Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	10/06/2021
Top Code	100700 - Dramatic Arts
Units	3 Total Units
Hours	126 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 18; Lab Hours 108)
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),  Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance of a comedic play. The third semester focuses at an advanced level on comic acting techniques and performance. Students in their third semester will gain practical experience in the performance of an ensemble, supporting or leading comic role. Enrollment eligibility is based on a successful audition; this requirement will be validated by the instructor during the first week of enrollment. ADVISORY: THEA A124 and successful audition. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Demonstrate through performance an in-depth understanding of the play and the directorial interpretation of the play.
2. Use comic physical and vocal acting techniques to lead an ensemble in the performance of a stage comedy.
3. Demonstrate leadership in collaboration and professional protocol while rehearsing and performing in a leading role.

Course Objectives

• 1. Demonstrate through performance an in-depth understanding of a play script and the playwrights intentions.
• 2. Understand and express the directorial interpretation of a comic play in performance.
• 3. Apply advanced-level skills and techniques to the physical performance of a leading role in a comic play.
• 4. Apply advanced-level skills to the vocal performance of a leading role in a comic play.
• 5. Understand and utilize specialized comic performance techniques.
• 6. Lead an ensemble in comic timing, mood and expression during performances
• 7. Demonstrate leadership, collaboration and a high level of professional protocol in rehearsal and performance.

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Lecture Content

Acting in a comedy in a leading role: 1. Working with the director:    understanding directorial concept, textual analysis, context of the play, goals and motivations.   2. Character interpretation and expression:    text analysis, psychology of comic character, comic character stereotypes and lazzi, historical and social aspects of character, dialogue and physicality of character, goal and motivations of the individual.  3. Physical interpretation:    blocking, tumbling, safety, timing, stamina and expressivity 4. Vocal interpretation:    vocal techniques, warm-ups and projection. Voice maintenace for leading roles.    5. Leading an ensemble in rehearsal, technical rehearsals and performance. 6. Interaction with audiences in comedy:    expectations, breaking the fourth wall, timing, improvisation.  AS AN ACTOR IN A  COMEDY: Rehearsal and performance protocol and procedures. a. The actors responsibilities b. The directors responsibilities c. Production staff responsibilities II. Evaluation of the historical and thematic elements of the play a. The authors intentions b. The political, social, philosophical and moral agenda of the play c.  Interpretation and evaluation of the historical circumstances. III. Actors script evaluation a. Scoring the role b. exploration and creation of prior circumstances c. Creation of time and place obligations for the script. d. Identification and evaluation of character obligation. IV. Acting skill approaches a. Relationship wprk with the other actors b. Creation of the behavioral life of the character. c. Preparations for investing in the emotional life of the role. d. Outlining the needs and pursuits of the character. V. Staging a. Working with the director and the ensemble b. comic blocking and timing creation of character behavior. d. Use of props, costumes and scenery elements VI. Rehearsal a. Use of given circumstances to justify dialogue b. Use of voice with projection and clarity of speech c. Creative collaboration with other actors.

Lab Content

The following content will be covered in a combination of 90 scheduled lab hours and 18 arranged lab hours. Rehearsal in a leading role Analysis of text, stage directions, character and playwrights intentions.  Understanding the directorial concept Use and maintenance of voice with projection and clarity of speech Physical preparation in a leading role. Creative collaboration with ensemble as a leading character. Comic pacing and timing. Performance in a leading role Vocal performance Physical performance Warm-ups and preparations Backstage and onstage safety and protocol Responsible collaboration and performance standards

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
• Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Hands on demonstration, instructor lectures, research, line memorization, in-class participation, and assigned readings.

Reading Assignments

Play scripts. Research related to the play script.

Writing Assignments

Written character analysis.

Out-of-class Assignments

Independent memorization and text/character analysis.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Script and research analysis. Character analysis.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Written character analysis. Skill demonstration and problem solving in rehearsal and performance.

Eligible Disciplines

Theater arts: See drama/theater arts Masters degree required.

Other Resources

1. Play scripts.