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 Embodied Actor

• Unit Code

  ACT2006

• 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 prepares the actor with technical skills necessary for the professional actor, particularly in the areas of stage fighting and partnered dance. The unit also examines the creative process of character development within the rehearsal period. Rehearsal strategies and character transformation will be studied and applied to the production program resulting in greater confidence and skills as an embodied actor.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Create an effective and credible stage fight.
2. Design and implement detailed movement exercises from a deep understanding of a character in the context of a play to ensure full embodiment in rehearsal and performance.
3. Execute theatrical dance sequences from a range of dance genres with strength, endurance and coordination.
4. Initiate and develop imaginative movement ideas in theatrical improvisations.
5. Move with a keen understanding of theatrical focus.
6. Respond to another actor's movements and limitations so that both are safe and theatrically connected.
7. Use the Feldenkrais method to attain an advanced understanding of movement.

Unit Content

1. Advanced movement.
2. Expressive movement in response to text, character and production: a) rehearsal strategies developed from intensive character class on text: b) physical study of specific requirements of production such as period, style, age, disabilities, etc: c) the physical nuances of relationships, body language and staging.
3. Stage combat techniques including throws, slaps, punches and falls.
4. Theatrical focus and suspense in stage fights.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Movement classes in a studio, some classes may use a theatre, Character work developed in class and rehearsal will be performed as part of the production program for audiences over a short season in a theatre and assessed authentically, Small group activities, pair work and solo exercises, Video recording for critical analysis and self reflection, Debriefing, feedback and class discussions, Self study with regard to alignment and movement, Specialist lecturers in dance.

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.

References

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