“Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” ~Sanford Meisner
THEATRE ARTS
An introductory class, THEATRE ARTS is a place to explore and learn the basic ideas of theatre: improvisation, pantomime, theatre history, technical (make-up, costume and set design) and, of course, acting. Throughout the school year students will learn and practice two of the main supports of performance: voice and body movement and improvisation. Theatre is a great place to become comfortable in front of an audience while practicing dramatic technique including gesture, creating character, and learning the tenets of theatre design and production.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
- Develop acting skills through observation, improvisation and script analysis.
- Develop the actor’s instrument through a variety of vocal and physical exercises.
- Understand and practice the basic principles of Method Acting.
- Recognize a variety of theatrical careers
- Understand and appreciate the collaborative nature of theatre.
- Understand the impact of theatre as a voice for social issues.
- Develop constructive criticism skills in judging a theatre performance.
- Recognize significant "movements" in theatre and their historical origins.
- Analyze the dramatic structure of plays and performance.
Classroom requirements
This class requires a lot of physical movement, which necessitates that students wear clothing that does not restrict their movement. Students are expected to be ready and “on the floor” when exercises begin. If a student is not prepared to do the exercises and does not have a valid excuse to not participate, their participation grade will be affected.
All students are expected to come to class prepared for the rehearsal process – this means doing any required reading, having your lines memorized, and bringing in any necessary props or costume pieces as determined by your performance needs.
You will be given scripts to work from in class. Put these scripts in a folder when you are not using them. These scripts are the same as your textbook. You MUST have your script with you in order to participate in the rehearsal process. If you come to class and you do not have your script then you will be coming to class unprepared. DON’T STAND UP your scene partner – keep track of your script.
Participating fully in the class will be the main determining factor of your final grade. If you are asked to present and you are not prepared to do so, this will be reflected in your grade. If you are given class time to rehearse and you do not use that time to your full advantage, this will also be reflected in your grade.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS and DUE DATES
DUE FIRST SEMESTER
Overview Quiz – August 13
Play Reflection 1 – September 16
Class Reflection 1 – September 16
Greek Quiz – September 16 or 18
Greek/Antigone Project – TBA
Practice Performance I – October 16
Quiz on Roman Theatre TBA
Class Reflection 2 – October 24
Practice Performance II – December 3
Play Reflection 2 – December 13 (or earlier)
Class Reflection 3 – December 17
One of the best ways to learn about theatre is to see it live. Students are required to see two live play performances each semester and write a reflection on the show they saw.
Due Dates for Play Reflections:
Lord of the Flies (Class field trip) September 16.
Own Choice (may be a North Theatre production) This may be handed in any time prior to the due date, although it is recommended that you hand in your reflection within 48 hours of seeing the play. Second reflection is due NO LATER than December 13, 2013.
What your PLAY REFLECTION should look like:
Basically your reflection should be about 3 short, but detailed paragraphs long. In the first paragraph you want to address the basics – What play you saw, where and when you saw it, and a sentence that addresses your general response to the play. The second paragraph should be a 2-3 sentence summary of what the play was about. The third and final paragraph should have 4-5 sentences that give your impression of the production. This can include a discussion of the acting, a connection of what you saw on stage to what you are learning in class, one particular actor, the set or costume design or any combination thereof. Below is an example:
Theatre Arts Play Reflection/THE WIZARD OF OZ
NAME: Maggie Smith
On Sunday, Dec. 23, my family and I had the opportunity to see the Cardinal Stage production of THE WIZARD OF OZ at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre. It was a really fun show with great singing and dancing, but I thought some of the costumes were uninspired.
The musical play is just like the movie! The familiar story of Dorothy Gale who runs away from home and gets caught up in a tornado and lands in Munchkinland, and so begins her journey to return home after a visit to the Wizard of Oz, and the friends and foe she meets along the way. By plays end Dorothy has rescued those under the spell of the wicked witch, helped her friends achieve their desire – a brain, a heart and courage, and with her own fervent wish “There is no place like home!” returns to her beloved Auntie Em and Uncle Henry.
I really enjoyed this production. It was lively and fun, with a lot of attention to details. The girl who played Dorothy sounded so much like the movie Dorothy, and her Toto (real live dog!) was really cute. The best part was the special effects: fire and smoke and flying monkeys! Although I thought the strongest performer was the actor who played the Scarecrow (Nate Turner). He moved around the stage as if he truly didn’t have any real limbs, flopping himself up and off and back on the floor. I could see why practicing stretches and movement like we do in class can really help you when performing. My only complaint about the show was the costumes. They seemed old and raggedy as if they had been rented from an old barn. Other than that I really enjoyed the musical and was happy to have the opportunity to see live theatre.
Class Reflections – An important part of studying theatre is reflecting on how you think you are doing in your process. The best actors are the ones who think about their work. Those artists who practice and reflect on their work are then in a process of always working to be the best they can be. In that effort, students are required to write a three - four paragraph reflection paper that is due at the end of each 6 week term. Ideally the reflection should be in journal format, so that you can take a little time each week to reflect on what we are doing in class and what you are getting from the exercises. It must be an honest and complete review of your own personal work. Your reflection might address the following:
Ø Where did you feel that you have made strides in your work? Where do you feel that you are struggling?
Ø What are some ideas that you have, or advice that you have received that you feel useful (or not)?
Ø What have been new ideas for you, and what have you learned about yourself from those experiences?
Class Reflection Due Dates: September 12, October 24, December 13
Practice Performance – Students are required to memorize and present one short poem, no longer than one minute to the class. In the first semester you have to present two, one in the second –grading period and one in the third. In the second semester, you will be required to do three, one per every six-week term. The poem should have heightened language in it or tell a story (Billy Collins) - NOT nursery rhymes, not Shel Silverstein, but a poem that evokes visual images. You are to memorize that poem and present to class as a finished piece. You will be evaluated as to the quality of your memorization (fluid), your focus, your vocal projection and variety. The purpose of these presentations is so that you may regularly practice preparing and presenting.
Performances will be on the following dates: October 16 and December 3 These dates are set, regardless of any other rehearsal schedule.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
- Develop acting skills through observation, improvisation and script analysis.
- Develop the actor’s instrument through a variety of vocal and physical exercises.
- Understand and practice the basic principles of Method Acting.
- Recognize a variety of theatrical careers
- Understand and appreciate the collaborative nature of theatre.
- Understand the impact of theatre as a voice for social issues.
- Develop constructive criticism skills in judging a theatre performance.
- Recognize significant "movements" in theatre and their historical origins.
- Analyze the dramatic structure of plays and performance.
Classroom requirements
This class requires a lot of physical movement, which necessitates that students wear clothing that does not restrict their movement. Students are expected to be ready and “on the floor” when exercises begin. If a student is not prepared to do the exercises and does not have a valid excuse to not participate, their participation grade will be affected.
All students are expected to come to class prepared for the rehearsal process – this means doing any required reading, having your lines memorized, and bringing in any necessary props or costume pieces as determined by your performance needs.
You will be given scripts to work from in class. Put these scripts in a folder when you are not using them. These scripts are the same as your textbook. You MUST have your script with you in order to participate in the rehearsal process. If you come to class and you do not have your script then you will be coming to class unprepared. DON’T STAND UP your scene partner – keep track of your script.
Participating fully in the class will be the main determining factor of your final grade. If you are asked to present and you are not prepared to do so, this will be reflected in your grade. If you are given class time to rehearse and you do not use that time to your full advantage, this will also be reflected in your grade.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS and DUE DATES
DUE FIRST SEMESTER
Overview Quiz – August 13
Play Reflection 1 – September 16
Class Reflection 1 – September 16
Greek Quiz – September 16 or 18
Greek/Antigone Project – TBA
Practice Performance I – October 16
Quiz on Roman Theatre TBA
Class Reflection 2 – October 24
Practice Performance II – December 3
Play Reflection 2 – December 13 (or earlier)
Class Reflection 3 – December 17
One of the best ways to learn about theatre is to see it live. Students are required to see two live play performances each semester and write a reflection on the show they saw.
Due Dates for Play Reflections:
Lord of the Flies (Class field trip) September 16.
Own Choice (may be a North Theatre production) This may be handed in any time prior to the due date, although it is recommended that you hand in your reflection within 48 hours of seeing the play. Second reflection is due NO LATER than December 13, 2013.
What your PLAY REFLECTION should look like:
Basically your reflection should be about 3 short, but detailed paragraphs long. In the first paragraph you want to address the basics – What play you saw, where and when you saw it, and a sentence that addresses your general response to the play. The second paragraph should be a 2-3 sentence summary of what the play was about. The third and final paragraph should have 4-5 sentences that give your impression of the production. This can include a discussion of the acting, a connection of what you saw on stage to what you are learning in class, one particular actor, the set or costume design or any combination thereof. Below is an example:
Theatre Arts Play Reflection/THE WIZARD OF OZ
NAME: Maggie Smith
On Sunday, Dec. 23, my family and I had the opportunity to see the Cardinal Stage production of THE WIZARD OF OZ at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre. It was a really fun show with great singing and dancing, but I thought some of the costumes were uninspired.
The musical play is just like the movie! The familiar story of Dorothy Gale who runs away from home and gets caught up in a tornado and lands in Munchkinland, and so begins her journey to return home after a visit to the Wizard of Oz, and the friends and foe she meets along the way. By plays end Dorothy has rescued those under the spell of the wicked witch, helped her friends achieve their desire – a brain, a heart and courage, and with her own fervent wish “There is no place like home!” returns to her beloved Auntie Em and Uncle Henry.
I really enjoyed this production. It was lively and fun, with a lot of attention to details. The girl who played Dorothy sounded so much like the movie Dorothy, and her Toto (real live dog!) was really cute. The best part was the special effects: fire and smoke and flying monkeys! Although I thought the strongest performer was the actor who played the Scarecrow (Nate Turner). He moved around the stage as if he truly didn’t have any real limbs, flopping himself up and off and back on the floor. I could see why practicing stretches and movement like we do in class can really help you when performing. My only complaint about the show was the costumes. They seemed old and raggedy as if they had been rented from an old barn. Other than that I really enjoyed the musical and was happy to have the opportunity to see live theatre.
Class Reflections – An important part of studying theatre is reflecting on how you think you are doing in your process. The best actors are the ones who think about their work. Those artists who practice and reflect on their work are then in a process of always working to be the best they can be. In that effort, students are required to write a three - four paragraph reflection paper that is due at the end of each 6 week term. Ideally the reflection should be in journal format, so that you can take a little time each week to reflect on what we are doing in class and what you are getting from the exercises. It must be an honest and complete review of your own personal work. Your reflection might address the following:
Ø Where did you feel that you have made strides in your work? Where do you feel that you are struggling?
Ø What are some ideas that you have, or advice that you have received that you feel useful (or not)?
Ø What have been new ideas for you, and what have you learned about yourself from those experiences?
Class Reflection Due Dates: September 12, October 24, December 13
Practice Performance – Students are required to memorize and present one short poem, no longer than one minute to the class. In the first semester you have to present two, one in the second –grading period and one in the third. In the second semester, you will be required to do three, one per every six-week term. The poem should have heightened language in it or tell a story (Billy Collins) - NOT nursery rhymes, not Shel Silverstein, but a poem that evokes visual images. You are to memorize that poem and present to class as a finished piece. You will be evaluated as to the quality of your memorization (fluid), your focus, your vocal projection and variety. The purpose of these presentations is so that you may regularly practice preparing and presenting.
Performances will be on the following dates: October 16 and December 3 These dates are set, regardless of any other rehearsal schedule.