Actors Instrument
Course Description
Summary
The craft of acting will be the main focus of this class. Through physical and vocal warm-up exercises, sensory exploration, improvisation, scene work, and craft readings students will be asked to develop an awareness of their own unique instruments and artistic voices while learning to trust their inner impulses as they develop basic acting technique. Extensive out of class preparation of specific exercises as well as rehearsal with scene partners will constitute the bulk of expected work. Techniques covered will include many of the exercises and historically significant work of such theater artists as Anne Bogart, Prasanna, Barbara Ann Teer, Constantin Stanislavski, Tadashi Suzuki, Susan Batson, Sanford Meisner, Uta Hagen, Jerzy Grotowski, and Kim Stanley.
Learning Outcomes
- The primary expectation in this class is active engagement and investment into whatever exercise or activity is being attempted. That means bringing just as much attention and curiosity to the work of others as to your own. The work basically includes:
1) Warming up – we do this almost every class.
2) Sense Memory – three or four different exercises.
3) Objective/Obstacle – prepared improvisation.
4) Open scenes – fun with choosing & playing actions.
5) Character Interviews – this will involve research.
6) Scene Work – requires 2-6 hours outside class rehearsal per week.
7) Discussion & written material provided.
8) Various improvisations and games throughout.
Corequisites
Drama/Dance LAB