Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - CA 150 D100

Introduction to Acting (3)

Class Number: 7314

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An approach to the elements of acting for non-theatre performance majors. Work will include development of individual powers of expression - vocal, physical, intellectual, imaginative, and emotional. Students with credit for FPA 150 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Introduction to Performance: The Empty Body

This course will use the Butoh principle of the Empty body to inspire the creation of solo and group performances. The Empty body will be the base out of which all our creative work will flow. Empty in this sense does not mean “vacant,” but rather a heightened state of presence with- out distraction. If we can find emptiness, we will then be able to achieve fullness of expression.

Course Content

We will do weekly readings of texts about the craft of performance, as well as watch videos to inspire our work.

Students will embody concrete images with growing levels of complexity, given by the instructor. For the purposes of this class, an image can be anything one encounters in daily life, a sound, a taste, a gesture, a sensation, an emotion, or thought.

Through journaling and observation of our surroundings we will then create our own images and build a catalogue that can be shared with each other. Depending on the weather, and COVID protocols at the time, we may also venture out of the classroom to work in specific sites around campus.

Out of their personal catalogues of images, students will have the opportunity to create and develop one solo performance to show to the class, as well as one small group performance of two to three people. The class will then collaborate to create a final performance together.

Grading

  • Attendance 25%
  • Engagement with the material 25%
  • Assignments related to work being done in class 15%
  • Personal image catalogue 10%
  • Solo performance 5%
  • Small group performance 10%
  • Class performance 10%

NOTES:

Course Expectations

Students will be expected to arrive in the studio on time and ready to work. Please wear clothing that you feel comfortable in and that enables you to move your body freely, and avoid wearing any jewelry or scents. Please also refrain from using cell phones while in the studio out of respect for fellow students.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.