, and bring to class any questions that you may have about this course.)
*Wednesdays 3:00 PM WSU Dance Society Meetings - All Welcome! PAC 127
*Wednesdays 4:00 PM Wenonah Players Meetings- All Welcome! Green Room, PAC
*Thursdays 11:00-12:00 PM Open Mindfulness Meditation Practice. Mem 300
WR 8/27-28, 6:00 PM THAD AUDITIONS: “Thirteen Clocks” and “Five Women wearing the same dress” EVERYONE WELCOME! PAC Main Stage. Audition Forms available in THAD office, PAC 215
F. 8/29 DUE: One page typewritten paper “Five Personal Learning Goals in Performance I.”
TW 9/2-3 6:00-9:30 PM AUDITIONS: “DANCESCAPE 2009” Mem 300 Dance Studio, Everyone Welcome- Come ready to MOVE!!!!! Audition Forms available in THAD office, PAC 215.
W. 9/3 DUE: Nine Movement Observations Assignment. DUE: Any known conflicts with Required Events in writing.
R. 9/4, 5:30 pm Tau Center. WSU International Music Series Presents
Winona International Dancers: Folk Music and Dance from Around the World (Free- Extra Credit available with typed response submitted on 9/8)
W. 9/10 DUE: Movement Study performed in class and submit score or movement map. Topic: Stage Environment, Facing, blocking, focus, direction, body awareness, physicality and presence. Also DUE: 1-2 page Letter to Gretchen re: How it’s going for me in this class, learning edge in relation to personal goals, body/mind movement habits or patterns discovered, questions, etc…
F. 9/12 No class. Studio Time: Research, practice, be…
S. 9/13 11:00- 4:00 pm Celebration of the Arts- Festival at Lake Park Winona
MWF 9/15, 17, 19 Class welcomes Guest Teacher Dr. Jim Williams (Gretchen will be training in Berkeley, CA that week)
M. 9/22 Due: One page letter/ thank you to Jim Williams (cc Gretchen) describing highlights of your learning during class last week. Share, teach, and practice what you learned in class.
R 9/25 7:30 -9:00 pm, Memorial 300, ARTS Improv Jam All Welcome (Free- Extra Credit available with typed response submitted on 9/9)
WF. 9/24-26 in Class Discussion: Midterm Performance Project and practice skills
W. 10/8 DUE: Second 1-2 page letter to Gretchen re: What’s up for me at mid-term re: goals progress report, stuck places and unexpected learning, skill development, etc…
F. 10/10 No class Fall Break Day
FS 10/10-11 7:30 pm or matinees, REQUIRED PERFORMANCE: “Thirteen Clocks” Tickets available at the PAC Box Office starting 10/29.
M. 10/13 at 10:00 am. Due: Two page typewritten response to “Thirteen Clocks” addressing performance aspects
WF 10/15-17 DUE: Midterm Performance projects shared in class (peer assessment) Topic TBA
W. Oct 8 EXTRA CREDIT OPTION or Absence make up: Compañia Flamenco José Porcel 7:30pm show, 6;30 pm pre-show talk; St. Mary’s University. For tickets contact: www.pagetheatre.org Typed 1 pp. response due M. 10/13 in class.
S-F Oct. 19-24 Guest Artist Residency with “In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre” sponsored
by the Water Project. Get Involved! All Welcome! See Residency Schedule for details.
MWF 10/20, 22, 24 Class welcomes guest artists from HOBT for a performance workshop: “Enter the Skin”
F 10/24 12:00- 12:50 Our class performs with HOBT in THAD Showcase. REQUIRED Attendance
M. 10/27 Due: One- two page letter/ thank you to HOBT artists Sandy and Masa (cc Gretchen) describing highlights of your learning during the residency.
F. 10/31 Due: First Draft of Final Project Proposal (see proposal form)
R 10/30 7:30-9:00 pm, Memorial 300, ARTS Improv Jam, All Welcome (Free- Extra Credit available with typed response submitted by 11/3)
F. 11/14 Due: Second Draft of Final Project Proposal
11/19-23, 7:30 pm, REQUIRED PERFORMANCE: “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” directed by Jim Williams. Tickets available at the PAC Box Office starting 10/29.
M. 11/24 at 10:00 am. Due: Two page typewritten response to “Five Women…” addressing performance aspects
WRFS 11/26-29 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
M 12/1, 6:00 Choreographers Audition Concert for Dancescape- PAC
WF 12/3-5 Preview Final Projects for feedback and revision in class
F. 12/5 DUE: 2-3 page typewritten Self Assessment for the course with your weekly studio log attached.
W. Dec. 10, 8:00-10:00 am Final Performance Projects, Mem 300 or PAC Main Stage, TBD
TFS 2/12-14, 2009 W.S.U. Dancescape 7:30 p.m. and 2:00 pm on 2/14
CLASS ATTIRE AND CONDUCT
Appropriate attire for this class is loose clothing that does not restrict your movement, and that fits to enable you to move comfortably and with appropriate coverage so that you do not feel the need to break character and adjust what you are wearing while in class. Barefeet or Soft dance shoes (not socks as they slip) may be worn. Street shoes are not allowed on the dance floor. Please no gum chewing or jewelry that could restrict movement or cause injury. If you are not dressed appropriately, then you will not be able to participate in class.