Description:

The fundamentals of acting will be studied in this class. Emphasis will be on discovering and expanding creative potential through exercises in self-awareness, posture, movement, voice and personality projection. Students will complete a minimum of three in-class performances. 3 hrs./wk. plus rehearsals and performances.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of theatre nomenclature and vocabulary.
2. Engage in exercises that develop the actor's instrument by improving vocal ability, physical agility, and the ability to concentrate.
3. Exhibit enhanced emotional and sensory awareness and the ability to creatively tap into that awareness for use in performances.
4. Perform basic character analysis.
5. Perform memorized, contemporary monologues and scenes that are carefully and thoughtfully rehearsed and presented in final form, by applying the above-stated objectives.
6. Engage in thoughtful criticism of the work of other actors and of oneself.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Demonstrate a Working Knowledge of Theatre Nomenclature and
Vocabulary
   A. Define and explain terms used to discuss the work of actors.
   B. Demonstrate recognition of areas of the stage and of stage
directions from the actor's viewpoint.
   C. Explain and demonstrate blocking notation.

II. Engage in Exercises Which Develop the Actor's Instrument by Improving
Vocal Ability, Physical Agility, and the Ability to Concentrate
   A. Investigate relaxation techniques.
   B. Perform specific exercises to enhance physical agility, balance and
strength.
   C. Demonstrate increasing ability to maintain focus and concentration.

III. Exhibit Enhanced Emotional and Sensory Awareness and the Ability to
Creatively Tap Into That Awareness for Use in Performances
   A. Practice imagination and recall exercises.
   B. Experiment with imagination and sense memory in daily work with
partners.
   C. Employ imagination/sense memory work in preparation of scenes and
monologues.

IV. Perform Basic Character Analysis
   A. Define and explain concepts/terms related to character analysis.
      1. Goal (objective, intention)
      2. Others (obstacles)
      3. Tactics (strategies, actions)
      4. Expectation (drive, energy, motivation)
   B. Employ these concepts in improvisations, contentless (or ambiguous)
scenes, and daily work with partners.

V. Perform Memorized, Contemporary Monologues and Scenes That Are
Carefully and Thoughtfully Rehearsed and Presented in Final Form, by
Applying the Above-Stated Objectives
   A. Select a scene or monologue to perform, in cooperation with the
instructor.
   B. Accomplish several readings and "rough" rehearsals in which movement
is improvised, based on the given circumstances in the script.
   C. Complete a draft character analysis; revise as needed.
   D. Rehearse the scene/monologue to discover believable physical actions
and bold and interesting choices.
   E. Memorize the scene or monologue.
   F. Perform the scene for the class.

VI. Engage in Thoughtful Criticism of the Work of Other Actors and of
Oneself
   A. Participate in constructive oral criticism of one's own work and the
work of others.
   B. Attend performances of theatre productions.
   C. Complete performance reports for productions attended.
   D. Write at least one critical response to a theatre production.
   E. Keep a journal (or accomplish in-class, short writing exercises as
assigned by the instructor).

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

• Class attendance and participation (as defined in the instructor's
syllabus)
• Attendance at a minimum of two productions and reports/reviews of
same
• Rehearsal and performance of at least three scenes or monologues
• Examinations of theatre vocabulary and textbook

See individual instructor's syllabus for specifics of how these methods of
evaluation are weighted.

Caveats:

1. Students are required to attend theatre productions during the semester they are enrolled in the course, for which they may have to purchase tickets.
2. Plays and scenes to be provided by the instructor, available in the library, or may be purchased.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.