Course Syllabus

Acting 2 builds upon skills learned in Acting 1 and then branches out in terms of expectations and difficulty. Due to the fact that the Acting 2 sections are quite small, this gives us generous opportunity to really work on creating a strong skill set.  Each student will be able to thrive in this environment and get strong individualized attention. 

In Acting 2 we focus on: 

Term 1. Script Analysis (Long text) - We really dig deep into text work in terms of creating the overall interpretation of the work of the Playwright.  With the text as our guide, we practice skills in really looking in the script for clues as well as an overall appreciation for some common comedies and dramas.  These meaty units culminate in polished scene from the text we study and a short reflection of the process.

2. Monologues- The art of performing a good monologue takes a lot more than memorization.  We dig apart monologues and reinforce lessons in objectives, tactics and beats. This will prove most useful for students who will be regularly auditioning for plays, however the public speaking skills, as well as the ability to "read the room" as well as find appropriate content will help each actor better understand their characters, their audience and themselves. 

3. Theatre of the Oppressed/ Verbatim Theatre - This work is very difficult, yet very rewarding.  We will be examining works that are used to raise Social awareness as well as techniques used by playwrights and artists to bring the voices of their subjects from the page to the stage.  In addition, we examine issues that could add depth and honesty to our work.  We dig deeper here, but the work is extremely important.

4. Exploration of Shakespeare & the Greeks- Our Theatre Study would not be complete without an examination into those who came before.  The foundations of Theatre  created by the Greeks resonate through Theatre as we know it today.  The language of Shakespeare along with the timeless themes are also lessons for our work. We will skim the surface with informational text and resources. 

Grading is most importantly Participation, Effort and Risk Taking- the students become more in charge of their own work.

Participation/Effort: 40%

Skill based Knowledge: 35%

Canvas Activities and Resource Study- 25%