DRAM20170 Introduction to Acting

Academic Year 2020/2021

*** Not available in the academic year indicated above ***

This module introduces students to the basics of acting through a practical approach to analysing a play and performing a dramatic monologue. Beginning with Stanislavski, and using interpretations of his approach, students will read learn to analyse a play towards performance, conducting practical work in studio and analytical work through supported autonomous learning. Students will acquire a vocabulary of concepts that enable them to create a sense of psychological character through action in performance, to analyse and perform a monologue as a component part of a larger play text, and to assess the acting work of others using the acquired vocabulary. Specifically, students will examine character motivation and relationship as the central tenets of dramatic performance, alongside conflict, space, place, and context as well as humour and the creation of events and importance.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Students will understand the process of analysing a play text toward performance
Students will workshop and perform a monologue, within an audition environment
Students will have acquired a basic analytical performance vocabulary and master key concepts in the creation of character Students will have a greater understand of theatrical style and genre, especially realism

Indicative Module Content:

Class 1: Introduction to Module

Class 2: “First Moment” Exercise -- Monologue choice due

Class 3: Group 1: Monologue Workshop first pass

Class 4: Group 2: Monologue Workshop first pass

Class 5: Group 3: Monologue Workshop first pass

Class 6: Group 4: Monologue Workshop first pass

Class 7: Group 1: Monologue Workshop second pass

Class 8: Group 2: Monologue Workshop second pass

Class 9: Group 3: Monologue Workshop second pass

Class 10: Group 4: Monologue Workshop second pass

Class 11: Final Presentations – All Students

Class 12: Song Exercise

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22

Autonomous Student Learning

78

Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is run as monologue workshop, engaging in active/task-based learning, peer assessment, critical writing, reflective learning, case-based learning, and student presentations, etc. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Book Report "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff Week 5 n/a Graded No

30

Assignment: Monologue workshop -- second pass Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

10

Continuous Assessment: Weekly Workshop Reflective Writing -- Using the vocabulary learned in the module, students will assess the work of their peers in the weekly workshop. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Practical Examination: Students will perform their monologue for instructor and class as a final presentation. Unspecified n/a Graded No

35

Assignment: Monologue Workshop -- first pass Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

5


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

In the workshop environment, students will receive feedback individually and from peers. Final assessment feedback will be offered post-assessment.

Required Reading:
Shurtleff, Michael. "Audition: Everything an Actor Needs to Know to Get the Part." Toronto: Bantam Books, 1980. – Students must buy this book, ideally before the module begins.

Some additional required readings from the texts below will be posted to Blackboard throughout the term.

Recommended Reading
Cohen, Robert. Acting Power: An Introduction to Acting. (Palo Alto: Mayfield, 1978).
Braun, Edward, The Director and the Stage (London: Methuen, 1982).
Bella Merlin, Konstantin Stanislavsky, Routledge Performance Practitioners (London Routledge, 2003)