DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH (THEATRE) Fall Semester THR 1013 (Also listed as ENG 4953, HUM 4953): Acting I INSTRUCTOR: LYNN OLIVER E-MAIL: lynn.oliver@utsa.edu OFFICE: Main Building, English Department, Second Floor. HOURS: Individual help consultation is available before class on Tuesday Thursday 5:00 P. M. until 6:30 P. M. or by appointment. CLASS TIME: Tuesday Thursday, 7:00 P. M. to 8:20 P. M. Main Campus MH 2.01.24 TEXTS: (Two required) TITLE: Romeo Juliet TITLE: The Actor the Text AUTHOR: William Shakespeare AUTHOR: Cicely Berry COPYRIGHT YEAR: 2006 COPYRIGHT YEAR: 1992 PUBLISHER: Spark Publishing Company PUBLISHER: Applause Theatre Book Publishers ISBN: 978-1-4114-0036-8 ISBN: 9781557831385 They are available at the Student Book Store. COURSE DESCRIPTION: The class provides a unique way of exploring the world human experience, using creative activities scholarship. Through a collaborative artistic inquiry into all aspects of play production, students develop an understing of the role of drama in culture, the development of drama throughout history, a comprehension of the processes elements involved in creating works of dramatic art. Students will explore fundamental techniques of acting with emphasis on the actor s approach to characterization, vocal techniques, stage movement. We will work to underst the script from the actor s point of view the actor s relationship to all aspects of production. The ensemble will research the social historical context of the play to deepen the understing of the script to develop their performance role. The culminating activity will be the analysis, rehearsal, staging performance of William Shakespeare s play, The Tragedy of Romeo Juliet. COURSE GOALS: Students will develop an understing of: Processes elements involved in creating works of Dramatic Art. Cultural social values that are expressed in a work of Art. Character motivation. Themes ideas. Language. The universality of certain themes, characters, situations in dramatic expression through The ages. The play in performance. Updated on August 20, 2012 Page 1 of 2
ACTING I, Fall Semester, Course Description ASSESSMENT: Based upon Final Exam, essays, research report presentation, journal reflections, worksheets & designs, rehearsal participation, performance. REQUIREMENTS: Total Weight: 100 pts. (100%) Hybrid: Online & Classroom A final examination 10 pts. (All levels) A Research Board Presentation & Report 10 pts. (All levels) A Theatrical Essay 10 pts. (4953 level only) Actor s Journal Reflections 10 pts. (1013 level only) Worksheets & Designs (total) 20 pts. (All levels) Rehearsal 25 pts. (All levels) Performance 25 pts. (All levels) LATE SUBMISSIONS AND MAKE-UP WORK: Since the class is group performance oriented most assignments cannot be accomplished alone or late. However, in extenuating circumstances, written assignments may be accepted one class period past the due date. ATTENDANCE POLICY: The focus of this class is on the weekly performance tasks theatrical collaboration among all members. The ensemble only develops as a group. Therefore, it is not a good idea to miss a class unless it is absolutely necessary. Contact me when special circumstances dictate your absence or lateness to class. Please be aware that being cast as a leading role in Romeo Juliet may require extra coaching rehearsal time; allow for extra flexibility in your schedule when you make the commitment. THIS COURSE ACKNOWLEDGES THE IMPORTANCE OF ADA REQUIREMENTS: Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title III (Public Accommodations), if you are a student with special needs, as addressed by the ADA, reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs. Please see me immediately if you need any course materials provided in an alternative format. Updated on August 20, 2012 Page 2 of 2
SYLLABUS ACTING I 1013.001 (Also listed as ENG 4953, HUM 4953) Please do the Reading Before the Assigned Class Date. General Introductions 1 8/30 Read & Discuss 1. Class expectations Syllabus 2. Script for Fall Production: The Tragedy of Romeo Juliet. (Text 1) 3. Audition Techniques Preparation (Hout Blackboard) 4. Theatrical Resume (Hout Blackboard) Activities 1. Exploring the Prologue 2. Class participant Introductions Fundamentals of Play Analysis: The World of the Play. 2 Due Sep 4th: 1. Theatrical Resume. 9/4 9/6 1. Read Act I II of Romeo Juliet. 2. Complete Journal reflection #1: Exploring the Prologue. 3. Prepare the Theatrical Resume. 4. Select Audition Monologue. 2. Journal Reflection #1: Exploring the Prologue. Read & Discuss 1. The Casting Process Fundamentals (Hout). 2. Audition Procedure, Callbacks, Casting, Rehearsal Expectations. 3. Cast Breakdown. 4. Group Identity. 5. Social Hierarchy. 6. Law Order Issues Fighting Talk. 7. Improvisation. Activities 1. Students enact sections of Act I, sc.1 2. Improvise using emotional sensory recall, Act I, sc.1 1. Read Act III IV of Romeo Juliet. 2. Complete Journal reflection #2: The World of Romeo Juliet; #3 The Elizabethan Concept of Identity. 3. Prepare the Audition Piece. Fundamentals of Play Analysis: Exploring the Story Character Groups. 3 Due Sep 11th 1. Monologue Selection Preparation. 2. Journal reflection #2: The World of Romeo Juliet; 9/11 9/13 #3 The Elizabethan Concept of Identity. Read & Discuss 1. Research on the historical period the culture of the setting of Shakespeare s Romeo Juliet (Assignment hout). 2. The story of the play. 3. Character Breakdowns (Act 1, sc.5). Activities 1. Improvise highlights of the story. 2. Improvise the staging of the Ball Scene Act I, sc.5, where Romeo Juliet meet. 1. Read Act V of Romeo Juliet. 2. Complete Journal reflection #4: 3. Memorize Audition Monologue for performance Sep 18 th. 4. Select Research Topic. Page 1 of 4
Play Performance: Auditions Callbacks Casting. 4 Due Sep 18 th : 1. Audition Monologue Performance by every participant. 2. Audition Form. 9/18 9/20 3. Journal Reflection #4: Read & Discuss 1. Stage Etiquette (Hout) 2. Closed Audition Procedure. Activities 1. Class view of Individual Audition performances. 2. Callback readings. Play Performance: Reading Rehearsal Process. 5 Due Sep 25 th : 1. Journal Reflection #5: 9/25 9/27 1. Collect pictures information for your research topic. 2. Complete Journal Reflection #5: Read & Discuss 1. Acting Introductory Performance Vocabulary (Hout). 2. Act I of Romeo Juliet using assigned roles. Activities 1. Walk through of Act I of Romeo Juliet 2. Rough Blocking of Romeo Juliet Act I. 1. Prepare a power point on your research topic to share with the class. 2. Memorize your character s dialogue in Romeo Juliet Act I. 3. Complete Journal Reflection #6: Develop Practice Performance Skills Blocking Characterization 6 Due Oct 2 nd : 1. Research Presentations Power Point on the selected research topic. 10/2 10/4 2. Journal Reflection #6 Read & Discuss 1. Background of Characterization: Character (Biographical sketch). 2. Act II of Romeo Juliet Activities 1. Presentation of Visual Research: The life historical period, place, style of Shakespeare s Romeo Juliet. 2. Blocking rehearsal: Romeo Juliet Act II 1. Develop write a biographical sketch for your assigned character in Romeo Juliet. 2. Memorize your character s dialogue in Romeo Juliet Act II. 3. Complete Journal Reflection #7:. Develop Practice Performance Skills Blocking Characterization 7 Due Oct 9th: 1. Character Biographical Sketch. 10/9 10/11 MIDTERM 2. Journal Reflection #7. Read & Discuss 1. Costume Design. 2. Costume Measurement Charts. 3. Act III of Romeo Juliet. Activities 1. Late Research Presentations. 2. Blocking Rehearsal: Romeo Juliet Act III 3. Costume Measurements of all actors for Romeo Juliet. 1. Costume Design for assigned character. 2. Memorize your character s dialogue in Romeo Juliet Act III 3. Complete Journal Reflection #8:. Page 2 of 4
Develop Practice Performance Skills Characterization 8 Due Oct 16 th : 1. Costume Design. 2. Journal Reflection #8: 10/16 10/18 3. Lines memorized: Romeo Juliet Acts I, II, III. Read & Discuss 1. Performance Vocabulary. 2. Creating a Specific Character Master Gesture Stage Business. Activities 1. Run Through (off-book) of Acts I, II, III 2. Extra Time: (if needed) for Dance Sequences Fight scenes. 1. Memorize your character s dialogue in Romeo Juliet Act IV. 2. Complete Journal Reflection #9:. Develop Practice Performance Skills Characterization. 9 Due Oct 23 rd : 1. Lines memorized: Romeo Juliet Act IV. 10/23 10/25 2. Journal Reflection #9 Read & Discuss 1. Act IV of Romeo Juliet. 2. Play Production the Chain of Comm in Theatre (Hout). Activities 1. Blocking Rehearsal: Romeo Juliet Act IV. 2. Crew positions assignment. 1. Memorize dialogue in Romeo Juliet Acts IV V. 2. Journal Reflection #10: 3. Prepare Actor Bio for performance program. Develop Practice Performance Skills Characterization. 10 10/30 11/1 Due Oct 30 th : 1. Lines memorized: Romeo Juliet Acts IV V. 2. Journal Reflection #10 3. Actor Bio for performance program. Read & Discuss 1. Act V of Romeo Juliet. Activities 1. Run through: Romeo Juliet Act IV. 2. Blocking Rehearsal: Romeo Juliet Act V. 1. Complete memorization of ALL dialogue in Romeo Juliet Develop Practice Performance Skills Characterization. 11 11/6 11/8 Due Nov 6 th : 1. Complete Memorization of all character Dialogue Blocking for Romeo Juliet (Full Play) Read & Discuss 1. Discuss Characterization Activities 1. Final Blocking Rehearsal: Romeo Juliet Act V. Play Production Rehearsal. 12 11/13 11/15 1. Collect Props Costume Pieces for Performance. Due Nov 13 th : 1. Complete Memorization of all character Dialogue Blocking for all Acts/Scenes of Romeo Juliet. Read & Discuss 1. Discuss Costumes Stage Properties. Activities 1. Costume Parade. 2. Run Through Romeo Juliet Acts I, II, III, IV, V, with prompter, using props costume pieces. Play Production Rehearsal. Page 3 of 4
13 11/20 Due Nov 20 th : 1. Costumes Properties. 2. Complete memorization: Dialogue, Blocking, Stage Business. Read & Discuss 1. Discuss Polishing Characterizations Stage Business 2. Scenic elements 3. Stage Crew Duties Assignments. Activities 1. Working Rehearsals. 2. Run through of Romeo Juliet (Off-book, working with Prompter) November 22 Happy Thanksgiving For 14 Class Meets on Downtown Campus (Buena Vista Theater) Play Production Performance. Discussion: 1. Discuss Performance Expectations Strike participation. 14 11/26 thru 12/2 Pre-Performance: 2. Monday 26 th Extra Rehearsal with leads. 3. Tuesday 27 th (Class) Technical Rehearsal 4. Wednesday 28 th Extra Polishing Rehearsal as needed. 5. Thursday 29 th (Class) Dress Rehearsal. Performances: 1. Friday Nov 30 th at 7:00 pm. 2. Saturday Dec 1 st at 7:00 pm. 3. Sunday Dec 2 nd (matinee) at 3:00 pm. Strike: 1. Final Strike (after matinee show) 2. Play Production Performance. 15 Activity Tuesday 4 th : 1. Class Discussion Critique. 12/4 Due Thursday 6 th : 1. Final Papers 12/6 Activity Thursday 6th : 1. Final Review s 16/17: Final Exam Schedule (Dec 12 th through Dec 18 th ). Theatre Class Final Saturday Dec 15 th 5:00 pm thru 7:30 pm Attendance Matory. Revised on August 27, 2012 Page 4 of 4