©Timothy R. Wilson 2001 Revised 01.12.12
Theatre Movement I Spring 2012
THEA 2351.001
Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 – 11:50 Stovall 177
Dr. Timothy Wilson RTFP 231 Office Hours: T – R 1:00 – 2:00 565-4021 And by Appointment
Objectives / Content
Movement Exploration
To develop an awareness of the body as a creative instrument of expression and communication.
To develop a practical understanding and application of fundamental principles of movement in individual, partner and group dynamics.
Physical Preparation
To extend physical skills with reference to strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination and balance.
To develop a practical understanding of the systems of the body in support of movement choices with specific attention to respiratory, circulatory, musculo-skeletal systems as well as the skill of perception to include kinesthetic and proprioceptive awareness.
Sources of Discovery
To develop knowledge and skill in the analysis of movement through observation and personal assessment.
To explore connections among, physical, vocal, emotional and intellectual sources of movement.
To increase the scope of choices in the physicalization of character, non-verbal communication, spatial design and aesthetic perception.
To experience methods of centering in preparation for achieving a committed approach to performance, study, direction and life.
Required Resources:
Text: Readings As Assigned
Theatre / Film Tickets
Blank Face Mask
THEA 2351
Requirements
Attendance
It’s a movement class. If you are not here, you are not involved and we miss you. If you are late for class or leave early, you irritate us and interrupt the flow of our experiences. This community relies on you.
Although the generally accepted policy of three absences during the semester will apply to this course, you are encouraged to attempt perfect attendance. For each absence after three, your grade will be dropped by one letter grade. More than five absences are considered sufficient reason for failure of the course.
Lateness and early exits are not acceptable and will affect your grade. If you are tardy, participation in class will be at the discretion of the instructor.
Students are responsible for material missed and all daily assignments.
20% Participation
The experiential nature of this course requires regular participation and active, focused & positive involvement. Students should wear clothing appropriate for movement and be prepared to work in bare feet. Jewelry, watches, hats, long nails, distracters, etc. are inappropriate. Jeans don’t count as movement clothing. It is the student’s responsibility to consider the nature of the work and to dress appropriately.
In respect for your classmates and your health, please do not smoke before class or during breaks.
25% Laboratory / Performance Assignments / Tests
Experiences designed to enhance movement learning will be assigned regularly and should be submitted promptly. These well include both individual and group performance projects as well as observations, written work and additional readings.
20% Character Mask Performance
Each student will design, develop and present a character based on mask work which emphasizes the clarity of physical communication of an individual, an image or concept. This will include a written critique of performance
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15% Performance Reviews / Assessments
In order to extend the application and understanding of movement concepts, students will be required to attend performance events. A minimum of two professional performance events will be assigned: one live theatre performance and one film performance. Students will be required to develop a written response to each event attended.
*Each student is responsible for the purchase of theatre/film tickets to meet this assignment.
Students are also expected to attend departmental theatre productions. Students receive 1 complimentary ticket for each departmental production.
[Specifics for each written review will be provided at the time of the assignment.]
Additional video performance assignments may be required.
20% Final Project
Character Analysis / Study
Extreme Movement: Each student will develop and present an imaginary / fantasy character emphasizing extreme physical characteristics, movement qualities and personality traits.
Written Summary
Teaching / Learning Styles
By the nature of the work in movement for theatre, this course is designed to accommodate many levels of physical ability and fitness. However, you are responsible for your own health. If you have a physical condition which would prevent you from participating fully in the class, you must inform the instructor and verify this condition through consultation with a physician. If this condition prevents you from participating in the class for more than four class meetings you may be requested to withdraw from the class. As with any physical preparation or exploration, some muscular “awareness” may become evident. During movement exploration, the body is being activated in new ways and may call on increased effort from certain muscle groups and joints. Although soreness and fatigue may be part of physical learning, pain is not appropriate. If at any time you experience a sudden or sharp pain, you should ease out or stop the activity and inform the instructor.
Because of the interactive style of this course and the study of human movement, physical interaction is part of the expectation in both teaching and learning. Students should maintain respect for each other and the instructor throughout the learning process. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the course.
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Behavioral Expectations
Chewing gum, eating, drinking or smoking are inappropriate in a movement class and may result in the student being dismissed from the class and will result in a lowered grade. Water is permitted.
Student Behavior in the Classroom:
Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student's conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at www.unt.edu/csrr
Responsibilities for Time Management
Dance and Theatre students are expected to budget and organize their time and efforts in order to meet both their academic and production commitments satisfactorily and on time. The faculty and staff recognize that the academic and production assignments within the Department, as well as outside employment and other obligations, sometimes impose conflicting pressures on Dance and Theatre students. One of the principal responsibilities of each student is to carefully identify and monitor the commitments that comprise his/her departmental assignments and outside obligations. It is important to keep in mind that production work and outside obligations do not constitute an excused absence from Dance or Theatre classes or from the completion of any required class assignments.
Americans with Disabilities Act Notice
The University of North Texas Department of Dance and Theatre Arts does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the recruitment and admission of students. The content of this class requires each student to actively participate in a safe manner and spontaneously process visual, verbal and physical cues. The student must also be able to give and receive weight freely.
The student has the responsibility of informing the instructor of any condition that may require modifications in assignments or exercises. If you have a disability or concern about your ability to participate in this course, please contact the instructor immediately so that we can discuss your concerns.