Back
Current Course Material

 

 

 

THEA 370

ADVANCED ACTING: VOICE AND MOVEMENT AND MODERN STYLES

SPRING 2010

 

Janeve West, M.F.A.                                                                                                                    Office Hours: WF 1 - 3

Rm 305 Wallace Hall                                                                                                                       or by appointment

309-457-2398

jwest@monm.edu

 

Course Information:

Tuesday/Thursday:  9:30 – 10:45

HT B3 in the Basement of HT Science Building.  The space is also known as The WIT Theater.

            Rarely, our class will convene in The Wells Theater.

            We MAY be meeting the Huff Center a time or two.  Please check your e-mail often.

 

Text:    Anne Bogart: Viewpoints edited by Michael Bigelow Dixon and Joel A. Smith.

            Fundamentals of Voice and Diction by Lyle V. Mayer  6th edition

 

Frequent handouts, websites and scripts as given by the instructor.

 

Other Necessary Materials: composition notebook

 

Recommended Text:

            The Stanislavski System. By Sonia Moore.  Penguin Books.  1984.  ISBN  978-0140466607

           

Other Resources:

West’s Web Page: http://department.monm.edu/theatre/faculty/west/index.htm

Glossary of General Theatre Terms – Performance and Technical

http://fountainsquareplayers.org/AGlossaryOfTeatreTerms.pdf

Timeline and Overview of Eras in Theatre History

http://www.nwmissouri.edu/library/courses/theatre/Time/WTT.htm

MC Academic Calendar http://www.monm.edu/academics/advising/calendar.aspx

 

Note: A LOT of communication will happen via e-mail to your Monmouth College account.  Be sure to check your e-mail every day.

 

Course Description:

This course offers a basic introduction to physical and vocal techniques of the stage actor.  Through exercises that integrate body, voice and mind students will develop a deeper awareness of their physical, mental and vocal instrument.  The student will also explore these techniques as they pertain to modern acting styles.  Some possible acting styles could be: Romanticism, Realism, and Absurdist styles.  Theories on the actor’s craft and their practical applications will be explored through laboratory exercise, improvisation, scene study, character development, personal reflection and the attendance of productions.

 

Course Objectives:

 

  1. To expand and deepen the actor's physical and vocal expression for the stage.
  2. To gain a basic understanding of core support, body and voice mechanics, efficient energy use, relaxation and breathing techniques and to apply these principles in warm-up, class process and performance.
  3. To develop an understanding of modern acting techniques, their procedures and applications. 
  4. To broaden and develop a formalized approach to the acting/performance process.
  5. To reflect on performance process and product, and to respond articulately to self and others through oral and written work.
  6. To utilize the actors craft in the development of personal self-confidence, poise, a sense of cooperation and ensemble.

 

 

 

 

Course Requirements:

 

In Class Participation              100 pts.

Outside Engagement               100 pts.

Process Analysis                    600 pts.                        (150 pts each) 

Style Presentation                   200 pts.

Performance Analysis             225 pts.                        (75 pts each)

Journal                                   100 pts.

Quizzes                                  350 pts.

Final                                       100 pts.

1775 total points

 

 

Class Participation – 

The art and craft of theatre requires many people, working together over a sustained period of time.  Class attendance and full participation will be a crucial element in this class.  Class participation will be accounted for through the positive participation and completion of the following:

·      Sufficient preparation for assignments and readings due

·      Completion of in-class activities/assignments/writings/readings

·      Positive physical and verbal class participation

·      Timeliness and full attendance of the class.  Excessive tardiness and/or early exits will result in a reduction in  the participation grade.

 

Outside Engagement of the Arts – Responses required.  More details to come.

·      Attendance of all Spring Monmouth College Theatrical productions. (Including Fine Arts Celebration)

           Fall Showcase is optional.

·      Full attendance of pre-show discussion of Sweeney Todd.

·      Full attendance of all opening night post-show discussions.

·      Attendance of one “outside” theatrical production.

·      Attendance of one Art Department Gallery Opening.

·      Attendance of one Music Department band or choir performance.

 

Note on Show Attendance–

To prove attendance of the MC or outside production, the student will turn in a ticket stub and/or program of the attended performance on the TUESDAY following the performance.  “Outside performances” must be theatrical and must occur during the fall semester.  If there is any question as to whether or not an outside performance can be counted toward class requirements, please see the instructor. 

 

Monologue/Scene Performance and Process Analysis (4) –            

            Each student will be required to present 2 monologues(together) and 3 scenes this semester.  The selection of the material will be determined by the instructor.   Each student will be required to create a written analysis of their process and performance.  This analysis will accompany each performance project in due date.  Details of this project will be discussed at a later date.  Each analysis will be scored with its corresponding performance.  Students who miss performances because of absence or tardiness will not be permitted to make them up.  Details of this project will be discussed at a later date.

 

Style Presentation – (1)

Each team will be required to research and create a 20 min. group presentation with a visual component and handout.  Students will be graded not only on the content and quality of their presentation, but according to their participation in the group’s process.  These presentations will provide an overview of the chosen modern performance style and will include a discussion of the cultural, social, political and artistic influences of the style.  Details of this project will be discussed at a later date.

 

Performance Analysis – (3)

Students will write 3 acting oriented analysis on the MC Fall productions.  Format and details of the structure and content of these critiques will be covered during a class period in the early part of the semester. 

 

Quizzes (7) –              

There are currently 7 quizzes scheduled for the semester.  These quizzes will be given at the beginning of the class period noted in the schedule.  Students who miss quizzes because of absence or tardiness will not be permitted to make them up except in the case of extreme extenuating circumstances.  The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.

 

Journal – (1)

            Students will be asked to keep and maintain a journal throughout their semester.  This journal will reflect their personal growth and encourage a thoughtful reflection of their personal development as a performer.  More details of this assignment will be given at a later date.

 

Final – The final will consist of the performance of a 2 min. monologue, completion of a process analysis and a

            Cumulative Terms Test.  This final will not be moved unless under extreme situations.

 

Pop Quizzes – I reserve the right to pop-quiz at any time.

 

Extra Credit Opportunities:

            Full and successful participation in the Spring Showcase, Sunday, April 25th in the Wells Theatre.  More information will be given later in class. 

           

General Note on assignments:

 

Course Policies:

 

There is no food or drink (except water) at any time in The WIT, The Wells Theater or the Huff Center. 

 

Attendance:

Your participation in this course is essential; as a result, so is attendance.  In the event of illness or other mitigating circumstances, you are allowed to miss 2 class periods without penalty.  Each subsequent absence after 2 will result in a one-full letter grade reduction of your final grade.  An excused absence will ONLY be granted to those students who are directly involved in a Monmouth College event such as a sporting event, debate tournament or music concert (or the like) AND are on the list of students sent out to faculty by said coach, director, or event sponsor.  Extraordinary circumstances will be dealt with on a one-to-one basis as needed and at the instructor’s discretion.  Students will NOT be excused to attend events of any campus social organization.

 

Tardiness:

            Students arriving 10 min. after the start of class will automatically be counted as absent.  Extraordinary circumstances will be dealt with on a one-to-one basis as needed and at the instructor’s discretion.  Students who prove consistently late to class will see a corresponding reduction in their participation points.

 

Missed Assignments/Class Work/Presentations-

Performances/exams/ materials due will be rescheduled in ONLY extraordinary circumstances and at the instructor’s discretion.  Written assignments which are handed in any time after class on the “due date” will be penalized at the rate of one letter grade per day.   This late-penalty includes assignments that are handed in/e-mailed immediately after class on the due date.  ALL paper assignments handed in must be stapled.  Any unstapled items will NOT be accepted.

 

If You Know You’re Going to Miss a Class –

            It is your responsibility to notify the professor, turn in assignments and take any exam/quiz/presentation PRIOR to leaving. You MUST notify the professor at least one week in advance to make arrangements for these events.

 

Extensions –     

            Extensions on assignments are RARELY granted and only occur in the most extreme circumstances.   Students interested in an extension on an assignment must set a meeting with the professor to discuss their request at least one week prior to the due date of the assignment

 

Dress:

            Daily Participation is of great importance to the understanding and implementation of performance techniques.  Classes will be filled with physical activities on a daily basis.  Please wear comfortable clothing appropriate for a high level of movement.  Flip flops, heels, dresses, skirts and dangly jewelry will not be permitted and daily participation points will be lost if student is non-compliant with dress request.  Closed-toed shoes with a heel will be worn at all times.

Before leaving your dorm, think “Can I run at full speed, do a summersault and stand on my head in this outfit?”  If not, change.  Students choosing to leave class to change clothes will be held to the absence/tardy policy in the syllabus.

 

Readings and Handouts –

Students will be given reading assignments from the text, as well as numerous handouts.  It is the responsibility of the student to read and maintain all materials, as well as gather all materials, notes, and handouts covered during the student’s absence.  To obtain information that was missed due to an absence, the student must meet with the instructor during office hours or by appointment. Do not ask, “Did I miss anything?” at the start of the next class period.

 

Civility in the Classroom –

Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.  In order to assure such an environment, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from using cellular phones or beepers, eating or drinking, making offensive and/or defamatory remarks, reading newspapers/magazines, sleeping, bringing a weapon of any kind, or engaging in any other form of distraction in the classroom.  In the case of a violation of this policy, the instructor will note the behavior and expect it to immediately cease.   Incase of a second violation the student will loose their daily participation points and the instructor could schedule a meeting with the student to discuss the Civility in the Classroom policy.  In the case of a third violation, the instructor will refer the student to the department chair who will schedule a meeting with the student.  At this meeting or any subsequent meeting, the student will be notified that their behavior could result in the immediate removal from the course and immediate referral to the Office of the Dean of Students for disciplinary action. 

If your performance requires a weapon of any kind, the student must discuss the use of this prop with the professor at least one week prior to performance.  Failure to notify in this time frame will result in the immediate failure of the assignment.

 

Plagiarism-

Making the unauthorized or unacknowledged use of others' words or ideas is plagiarism. It will result in a final grade of "F" for the course and may result in further penalties. If at any time you are unsure, ask!  Plagiarism is discussed further in the College documents available online. 

 

Students with Special Needs-

If you are a student with special educational needs, please inform the professor personally as to the nature of those needs, in writing via e-mail, within one week of the beginning of the course or the receipt of this syllabus. Please consult the appropriate college offices for further information.  Students requesting accommodations because of physical or mental challenge need to be register with this office in order for the professor to grant accommodations. Mid-term or ex-post facto appeals to physical or mental challenge will only be considered when requested in written with an explanation of why the accommodations were not requested at the beginning of the semester in writing and when the student had not contacted the appropriate college offices prior to that request. The professor is committed to maintaining a "level playing field" and will not grant accommodations that would unfairly advantage challenged or non-challenged students.   Non-challenged students who feel that they have been disadvantaged by the granting of an accommodation to a fellow student are asked to provide information on that situation to the professor in writing within three weeks of their first knowledge of the date of the accommodation being made, or when it comes to the attention of the non-challenged student.

 

Grade Telephone Inquiries:-

Telephone inquiries regarding course or assignment grades will not be considered appropriate, due to the professor’s interpretation of federal educational privacy protections. Student privacy of educational records cannot be guaranteed in a telephone conversation, since the professor cannot guarantee the identity of the student, therefore, no student grade issues will be discussed on the telephone or in person while other students are present, unless the student whose grades are being discussed arranges for a release form.  The professor will not discuss a student’s grade with anyone other than said student unless the student whose grades are being discussed arranges for a release form.  If the student wishes to discuss their grade, the student must make an appointment with the professor to do so.

 

A note on this nature of this course:           

Theater is a reflection of humanity, the way humans react and interact, and human situations.  Therefore, some of the characters you may encounter, read, and/or portray could make decisions or use language which may be very different than your own.  Students should be aware that they will be communicating verbally and non-verbally, and coming into direct contact with their classmates with each class meeting.  If the physical and verbal nature of the course does not suit the student’s needs, the student should rethink participation in the course.

 

Grading Scale:

                        A         =          92-100                         D-        =          60-61

                        A-        =          90-91                           F          =          below 60

                        B+       =          88-89

                        B         =          82-87

                        B-        =          80-8l

                        C+       =          78-79

                        C         =          72-77

                        C-        =          70-7l

                        D+       =          68-69

                        D         =          62-67


 

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

Subject to Change

Last updated: January 13

 

Class/Topic                                                                                                                                                    Due

If topic is blank, it is a continuation of the previous class topic.

 

January

14                    Introduction to the Course     “Be the Paper Clip”

19                    Overview of Stanislavski and Diagnostic                                                                        Monologue

21                    Realism as a Style and Script Analysis                                                                           Realistic Script Due, Script Quiz

26                    Constantine Stanislavski “Unplugged”                                                                            Scenes chosen

28                    Emotion Memory and Method of Physical Actions                                                         

 

February

2                      Fundamentals of Breath and Dress Rehearsal                                                                  Handout

4                      Performance of Realistic Scene                                                                                       Quiz, Process Analysis

9                      Romanticism as a Style and Script Analysis                                                                      Romantic Script Due, Script Quiz

11                    Theorist Rudolph Laban         - “Hitler thought he was great”                                            Scene Chosen, Handout

            Cherry Docs Opens on the 12th

16                    Discussion of the Production’s Vocal/Movement Qualities                                               Performance Analysis

18                    Breath and Laban

23                    Breath and Laban                                                                                                           Journal Check point

25                    Laban and Romanticism – “A match made in…”

            Homecoming Opens on the 25th

March

2                      Discussion of the Production’s Vocal/Movement Qualities                                               Performance Analysis

4                      Fundamentals of Voice and Dress Rehearsal                                                                    Handout

16                    Performance of Romantic Scene                                                                                    Quiz and Process Analysis

18                    Absurdist Style and Script Analysis                                                                                Absurdist Script Due, Script Quiz

23                    Anne Bogart  - “She’s kind of a big deal”                                                                        Reading from the Text

25                    Voice and Viewpoints

30                    Voice and Viewpoints                                                                                                    Journal Check point

April

1                      Voice and Viewpoints

6                      Voice and Viewpoints

8                      Dress Rehearsal

13                    Performance of Absurdist Scene                                                                                   Quiz and Process Analysis

15                    Flex (Alexander?)

            Sweeney opens on the 15th

20                    Discussion of the Production’s Vocal/Movement Qualities                                               Performance Analysis

22                    Flex     (Suzuki?)                                                                                                             Monologues chosen

27                    Style Presentations

29                    Style Presentations

 

May

 4                     Dress Rehearsal Monologues for Final                                                                          Final Journals Due

 

Final -             Monday May 10 8:00 AM in the WIT Theatre

Final consists of:         Performance of 2, one-minute monologues, completion of  Process Analysis and cumulative terms test

 

THEA 370

Advanced Acting

Spring 2010

 

Student Name__________________________________________________________

 

Date__________________________________________________________________

 

Student e-mail address______________________________________________________________________

 

I have read and do understand the syllabus, course requirements and all course policies for THEA 370.  I understand that by registering for and remaining in this course, I agree to abide by the guidelines and policies established herein.

 

 

Signature_________________________________________________________________________