ACTING I
College of Fine Arts
Department of Theatre
Theatre 232 – Acting I
Spring 2002
Dr. Bob Yowell Office Hours:
Room 108 Performing Arts Building Wednesday 10-12
523-2279 Thursday 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Acting I is an introduction to contemporary acting techniques reinforced through individual exercises, scene-work and auditions preparation. TH 232 is a core requirement for all Theatre majors and a foundation course leading to other courses in the performance emphasis.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The student enrolled in Acting I will be introduced to contemporary style and technique for the stage, including: concentration, relaxation, observation, rhythm and other values pertinent to the modern actor’s craft. The student will learn effective preparation techniques and be introduced to exercises designed to free inhibitions and achieve honesty in a stage performance. Students will apply knowledge and skills gains in class through practice. In addition, students enrolled in Acting I will gain an understanding of career preparation in the theatre.
TEXT: Acting I
Robert Cohen
3rd Edition
Mayfield Publishing Company
EVALUATION
One book report on an acting text approved by the
instructor 10%
One Diagnostic Monologue and two to three scenes due
Periodically from the modern theatre only 60%
Two theatre reviews (see below) 10%
Exercises and participation directed toward individual
improvement
And periodic homework 10%
Final Audition 10%
BOOK REPORT
A bibliography will be distributed in class. From that list students may select one text to read and assimilate into a book report not to exceed five typewritten pages. The focus of the report is twofold: condense the material to reveal you individual comprehension of the ideas presented in the text; and apply the material to your own needs as an actor.
REVIEWS
Select two dramatic productions—on or off campus—to review from the standpoint of the actor. Evaluate the strong and weak acting values. Format will be covered in class. Typewritten, maximum three pages
EXAMINATION
There is no written examination in Acting I, evaluation is based on mastery of skills demonstrated through scene work and in-class exercises and the students written assignments
STAGE COMBAT
A portion of the 10% participation grade will be spent learning stage combat (hand to hand) techniques. Certain class periods will be set aside for practice. Student will be required to incorporate combat in one of their scenes
DIAGNOSTIC MONOLOGUE
One to one and one-half minutes in length for the monologue. We will monologues beginning the week of January 22nd. The purpose of the monologue is evaluative only and the pe rformance will not be graded. Pick something you like, perhaps something you’ve done before. Be comfortable with the piece—we will be using it in class exercises for several weeks.
SCENE WORK
Two/Three scenes completed with partners. A list of suggested material will be handed out. You may, however, use anything you want with instructor approval. You may not use anything requiring a style, the speaking of verse or of a classical/historical nature. No character work. Scenes should be selected from contemporary theatre. Poetry, musical, dance, character roles beyond the age range are not allowed.
The instructor does not select scenes, however, all scenes must be approved prior to performance. In most cases, except those in which time is a consideration, scene work policy allows a scene to be performed, critiqued by the class, and performed a second time incorporating the suggestions from the evaluation. Scenes are given the best of the two performance grades. Makeup scenes are allowed only in the case of excused absences that have been cleared with the instructor prior to the absence or emergencies
FINAL MONOLOGUE
The final unit of class is a survey of career opportunities for the actor and a study of accepted audition techniques, resumes, professional preparation and personal marketing.
The final monologue will be presented in audition format.
Auditions are to include two selections (containing dramatic pieces, or a monologue and a song, if you wish) and may not exceed 1 and ½ minutes
REHEARSAL CLOTHES ARE TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES
If you forget or decide not to you will not be excused from warm-up exercises—some of which can get rather embarrassing if you are not dressed in rehearsal clothing.
LAB/STUDIO DAY
Occasionally class periods are set-aside as lab days or studio time, a common time to address work required of you and your partner. This common time for the entire class to rehearse and practice ensures that you will always be able to work with your partner prior to performances. The instructor will be available on most studio days and the class will meet when studio time is not designated.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is required. Students are allowed two unexcused absences, following those absences individual grades may be lowered by one-half letter per additional absence.
Students are particularly responsible for cooperation and teamwork when involved with partners working toward scene presentations. If you jeopardize another student’s grade by not collaborating, failing to adequately rehearse scenes or failing to keep appointments, the same grading policy applies. Students who find themselves with an uncooperative partner are expected to inform the instructor. In the Theatre Division eight total absences in a T/TH day class result in an automatic drop (administrative withdrawal) from the class with a failing grade.
The College of Fine Arts attendance policy requires that a student’s attendance record shall represent a substantial portion of his/her grade in every course.
University attendance policy states that the student admitted to membership in the university community has freely accepted the obligation of class attendance for which she or he is registered. However, each student is accountable for all work missed because of absence. Instructors are under no obligation to make special arrangements for students who have been absent. Should an absence from class be unavoidable, it is the responsibility of the student to report the reason for his/her absence to the instructor.
PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING
A student deemed guilty of plagiarism or cheating will be given a grade of zero for the examination or paper associated with such plagiarism or cheating. The instructor will also recommend to the Dean of Students that the student be barred from further attendance of the class or be given an F for the course.
STUDENT ENROLLED IN ACTING ONE ARE EXPECTED TO AUDITION FOR ALL NAU THEATRE PRODUCTIONS (including student productions, directing projects and senior projects) UNLESS SPECIFICALLY EXCUSED BY THEIR ADVISOR. IF CAST IN A ROLE, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO ACCEPT IT AND FULFILL THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE REHEARSAL PROCESS.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Safe working and learning environment, Students with Disabilities, Institutional Review Board, and Academic Integrity policies are all available through the instructor.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
In your first scene, you will be evaluated on the following:
Round I Critique and rework
Round II written comments
Round III final performance
Improvement between rounds is the primary criteria upon which all grades are bases—this includes incorporating the comments and suggestion of previous critiques.
Honesty of scene and believability of character
Strength of choices
Relationship with partner
Goals
Obstacles
Tactics
Expectation
Clarity of Motivation
Clarity of Intention
Identifiable Beats and Actions
Talking and Listening
Sense of observation
Relaxation
Focus/Concentration
Sense of importance (stakes)