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

  Acting and Improvisation 2

• Unit Code

  MTH2131

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit continues the building of an acting technique, suitable for a career in theatre, begun in Year One. Teamwork and ensemble performance will also be developed.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from MTH1031

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a synthesis of the various aspects of an actor's craft - voice, text, language, movement, characterisation - in the performance of contemporary scenes and monologues.
2. Demonstrate agility and imagination in improvisation techniques.
3. Demonstrate teamwork as part of an ensemble.
4. Demonstrate techniques necessary for relaxation and rehearsal.
5. Research and increase acting and improvisation skills via texts and videos/DVD's.
6. Use the voice, both speaking and singing, to successfully communicate with audiences.

Unit Content

1. IMPROVISATION Further classes expanding the work in Semester One and Two of the BA (Musical Theatre) programme, on techniques in the release of imagination and choices of approach. New modes of expression are introduced - such as the use of masks and mime.
2. A thorough examination of the problem of characterisation in both its major forms i.e., analytical - ascertaining the fundamental spine of a character from the written work (author's intention) and practical realisation - the theatrical skills and approaches available to present character in performance and to effect whatever metamorphosis is necessary of the performer's everyday self.
3. ACTING
4. Bringing together the different aspects of the student's training - voice, text, movement etc., and utilising them in a practical way.
5. Exploring acting techniques and approaches with a focus on objectives, characterisation, and special needs for solo and ensemble musical theatre performance.
6. Increasing the student's awareness of "self" as actor, and utilising personal experience in acting.
7. PERFORMING in PUBLIC FORA
8. Relaxation techniques and the establishment of healthy rehearsal processes.
9. Working on contemporary monologues and scenes as a way of exploring, testing and refining acting skills.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and workshops

Assessment

GS4 GRADING SCHEMA 4 Used for undifferentiated pass/fail 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

• Benedetti, R.L. (1981). The actor at work. 4th ed. Prentice Hall.
• Blunt, J. (1966). The composite art of acting. New York: MacMillan.
• Chekhov, M. (1991). On the technique of acting. New York: Warder Collins.
• Cohen, R. (1978). Acting power. Mayfield.
• Stanislavski, K. (1980). Building a character. London: Methuen.
• Hodgson, J., & Richards, E. (1987). Improvisation. London: Methuen.
• Spolin, V. (1977). Improvisation for the theatre. New York: North Western University Press.
• Stanislavski, K. (1980). An actor prepares. London: Methuen.
• Craig, D. A performer prepares. New York: Applause.

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