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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 2026 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 72 Outside of Class Hours 90 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: 1. Describe "The Stanislavski method of physical actions" acting system 2. Analyze and discuss period scenes or monologues 3. Analyze scripts for character development 4. Identify and discuss audition techniques Activity Objectives: 5. Perform a scenes and monologues demonstrating technique, character development and expression 5. Practice methods to incorporate subtext and substitution for character development  6. Practice and perform listening skills during scene work to reinforce the art of "being in the moment" and keeping performance fresh and engaging General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Oral Communication 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 find their own or choose from a provided list an Audition announcement. Students research the theatre company and the background/origin of the play included in the announcement. Students prepare a well-researched presentation discussing their approach to how they would prepare to audition for that show using the techniques and tips learned and discussed in class. 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: 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: 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. Distance Learning As this intermediate Acting course does a deeper dive into introducing and applying strategies to enhance character development, instructor will define "subtext" and post examples of original dialogue in the play along side an example of possible subtext an actor might be thinking while performing this line of dialogue. Students will be asked to demonstrate understanding by posting a discussion of a favorite line of dialogue from a play, movie, or program of their choice or from posted examples, and create their own subtext. For further practice, students will meet with their scene partners in chat rooms or communicate via message to discuss and create subtext for a portion of corresponding dialogue from their duo scene. During workshops to practice their scenes, students watching the scenes will be asked to identify if and when they recognize actors playing subtext in their scenes. 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: Acting: The Basics Author: Bella Merlin Publisher: Routledge Publication Date: 2023 Text Edition: 3rd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.