Catalog Description

Formerly known as DRMA 23C
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 23B with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 120 activity
Description: The third of four courses that provides an opportunity for students to perform in their third role in a Sierra college production as a member of the cast. Students apply increasingly advanced rehearsal and performance techniques to the study of characters with great complexity and depth. All actors are required to audition for roles. Acceptance into the class is determined on being cast in the production. (C-ID THTR 191) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate effective actor listening skills.
  • CSLO #2: Demonstrate ability to analyze character backstory based on compiled information from the script and through research.
  • CSLO #3: Analyze beats for entire script.

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 ability to effectively build a character of great depth and complexity in a selected theatrical work.
2. Demonstrate ability to apply advanced acting techniques under the pressure of performance conditions.
3. Demonstrate stage movement as assigned through blocking, and utilize blocking to support characterization. Also utilize period movement and style if applicable to the production.
4. Accurately and appropriately memorize and deliver lines, including long scenes, monologues and complex text. 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, beats, sub-text and layers of textual meanings.
7. Demonstrate concentration, relaxation & authenticity on stage; complete performance without breaking character.
8. Make appropriate vocal and physical choices in the service of a vocally and physically demanding role.

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: Students will critically evaluate the production process following termination of the play. Students will be graded on the following criteria: level of participation, detail of analysis, and supported examples.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: The student will demonstrate understanding of all techniques discussed and rehearsed such as memorizing lines, staying in character, voice and movement technique as well as character development in performance of the play.

          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 to apply advanced techniques to their acting performance. For example, if they script calls for an actor to do a "prat fall," instructor will explain a little history on origin of prat falls and demonstrate how to safely fall on stage in character.
          2. The instructor will lead students in an improvised exercise to explore movement qualities for caricature types of Commedia de'll arte that applied to the production of "A Servant to Two Masters."

          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. Students will read original Grimm fairy tales from which the musical "Into the Woods" was adapted as a source to discuss character back story and apply in rehearsals of "Into the Woods." 2. Students will read the entire play and identify clues to their character as well as relationships to all other characters paying close attention to scenes in which they do not appear as well as those that they do.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Students will submit a paper identifying expected and possibly unexpected acting challenges for the performance of the play and list ways they will approach working to solve these challenges. 2. Students will apply theoretical knowledge of acting technique in a practical performance environment. For example, if the production is using a southern dialect, discuss approach to ensuring the vocal diction is still intact and that all words are still understood.

          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 Practical Handbook For The Actor
            • Author: Bruder, M.; Cohn, L.; Olnek, M.; Pollack, N.; Previto, R.; and Zigler, S.
            • Publisher: Vintage Books
            • Publication Date: 1986
            • 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.