Syllabus

Thea 106, Basics of Performance II

2 credit hours

Text Required:  McGaw, C. & Clark, L. et al. Acting is Believing: A Basic Method. Eighth Edition, Harcourt Brace: 2003.

Additional Costs/Play attendance
Students will be required to see two plays and respond to the acting they observe.  The cost may be approximately $20.00.  At least one production occurs in Spokane.  Students are responsible for their own transportation.  The productions will occur during the evenings and on weekends, although some matinees may be available.

Course Description
This course is a continuation of Theatre 105 focusing on chapters 8-14 of the McGaw text Acting is Believing.  Specifically, students will do exercises which will further enhance their ability to read and interpret dramatic literature, develop understandings which can be translated into acting skills on the stage, further their skill at verbal interpretation and physical expression of character, learn skills for auditioning, working with an ensemble, and develop techniques which will help them during the rehearsal to best utilize their time and maximize their creativity.

It is not necessary to be a theatre major to take this class.  But more so than Theatre 105, the focus is on training the students for performance in front of a non-classroom audience and presupposes a seriousness of purpose.  More so than Theatre 105, Theatre 106 demands the practice of an artistic attitude and a commitment to discipline in order for the individual to be successful.

Course Outcomes
1. You will be able to vividly describe the imaginary circumstances of characters that you portray.

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by:

·        Responding to quiz questions regarding the process of defining imaginary circumstances.

·        Preparing written analysis of imaginary circumstances for scene and monologue work.

2. You will be able to identify the smaller component parts of scenes and monologues, usually called beats, and describe character objectives, obstacles, and tactics for each beat.

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by:

·        Turning in script pages from your scene and monologue that identify the beginnings and ends of beats.

·        Writing an acting review that discusses how an actor in a performance that you witnessed communicated her or his objectives from scene to scene.

3. You will be able to engage in successful rehearsal behaviors (arriving when scheduled, knowing lines, having done script analysis, supporting fellow actors by not creating distractions, showing respect to all members of the production team, respecting choices made by other actors).

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by:

·        Participating in rehearsals for a one act play

·        Writing about rehearsal behaviors in a journal to be turned in to the instructor.

4. You will be able to create a resume and perform monologues for audition purposes.

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by:

·        Creating a resume

·        Turning in written script analysis of a monologue

·        Presenting a monologue to the class as a monologue would be presented for an audition.

5. You will be able to describe and evaluate acting tools as used by other actors.

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by:

·        Attending and observing theatre performances.

·        Writing a written response describing the choices made by actors and evaluating the results of those choices.

6. You will be able to describe aspects of Stanislavski’s techniques addressed in this course and evaluate those techniques in regard to their usefulness in your acting process.

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by:

·        Keeping a journal in which you describe techniques and exercises done in class and discuss how those techniques and exercises relate to you and your acting work.

Course Objectives
Students will gain skills in relating to the imaginary environment of the play, finding their characters’ objectives, breaking the action of the play into smaller units called ‘beats,’ interpreting the text, and performing scenes and monologues.

Students will demonstrate the above skills and knowledge through written responses, participation in classroom exercises, discussion, and performance of scenes and audition monologues.

Performance
It is a requirement of this class to go through the rehearsal and public performance of a production.  The performance is scheduled for the latter part of April.  Some night rehearsals and one Sunday afternoon technical rehearsal will be necessary during that time.

Attendance
Attendance is mandatory.  This is a major facet of working on a production and is therefore reflected in this class. Your attendance is essential to your success in this course.  Most of the course relies on participation in classroom activities.  You are allowed only three absences from class; excused or unexcused.  After three absences, your grade will be lowered one full grade point for each missed class session.  For example, if you had enough points for an ‘A’ but missed three class sessions, the highest grade you can receive is a ‘B.’  Two instances of tardiness equal one absence.  Reliability is one of the most important aspects of an actor.  Attendance is as much a part of the class as any of the assignments.

Grading
The grade for this course is based on the following:

Assignment Due Dates

2/10 Fri.  Relationship Quiz:  Relating to internal and external stimuli from Chapters 8 and 9.

3/17 Fri.  Character/Part Quiz:  Getting into the character and the part, from Chapters 10 and 11.

3/24 Fri.  Character Analysis, Biography DUE/Beat papers assigned:  You will mark beat changes in your script and list beat objectives/obstacle/physical action for your monologue and scene.

4/7 Fri.  Beat papers DUE

4/28 Fri: Resumes DUE

5/1 Mon.  Text Quiz:  Quiz over text interpretation from Chapters 12 and 13.

5/5 Fri: Last day to turn in Acting review

5/16 Tues.  FINAL:  There will be a final test that is cumulative and includes chapter 14 from the text.  This is the final presentation of scenes and monologues.

Acting Review is due one week after seeing the play.  Last day to turn in your acting review is Friday May 5.

Plays and dates*:

Miss Firecracker Contest (3/9 – 4/1)
Wed – Thurs. 7:30p.m.., Fri./Sat: 8:00 p.m.,  one Sat. matinee: 2:00 p.m.
Interplayers
174 S. Howard
509-455-PLAY (7529)
http://www.interplayers.com
You must bring your NIC student ID card to receive the $10.00 student ticket price.

Born Yesterday: (4/7 – 4/22)
ARt (Actor’s Repertory Theatre of the Inland Northwest)
Showtimes: Wed – Thurs: 7:30 p.m.; Fri/Sat: 8:00 p.m., Sat/Sun: 2:00p.m. matinee (call first)
Spartan Playhouse, Bldg. 5 at Spokane Falls Community College
3410 West Fort George Wright Dr., Spokane
509-838-4013
http://www.actorsreptheatre.com
You must bring your NIC student ID card to receive the $10.00 student ticket price.

Proof (1/27 – 2/19) *contains strong language
  Spokane Civic Theatre, Firth J. Chew Theatre (studio space around the back of the building)
  Tickets $12.00 each, General Seating
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2/24 – 3/11) *may contain strong language
The Philadelphia Story (3/31 – 4/23
Spokane Civic Theatre, Mainstage
Tickets $17.00, Students $12.00 (student 2 for 1 available through website)
Showtimes: Wed & Thurs: 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 8:00 p.m.; Sun: 2:00 p.m.
Reserve tickets: 1-800-446-9576 (you will likely need a credit card)
www.spokanecivictheatre.com (student rush discount 30 minutes before showtime: $5.00)

Baby With the Bathwater (2/16 – 18, 2/23- 25 *adult themes, strong language)
All showtimes are 7:30 p.m.
NIC Theatre, Schuler Auditorium in Boswell Hall
Tickets: Free (just show up), General Seating

*Some plays that you see may contain material that you find uncomfortable or offensive.  I encourage you to attend and attempt to understand the choices made by the playwright and the production company.  However, do not be disrespectful of yourself by seeing something that will be upsetting to you.

There are usually a variety of styles and genres of plays to see.  The plays that are on this list have been chosen because on the basis of their literary value and that the company follows the process we discuss in class.  It is my hope that you see at least one play that pleases you.  See me if you have concerns or questions.

Plays that are not on this list are not usable for the review assignment unless you get it cleared with the instructor in advance.

No acting reviews will be accepted after Fri. May 5.

Tentative Course Schedule

4/16: Technical Rehearsal for One Act: 11:30 – 4:00 p.m.  Tech/Dress rehearsals 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Mon/Tues..

4/19 – 22: Performances