20810262Acting 1
Course Information
Description
Acting 1 is an introductory course exploring the fundamentals of acting and performance. This course emphasizes the actor's process in preparing for a role including character development, script analysis, theoretical study, and performance. Students will learn various acting techniques from a diverse range of perspectives.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Conduct a script analysis
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Apply the elements of dramatic structure using Aristotle’s Poetics
    Include elements of theme and symbolism in character analysis
    Include the playwright’s use of language and dialogue in character analysis
    Score texts according to beats, actions, and relationships
    Explain the relevance of historical context including race, ethnicity,
    Explain the relevance of current cultural context including race, ethnicity, socioeconomics, gender, age, physical and mental abilities
    Analysis uses language that is inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds and identities, avoids stereotypes, personal bias, and derogatory phrasing

  2. Conduct a character analysis
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Analysis incorporates basic script analysis strategies to analyze a character
    Analysis identifies physical, vocal, and psychological aspects of a character
    Analysis identifies character’s motivation within given circumstances
    Analysis researches character’s backstory and social/historical context
    Analysis identifies demographics including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, gender, age, physical and mental abilities without biases or generalization
    Analysis identifies social and historical influence on character development
    Analysis traces character evolution throughout narrative
    Analysis details character’s relationships within text and subtext

  3. Demonstrate the acting and performance process
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation/performance
    Criteria
    Describe the audition process
    Apply directorial feedback to rehearsal and performance
    Engage in the creative and collaborative process
    Describe character evolution throughout dramatic work
    Explain the performer – audience dynamic
    Demonstrates effective memorization of dialogue, cues, and blocking
    Follow blocking terminology in proscenium and arena stages
    Demonstrate unique interpretation that is consistent with the script
    Make informed acting choices based on the character’s objectives, tactics, obstacles, and expectations
    Makes confident and authentic physical, vocal, emotional, and psychological choices of a character
    Makes informed acting choices based on the play’s themes and historical context including race, ethnicity, socioeconomics, gender, age, physical and mental abilities
    Applies script analysis to rehearsal and performance

  4. Analyze cultural competence in theatre performance
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Describe contributions of underrepresented groups in public performance
    Illustrate the value and importance of diverse cultural perspectives in live performance
    Identify diverse narratives in performance and texts representing race, ethnicity, socioeconomics, gender, age, physical and mental abilities
    Demonstrate awareness of own cultural bias
    Analysis uses language that is inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds and identities, avoids stereotypes, personal bias, and derogatory phrasing

  5. Evaluate dramatic performance
    Assessment Strategies
    Written assessment
    Criteria
    Explain how performance elements influence on the viewer’s perception and experience
    Evaluate fully staged theater performance using Goethe’s critical questions
    Construct feedback on peer performances focusing on technical skills
    Self-evaluate performance identifying progress and continued growth opportunities
    Analysis uses language that is inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds and identities, avoiding stereotypes, personal bias, and derogatory phrasing