Catalog Description

Formerly known as DRMA 23B
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 23A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 120 activity
Description: The second of four courses that provides an opportunity for students to perform in their second role in a Sierra College production as a member of the cast. Students investigate more sophisticated performance techniques as well as develop intermediate approaches to script analysis and characterization. All actors are required to audition for roles. Acceptance into the class is dependent upon being cast in the production. (C-ID THTR 191) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate appropriate choices of character objectives.
  • CSLO #2: Make appropriate vocal and physical choices in accordance with character.
  • CSLO #3: Explain and demonstrate appropriate tactics, obstacles and work with "The Other."

Effective Term

Spring 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

120

Outside of Class Hours

60

Total Student Learning Hours

180

Course Objectives

1. Demonstrate knowledge of characterization in selected theatrical work.
2. Demonstrate ability to apply theatrical techniques under performance conditions.
3. Demonstrate stage movement as assigned through blocking, and utilize blocking to support characterization.
4. Memorize and deliver lines accurately and appropriately. Use text to support character objectives and relationships.
5. Demonstrate increasingly sophisticated knowledge of techniques for character analysis and development.
6. Clearly demonstrate choices of character objectives.
7. Demonstrate concentration, relaxation & authenticity on stage; complete performance without breaking character.
8. Demonstrate clear thought and analysis toward making appropriate vocal and physical choices.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • 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:
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: 1. The student will perform acting duties for a play performance. 2. The student will demonstrate skills learned and practiced in routine performance of the play. 3. The student will write out a character biography and back story and explain their process they took to develop their character in this production.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Distance Learning

          Activity:

          1. The instructor will lead a discussion that uses terms from play production to help students identify strategies for their acting performance.
          2. The instructor will create circumstances for students to participate in an improvisation to encourage students to explore their characters and relationships in similar situations to the play but with improvised dialogue.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will post on the LMS and discuss dramaturgical research materials and steps to approaching building character applying appropriate techniques to work remotely on a role for either a virtual or hybrid production. Virtual rehearsals and performances will be handled over video conferencing.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read and study the text of a given production. Additional research relating to the play, the time period and/or the dramatic circumstances may also be required. 2. Read the original source for play adaptation from "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson as a preparation to create back story for your character in our adaptation of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Jeffrey Hatcher.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Prepare a detailed written character biography, based on evidence from the text as well as the subtext created by the actor. 2. Orally summarize and discuss character development. 3. Work with other actors to analyze scenes and develop character relationships. 4. Apply theoretical knowledge of acting technique in a practical performance environment. 5. Actively participate in a critical evaluation of the process following the termination of the play.

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

          Required Materials

          • Red
            • Author: John Logan
            • Publisher: Oberon Books Ltd
            • Publication Date: 2009
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Time Stands Still
            • Author: Donald Margulies
            • Publisher: Theater Communications Group, Inc.
            • Publication Date: 2010
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • A Challenge for the Actor
            • Author: Hagen, Uta
            • Publisher: Macmillan
            • Publication Date: 1991
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Rehearsing in the Zone: A Practical Guide to Rehearsing without a Director
            • Author: Maria Cominis Glaudini
            • Publisher: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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