Overview

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:

CA 150 Introduction to Acting prepares the performer to be a versatile creative thinker able to create original material for live performance. The training combines techniques for building ensembles, the vocabulary of composition, improvisation, the language of cinema, exploration of emotion, desire, dance, clown and working in contrast or in concert with music. The course will cover the elements of Viewpoints, Suzuki Method of Acting, Immersive techniques, visual art and dance - tempo, duration, kinesthetic response, repetition, shape, gesture, architecture, spatial relationship, topography - and apply these to composition as it relates to a text or theme. Throughout the course, we will incorporate improvisations culled from students’ own writing, selected classical and contemporary texts in order to strengthen the performer's presence as well as create original material for live performance. The aim of the class is for a performer to find their unique voice, train to listen and to speak with their entire body, ultimately giving a performance that is intelligent, precise and visceral. Students will engage in daily warm ups, training, improvisations and group and solo compositions. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• discuss, analyze, and apply the composition tools: their use and application as part of performer training and for composition to specific text or themes.
• attain economy of movement, kinesthetic awareness, group listening, strength, flexibility and freeing the physical instrument.
• be able to use physicality on stage and be aware of the body in space and time, training the body to be aware, ready and listening.
• utilize a greater theatrical presence through listening skills and a heightened body awareness.
• perform various warm-up exercises, stretches, and ensemble training.
• knowledge of how to use the body as a tool for creative expression, corporeal confidence and physical openness.
• attain a greater understanding of ensemble work, what it means to be a part of an ensemble and the discipline it takes to create a role and construct original material.
• to self-direct, to be able to give ideas and generate material for a director within an ensemble.
• experience gained in constructing and writing original material.
• experience in building a character through the use of the training and through text analysis and research.
• understand the value, discipline and focus it takes to be a live performer and create new innovative work.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES: