Description:

The student will develop techniques to expand kinesthetic awareness, flexibility, physical freedom and the language of movement. Through the use of exercises to free, develop and strengthen physical vocabulary, the student will be better able to communicate the physical life of a character. Skills acquired in this course will include mime, stage combat, commedia, improvisation and circus techniques. 3 hrs. lecture/wk. This course is typically taught in the spring semester.

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

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): NONE

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

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

1. Express the physical life of a character.
2. Communicate character objectives and emotions through movement.
3. Engage in exercises that develop the actor's flexibility and strength.
4. Demonstrate rudimentary stage combat skills.
5. Perform basic circus techniques.
6. Demonstrate productive work habits.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Express the physical life of a character.
   A. Identify the different aspects of human physicality, including
      1. age
      2. ethnic origin
      3. body type
      4. internal rhythm
      5. external rhythm
      6. posture
      7. debilitation
   B. Determine one's own physicality using the above categories.
   C. Develop techniques to alter physicality from actor to character,
including
      1. rhythm alteration
      2. breakdown of body postures into "boxes"
      3. manipulation of body "boxes"
      4. breathing
      5. energy centers
   D. Explore altered physicality through improvisations, including
      1. environment
      2. locale
      3. time period
      4. character interaction

II. Communicate character objectives and emotions through movement.
   A. Explore basic human rituals, including
      1. tribal ceremonies
      2. children's games
      3. primitive dance
   B. Determine the physical effects of needs and emotions, including
      1. skin temperature
      2. breathing rate
      3. tension
      4. energy
   C. Explore the pursuit of objectives through external means, including
      1. individual space
      2. use of touch
      3. push vs. pull
      4. extreme expression

III. Engage in exercises which develop the actor's flexibility and
strength.
   A. Identify aspects of the anatomy which affect movement, including
      1. breathing apparatus
      2. spinal alignment
      3. muscular tension
      4. range of movement of the extremities
      5. muscle strength
      6. equilibrium
   B. Develop a warm-up for the body, including
      1. stretching
      2. breathing
      3. strength exercises
      4. flexibility
   C. Explore movement through space, including
      1. habitual patterns of physicality
      2. interaction with objects
      3. postural shaping
      4. spontaneous response

IV. Demonstrate rudimentary stage combat skills.
   A. Demonstrate stage combat safety as it pertains to
      1. the actor
      2. the actor's combat partner
      3. the audience
   B. Develop basic martial arts moves, including
      1. punches
      2. kicks
      3. blocks
      4. slaps
      5. evasions
   C. Create the illusion of real combat for the stage, using
      1. "knaps" (sounds of slaps, punches, etc.)
      2. "selling" the pain
      3. specificity of attack
      4. communication with partner
      5. altered fighting distance
      6. audience sight lines
      7. connectivity of moves

V. Perform basic circus techniques.
   A. Distinguish between "real time" and "clown time" in terms of
      1. moment
      2. desire
      3. focus
      4. absence of logic
   B. Develop basic circus techniques, including
      1. juggling
      2. clowning
      3. acrobatics
      4. mime
      5. size of movement
      6. audience focus

VI. Demonstrate productive work habits in the classroom.
   A. Identify and develop positive attitude, including
      1. giving and accepting constructive criticism
      2. maintaining a positive, safe work environment
      3. developing specific observation skills
   B. Develop productive work habits, including
      1. completion of assignments on time
      2. preparation for in-class assignments
      3. observation of others' work

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

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

. Attendance                           20% of grade 
. Class participation and exercises    30% of grade 
. Journal                              10% of grade 
. Minimum of three movement projects   30% of grade 
. Written production review            10% of grade

Caveats: NONE

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.