THEA A104: Improvisation - Long Form
Item | Value |
---|---|
Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 12/08/2021 |
Top Code | 100700 - Dramatic Arts |
Units | 3 Total Units |
Hours | 72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 45; Lab Hours 27) |
Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
Material Fee | No |
Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
Repeatable | No |
Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
Course Description
The student will rehearse and perform individual and group improvisational scenes and exercises. The goal of the course is to help performers work with ease in front of an audience or camera. ADVISORY: THEA A103. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Write and perform short scenes and plays created through improvisational exercises.
- Improvise and perform monologues, long-form scenes and short plays.
- Demonstrate confidence in working before a live audience.
Course Objectives
- 1. Apply principles of blocking and character “denying” in simple improvisation.
- 2. Identify character goals and obstacles.
- 3. Analyze relationship and environmental needs of improvisational scene.
- 4. Justify all physical and emotional character actions.
- 5. Diagnose and control performance anxiety through proper alignment of focus.
- 6. Explain all improvisation goals and actions in each scene performed.
- 7. Evaluate the successes and misjudgments of each scene.
- 8. Defend each physical and vocal expression by explaining the motivation and intention of all actions.
- 9. Compare and contrast actions and goals in relation to their partners actions and goals.
- 10. Create short plays and scenes through improvisational exercises.
Lecture Content
Topic 1. The goal and objectives of the course Topic 2. Exercises for the actor and group: Sensory awareness Mirror exercises Imagination exercise Listening exercise Observation exercise Environmental exercise Character exercises Playwriting disciplines and forms Topic 3. Improvisation as an individual Topic 4. Improvisation in a group Topic 5. Performance for the class Adjudication
Lab Content
Group exercises Theatre sports Rehearsal and exploration of improvised material Critique of group improvised material Critique of character improvisation Improvisation as a basis for writing Performance, critique and defense of written work
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- Lab (04)
Instructional Techniques
Lecture Demonstration Analysis and critique of written and performed work
Reading Assignments
Students will spend approximately 2 hours a week reading for scripts, monologs, and instructor handouts
Writing Assignments
Student will spend approximatley 2hours a week completing out of class assignments, including written self- and fellow-student critiques, scriptwriting, and detailed notes related to script review.
Out-of-class Assignments
Student will spend approximatley 1.5 additional hours a week rehearsing and perfecting improvisation techneques required for long form improv.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Creating scenes, monologues and short plays based on improvisational sources. Problem solving: utilizing critiques to revise and complete an in-depth assignment. Verbal critiques of performances and written work. Written critiques of performances
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Skills demonstration: Successful preparation, rehearsal, and performance of exercises and scenes Written critiques of performances
Eligible Disciplines
Theater arts: See drama/theater arts Masters degree required.
Other Resources
1. Instructor handouts