Catalog Description

Formerly known as DRMA 23D
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 23C with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 120 activity
Description: The fourth of four courses that provides an opportunity for students to perform in their fourth role in a Sierra College production as a member of the cast. Students apply an advanced skill set of acting techniques toward rehearsal and performance, and will be expected to chart in detail with critical analysis of the process from page to stage. This will include background research of their character, the playwright, reviews, and previous productions. 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 advanced performance techniques as an actor.
  • CSLO #2: Demonstrate ability to incorporate moment-to-moment objectives related to super objectives within the framework of the through-line of the play.
  • CSLO #3: Clearly present layers of meaning in stylized or period work.

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 in a
selected theatrical work involving specific stylistic challenges.
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. Utilize period movement and style, stage combat, mask work, dance, and other physical acting techniques as appropriate.
4. Accurately and appropriately memorize and deliver lines. Text may be poetic, non-realistic, symbolic, musical or otherwise stylistically challenging.
5. Apply techniques for character analysis and development to complex and stylized material.
6. Clearly present layers of textual meaning in a stylized work (e.g. poetic, musical or non-realistic theatre).
7. Demonstrate concentration, relaxation & presence on stage.
8. Make appropriate vocal and physical choices in the service of a stylistically challenging theatre piece.

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: Instructor will evaluate student understanding of overall play production process through a discussion where students critically offer a self analysis following termination of the play. Students will be graded on the following criteria: level of participation, detail of analysis, and supported examples.
          • Essay Examinations
            • Example: Students will submit a background essay suggesting their acting approach to their character based on research on previous approaches to character from works of the same playwright of current production.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Instructor will evaluate classical and stylized skills learned and practiced in the character development, implementation and routine performance of the play via a performance rubric.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Distance Learning

          Activity:

          1. Instructor will lay out historical works of Stephen Sondheim and his approach to layered meanings within his musical works including concept musicals such as "Company," and apply to current Sondheim musical. Instructor will provide prompts for discussion among students.
          2. When rehearsing Oedipus Rex, students will be challenged to speak and move in unison utilizing appropriate emotional connected or disconnected vocalized tones and gestures while performing with masks.

          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 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. Supplemental reading may also be required depending upon the stylistic demands of the production. For example, when doing Wycherley's "The Country Wife,"students might be required to read the article, "The Country Wife as a Comedy of Manners" by Herbert Eanes. 2. Students will read original source material from plays adapted from classical sources. For example, when doing Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors," students would be required to read the original source of Plautus' "The Menaechmi."

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Students will prepare a detailed written character biography, based on evidence from the text as well as circumstances imagined, created and actualized by the student actor. 2. Instructor will will select a challenging scene from the show and have students re-write the scene with subtext only, iterating the underlying thoughts of the character beat to beat.

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

          1. Memorize assigned lines/dialogue for a stylized performance piece. 2. Practice assigned dialect appropriate to the character. 3. Practice assigned stage movement/choreography. 4. Research and explore character. 5. Keep a journal and/or write a reflective paper.

          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:
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • The Viewpoints Book
            • Author: Bogart, A. & Landau, T.
            • Publisher: Theatre Communications Group
            • Publication Date: 2005
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Cracking Shakespeare: A Hands on Guide for Actors and Directors
            • Author: Kelly Hunter
            • Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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