Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

Acting and Play Study

Course Overview:

This course will maintain the workshop structure aimed at dedicated acting students. Building on the groundwork established in Foundations and Actors' Workshop, students will examine, investigate, and perform scenes that represent various genres and eras in the history of theatre. The repertoire will span from the Greek Theatre to the Theatre of the 19th Century, covering genres such as Shakespearean performances, French Comedies, and 19th-century realism. In-class activities will concentrate on the physicality and vocal skills of the actor. Students will deepen their training by exploring Stanislavski's methods, emphasizing emotional and sensory memory as they develop a fully realized character and prepare two classical monologues. Students will also curate their theatre portfolio, which will include two contrasting classic monologues, an actor’s resume, and a personal statement with reflection. Workshops will cover essential monologue practices and effective audition strategies.

Timeline of Lessons and Assignments:

  • The Actor's Instrument

    • The Actor's Voice
    • Stage Speech
    • Using Your Voice
    • The Actor's Body
    • Voice and Body Integration
    • Imagination and Creativity
    • Emotion-and Acting Theory

  • The Actor's Technique

    • Phrasing
    • Attack
    • Follow-Through
    • Line Linkage
    • Scene Structure
    • Building a Scene
    • Creating a Monologue

  • Extensions of Yourself

    • Style
    • Stylize Exchange
    • Roses Are Red
    • Playing God
    • Characterization
    • More of the Other
    • The Battle of the Sexes
    • Performance: Being Public in Public

  • The Scenes

    • Greek Tragedy
    • Commedia
    • Shakespeare and Elizabethan Theatre
    • The Theatre of Moliére
    • Restoration Comedy
    • The Hypertheatre
    • Contemporary Styles

  • Shakespeare Analysis and Performance

  • The Study of Method Acting

  • Dialect Work

  • Stage Combat (Hand-to-Hand)

  • Dramaturgy and the Actor

    Class Text

    We will work from one classroom text, "The Theatre Experience" (an online resource provided). Other texts will be referenced, but I will ensure you receive handouts from these texts.

    Course Objectives and Outcomes:

    At the end of the semester, the student should be able to:

    • Converse in the vocabulary of the discipline.
    • Understand theatre history as it relates to the history and time of performance.
    • Understand the principles of voice, body, ensemble, movement, and motivation.
    • Make connections among disciplines of study.
    • Read critically
    • Recognize the differences among facts, opinions, and judgments
    • Express aesthetic critique and insight
    • Solicit feedback, evaluate, and revise creative products
    • Create and develop a repertoire of short scenes and monologues for analysis and audition content

    Course Expectations:

    Weekly Assignments and Canvas: Students are required to complete weekly assignments, which are primarily posted through Canvas. The work assigned will align with the topics being covered in class.  Please note that students must carry a notebook for this class for all open-reflection and journaling activities (this will serve as low-tech functionality).

    Dramatic Analysis Journal: Each student will maintain an informal collection of notes and firsthand responses to plays assigned in class.  Students will be asked to read a maximum of FOUR plays, which the teacher will assign.  Reading assignments will be broken up throughout the semester.

    Environment and Safety in the Classroom: To have a significant experience in this course, we must observe two safety rules: physical and emotional. Our basic physical safety rule is no unplanned bodily contact. Without this rule, someone may be physically harmed. Just as important are emotional hurts. You and your peers put yourselves on the line when you present to each other. You openly share yourself with us and then allow others to comment on your expression. To preserve the integrity of and maintain positive feelings about your work, the following rules apply to all comments about presentations:

    • Respect the effort of each member of the class.
    • Be prepared and prompt - the classwork only functions with your presence and materials.
    • Appreciate the choices made by each person
    • Be constructive in any criticism
    • Include positive responses as part of any full critique
    • Focus your comments on the individual presenting 

    In this class, we form a community. We must care for one another and work together effectively to achieve the common goal of a meaningful classroom experience.

    Class Participation and Attendance: To fully benefit from the course and your peers, you must be present and engaged in theatre class activities; therefore, your attendance is crucial. Active participation is a significant part of the course, and collaborating with peers in various settings constitutes a substantial portion of your participation grade. 

    In your absence, you are responsible for obtaining and completing all information/assignments you may have missed.  As per WHS policy, students have one day to make up work for each day of absence.  If you are absent on the due date of a long-term assignment (i.e., an in-class performance), you will be expected to present with your group the day of your return.  For additional information on absence policies, please refer to the WHS handbook.

    Rules and Regulations of the Little Theater and the Katherine L. Babson Auditorium: We are fortunate to have a state-of-the-art performing arts facility, and it takes cooperation from all of us to maintain it. Upon entering this theatre, you agree to abide by and enforce the following rules: 

    • No food, drinks, or gum in the space at any time 
    • No feet on the seats, seat arms, or backs
    • Do not climb over the back of the seats 
    • Persons may be backstage or onstage with permission only 
    • Students may only be in the space with adult supervision 
    • Cell phones are not to be used during class or breakout rehearsals

    Device Use: The cell phone policy prohibits the use of cell phones and their visibility during the school day.  All phones must be placed in the holders upon arrival in class.  

    Grading and Evaluation: You will be evaluated in this class through a variety of assessments aligned to the MA Performing Arts Standards:

    *Engaged Learning - MIN: (40%): assesses participation and involvement in class activities, journal responses, and script reading reviews. Everyone is expected to be an active participant when appropriate and a respectful member of the audience when observing others' performances. 

    *Performance—MAJ: (60%) Assess students’ creative process, performances, some weekly assignments, and reflections. All assessments are graded on rubrics.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due