THEATRE 125
ACTING I: FUNDAMENTALS OF ACTING
Theatre 125. Acting I: Fundamentals of Acting
Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory (3).
Acting I is an introduction to the study of acting through the exploration of the tools of the actor: body, voice, script analysis, the creative impulse, and how these elements can be shaped in relation to the intent of the playwright and the director. This course is designed primarily for freshman theatre majors.
1. Definition of theatre and acting
2. Exploration of achieving victories (goals, objectives)
3. Working with the other person
4. Tactical ways of achieving goals in scenes
5. Exploration of the voice and its control
6. Exploration of the physical body and its control
7. Reading of plays
8. Study of scenes and how 1 through 6 above relate to the scene
9. Performance of scenes
10. Critique of scenes
11. Repeat performances of scenes
12. Written work through in class writing, journals, scene analysis, and tests.
The course uses a workshop approach. Critiques/lectures are the physical involvement of students following instruction. The students work with their voices and bodies to achieve the requested ends.
1. At the conclusion of the course students will be able to apply fundamentals of the craft of acting.
2. At the conclusion of the course students will have acquired the skills necessary to advance to the next level of actor training.
Students are graded weekly on written work, given steady feedback on their class work, and are given critiques of their scene work. A written mid-term and final are given.
Students are required to see all university productions during the term they are enrolled in the class.
Date Action Approved by
September 2005