Catalog Description

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

Fall 2026

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

120

Outside of Class Hours

60

Total Student Learning Hours

180

Course Objectives

1. Apply basic principles building characterization toward performance of a theatrical work.
2. Demonstrate ability to hone acting technique under performance conditions.
3. Utilize blocking to support characterization.
4. Use text to support active listening in accordance to character relationships.
5. Clearly demonstrate choices of character objectives.
6. Demonstrate concentration, relaxation & authenticity during performance.
7. Transition from rehearsal to performance environment both on and offstage.

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: Upon completion of performances, students will discuss differences between working on character during rehearsals and playing to a live audience. All students will be expected to come to the discussion with an example of how the work they did during the rehearsal process prepared them for performing for a live audience.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: During rehearsals, students will be instructed to repeat sequences of a scene working on active listening by focusing on their reactions not only to what the other actors are saying, but also to how they are saying it.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Distance Learning

          Activity:

          1. 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. The instructor reviews approach to improvisation, creates the situation of the scenario, and the students then practice and later apply the energy and dynamic to the scene work for the play.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will provide an example of a scene marked with objectives and demonstrate how to connect objectives, tactics, and obstacles to the character in the example. Students will break out into rooms on Zoom to complete the OOTO worksheet with their scene partners and practice applying connections made from the worksheet. Instructor will clarify questions in the rooms and lead a discussion with the entire class as to what how this process went after bringing students back to the main room.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read and study the notes provided on the research and background relating to the play, the time period, terminology and etiquette. Be prepared to discuss and practice. 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. Students will prepare a detailed written character biography, based on evidence from the text as well as the subtext created by the actor. 2. Students will be given a rehearsal scenario in which they have ideas about their character that may differ with the director's ideas thus far. They will be tasked with finding a respectful way of communicating their different ideas and how they would handle it under varying circumstances.

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

          Required Materials

          • Rehearsing in the Zone: A Practical Guide to Rehearsing without a Director
            • Author: Maria Cominis Glaudini
            • Publisher: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company
            • Publication Date: 2019
            • Text Edition: 2nd
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Drama Workshop: Teaching Drama to Beginning Actors
            • Author: Chuck Neighbors
            • Publisher: Lillenas Publishing
            • Publication Date: 2019
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Improvising Now
            • Author: Rob Norman
            • Publisher: Library of Congress
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Sanford Meisner on Acting
            • Author: Sanford Meisner, Dennis Longwell
            • Publisher: Vintage Books by Random House
            • Publication Date: 2012
            • Text Edition: 2nd
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Foundations for Performance Training Skills for the Actor-Dancer
            • Author: Cara Harker
            • Publisher: Routledge
            • Publication Date: 2022
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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