*The instructor reserves the right to alter or adjust this syllabus at any time based on the needs of the class. Below is the general outline for the semester as it stands now. It will be adjusted as needed and become more specific as the semester unfolds. For the most detailed and current version please check Canvas*
List of Expected Weekly Topics/Major Assignments/Potential Readings:
Week 1: Introductions & Acting in the 21st Century
- Thursday
- Introductions + Syllabus Review
- Opening Discussion: What Actors need today
- Begin Monologue search (selections due Friday of week 3)
Week 2: Ensemble Building & The Actor’s Tool Box
- Tuesday
- Lecture/Discussion: Imagination, body and voice
- Ensemble building and movement activities
- Thursday
- Lecture/Discussion: Rehearsal etiquette, self directed scenes, boundaries etc.
- Ensemble building and movement activities continued
- Scene 1 Partners/Scenes assigned tbd
Week 3: Scene Analysis for Actors & First Reads
- Tuesday
- Lecture/Discussion: Objectives, tactics and actions, emotional beats, conflict etc.
- In class rehearsal as time permits
- Thursday
- Scene 1 First Reads
- script printed, lines highlighted, verbal assessment of character
- Monologue Selections due by 5pm Friday
Week 4: Getting on your feet & Blocking Rehearsals
- Tuesday
- Lecture/Discussion: following instincts, physical impulses, making it natural, props, spatial relations etc.
- In class rehearsal as time permits
- Thursday
- Open Rehearsals - Blocking
Week 5: Embodying Text & Off Book Rehearsals
- Tuesday
- Lecture/Discussion: Listening, physicalizing your choices, making it clear etc.
- In class rehearsal as time permits
- Thursday
- Open Rehearsals - Off Book
Week 6: Letting it fly & Scene 1 Performances
- Tuesday
- Lecture/Rehearsal: Immediacy, sincerity, connection, emotional freedom, being in the moment, surprise/discovery etc.
- In class rehearsal as time permits
- Thursday
- Scene 1 Performances
- Turn in actioned script
- Write performance reflection by midnight
- Review emailed notes for workshop sessions
Week 7: Collaboration & Scene 1 Workshops
- Tuesday
- Scene 1 Workshops (post performance work sessions with notes and ongoing discussion of creative work/artistic collaboration)
- Thursday
- Scene 1 Workshops (post performance work sessions in front of the class with notes and ongoing discussion of creative work/artistic collaboration)
Week 8: Working Solo & Monologue Performances (Midterm grades due by Friday)
- Tuesday
- Lecture/Discussion – crafting an arc, forcing a change etc.
- In class rehearsal as time permits
- Thursday
- Monologue Performances
- Turn in Actioned Script
- Performance Reflection due by midnight
- Scene 2 partners/scenes assigned tbd
Week 9: Scene 2 First Reads
- Tuesday
- Lecture/Discussion/Activities TBD by needs of class
- Thursday
Week 10: SPRING BREAK
Week 11: Blocking Rehearsals
- Tuesday
- Lecture/Discussion/Activities TBD by needs of the class
- Thursday
- Open Rehearsals - Blocking
Week 12: Off Book Rehearsals
- Tuesday
- Lecture/Discussion/Activities TBD by needs of the class
- Tuesday Audition for Directing Classes
- Thursday
- Open Rehearsals - Off Book
Week 13: Scene 2 Performances
- Tuesday
- No class - Festival of Excellence
- Prepare for performances via offsite rehearsals
- Thursday
- Scene 2 Performances
- Turn in Actioned Script
- Performance Reflections Due by midnight
- Review emailed notes for workshop sessions
Week 14: Scene 2 Workshops
- Tuesday
- Scene 2 Workshops (post performance work sessions with notes and ongoing discussion tbd by needs of class)
- Thursday
- Scene 2 Workshops (post performance work sessions with notes and ongoing discussion tbd by needs of class)
Week 15: Semester Wrap Up + Final Prep
- Tuesday
- Lecture/Discussion/Activities TBD by needs of class
- Thursday
- Lecture/Discussion/Activities TBD by needs of class
Week 16: Finals Week
- Day of University Scheduled Final: An audition for the class