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

  Extending and Exploring Acting Techniques Through Character and Screen

• Unit Code

  ACT2008

• 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 looks at the methods and philosophies of a specified director, researching through improvisation and behavioural aspects of character, and models from real life. The camera is used as a delivery and teaching tool for better understanding of performance and research. The unit involves detailed study of theatre history in relation to text with an emphasis on the close connection between these areas and acting skills.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse research to devise their own theatre work.
2. Apply imagination to amplify rather than restrict the write'rs vision.
3. Demonstrate a structured, imaginative approach to character from their own self-devised work.
4. Develop character for performance through transformation.
5. Interpret dramatic repertoire from Classical Greek to the end of the nineteenth century.
6. Perform a devised piece.
7. Reflect on and apply introductory film and television techniques.
8. Research character for performance through observation and transactional acting.

Unit Content

1. Developing creative writing techniques to better appreciate different dramatic writing styles and their development through history.
2. Information literacy and research.
3. Investigation of screen acting style through performance and playback recording.
4. More detailed and thorough engagement in the process of storytelling, including observation, transactional acting and transformation.
5. Study of designated international/cross-cultural plays.
6. Text analysis.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Students will further evolve their basic acting skills and techniques through studio and public performance activities, formal classroom and one-on-one sessions. They will undertake field research for self-devised work, self-directed library research and film viewing, and will engage in ensemble work.

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

• ^ Clements, P. (1983). The improvised play: The work of Mike Leigh. London: United Kingdom. Methuen.
• Mckee, R. (1997). Story. New York: NY. It Books.
• Basil, J. (2001). Willpower. New York: NY. Bantam.

^ Mandatory reference

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