Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: WA Academy of Performing Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  The Actor in Ensemble

• Unit Code

  ACT2001

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit enables the student actor to perform entire roles in studio/workshop productions for an audience and over short performance seasons. The unit includes an extended rehearsal period, a technical week and a performance week. The plays are of varying genre and style and sometimes it may be necessary to double cast or share a role. The director will guide the ensemble through the process and the staff in acting, movement and voice will also assist. The unit requires the development of an acting process through rehearsal toward a polished performance in a production seen by the public.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Address idiosyncratic habits that impede performance.
2. Apply standard theatre practice rigorously to the work in the rehearsal, production and performance phases of a production.
3. Develop a detailed approach to character.
4. Evaluate the breakthroughs and shortcomings of each production (written and oral).
5. Integrate imaginative choices in movement and voice to the work in the ensemble.
6. Link the research, text analysis and social context of the play.
7. Perform with the ability to contact and affect your scene partner.

Unit Content

1. Demonstrate sound professional etiquette: a) the necessary timelines; lines learnt, notes incorporated; b) punctuality and courtesy to others working on the show; c) incorporation of notes and blocking quickly; and d) arrive to all rehearsals with previous work consolidated and the current scenes prepared.
2. Evaluate and analyse the work in each production.
3. Prepare and research for a role.
4. Rehearse with flexibility and imaginative engagement.
5. Synthesise acting, movement and voice into a performance.
6. Three plays will be rehearsed and performed in a studio/workshop production to the public.
7. Written self assessment.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Rehearsals and performance for public in short season, Collegial and collaborative interaction with students and staff in the areas of stage and production management, lighting, set and costume discussion, and front of house as appropriate to production, Critical feedback after each production with a panel Seminars with visiting artists and industry people. Guest and resident professional directors

Assessment

GS2 GRADING SCHEMA 2 Used for performance and/or practical based units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Students are required to gather reference material appropriate to the preparation of their roles.
• Linklater, K. (1992). Freeing Shakespeare's voice. New York: USA. Theatre Communications Group Inc.
• Carey, D., & Carey, E. Verbal arts workbook. London: United Kingdom. Methuen Drama.
• Berry, C. (1987). The actor and his text. London: United Kingdom. Harrap. Note: Students are required to gather reference material appropriate to the preparation of their roles.
• McEvenue, K. (2002). The actor and the Alexander Technique. New York: USA. Palgrave MacMillan.
• Houseman, B. (2008). Tackling text (and subtext): A step-by-step guide for actors. London: United Kingdom. Nick Hern Books Ltd.

^ Mandatory reference

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