Catalog Description

Formerly known as DRMA 10B
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 10A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Description: Analysis and practice of acting techniques focusing on approach to character development with particular emphasis on the realistic convention. Activities include one or more acting projects, as well as work on both contemporary and classical monologues and scenes. (C-ID THTR 152) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Describe, utilize, and practice The Stanislavski method of physical actions acting system.
  • CSLO #2: Discuss, assess, and demonstrate theatre acting techniques through practice and performance of modern and classical monologues and scenes.
  • CSLO #3: Analyze scripts for character development and expression.
  • CSLO #4: Discuss and practice audition techniques.

Effective Term

Fall 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

72

Outside of Class Hours

90

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Students will through oral, written and physical performance:
1. Describe "The Stanislavski method of physical actions" acting system
2. Utilize and practice "The Stanislavski method of physical actions" acting system
3. Perform and self-assess one's performance of theatre acting techniques
4. Analyze and discuss period scenes or monologues
5. Analyze scripts for character development
6. Perform, in class, a scene and monologue demonstrating technique, character development and expression
7. Discuss and practice audition techniques
8. Observe play performances and critically analyze acting technique and compare and contrast character identifying terms utilized and practiced in class

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Oral Comm Skills
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable
        • UC Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Classroom Discussions
          • Example: After watching performances of fellow classmates, students will discuss growth from previous exercises and times on stage as well as suggest areas on which to improve using terminology previously learned and practiced in class. If there are varying approaches of "actor choices," class will discuss benefits and drawbacks of each choice after demonstration of each choice.
        • Projects
          • Example: Students research and study traits of an individual that is different from their own gender, culture and age demographic and work toward performing those traits in class. Students are evaluated through a performance rubric.
        • Reports
          • Example: Students will submit a comparative play analysis based on two plays they have seen that focus on character development.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: Using skills and techniques discussed and practiced in class, such as subtext, substitution and listening exercises, students apply learned skills toward characters and perform them.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Activity
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Activity:

        1. Following an instructor lead discussion on substitutions, students apply their own substitutions from their character and scene work and practice in front of class.

        Lecture:

        1. Instructor lectures on definition and usage of "substitution" as it derived from Stanislavski's "Magic If" and demonstrates through classical and modern scene and character examples. Through discussion, students should be able to distinguish between classical and modern examples.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read the play, "Taming of the Shrew," select a character and create a chart that outlines all of the scenes in which your character appears and write out the location from where your character has just come and describe your mood, circumstances and atmosphere in the room that you enter for each scene. 2. Go to the assigned website for professional auditions and read the audition announcement and requirements for two separate auditions. Be prepared to discuss the producing company's requirements and approaches to prepare for a successful audition.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. See one live musical and one live non-musical play. Compare and contrast acting styles from both genres. Analyze one character from each play in your paper and discuss techniques and character choices and how effective or ineffective (as the case may be) each were. 2. After reading your assigned modern scene aloud with your partner, re-write the scene using subtext only. Write out your thoughts underneath the written lines into a new script and perform the subtext scene with your partner for the class.

        Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

        Gain permission to interview someone you barely know, with a different ethnic background, age demographic, gender or combinations of all. With the interviewee's permission, record the interview and select an excerpt to perform using "Verbatim Theatre" style of performance discussed and demonstrated in class.

        Required Materials

        • Stanislavski, Constantine
          • Author: An Actor Prepares
          • Publisher: Theater Arts Books
          • Publication Date: 2002
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?: Yes
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • I Got In
          • Author: Mary Anna Dennard
          • Publisher: Mary Austin Anna Dennard, Inc.
          • Publication Date: 2017
          • Text Edition: 2nd
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Cracking Shakespeare
          • Author: Kelly Hunter
          • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
          • Publication Date: 2015
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Respect for Acting
          • Author: Uta Hagen
          • Publisher: Wiley
          • Publication Date: 2008
          • Text Edition: 2nd
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

        Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.