Academic Catalogs

THEA G206: Acting 3

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 04/21/2020
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

Advanced course in acting with concentration on characterization, projection, vocal techniques, diction, and scene study. The basis of study will be selected historic classical theatrical literature from Greek, Roman, Elizabethan, Restoration and Commedia dell'Arte theatrical periods. Students are required to see Golden West College Theater Arts Department productions. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Course Outcomes
  2. Analyze, memorize, rehearse and present a scene taken from historic classical theatrical literature at an advanced level.
  3. Complete a written character analysis from the historical period studied emphasizing at least five specific performance techniques.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Utilize script analysis to emphasize character development from specified classical theatrical literature at an advanced level.
  • 2. Utilize vocal projection and diction in relationship to character development.
  • 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological aspects of character development and script interpretation.
  • 4. Sustain tension, conflict, purpose, and movement in scene presentations.
  • 5. Demonstrate basic directorial techniques used in scene preparation.

Lecture Content

Acting for the Advanced Student Style Characterization Emotional play Using the environment Physical comedy Audition techniques  Classical Scene Study -- Greek Theater, Roman Theater, Commedia dellArte , Elizabethan Theater, Restoration Theater Study of authors of the periods Monologues and scenes chosen from theatrical literature of the periods Culture, costumes and language Exercises Performance techniques Working in verse Stage movement and gestures Mask Stage conventions Character development Phrasing and rhythm Vocal projection Diction Dialects   The importance of costume Improvisations Know your character Character development through improvisation Commedia dellArte styles of improvisation Critical Techniques Evaluating other actors in performance Self-evaluation Reworking

Lab Content

Advanced acting techniques Rehearsal Presentations Character development of classical characters Advanced stage movement, gestures and stage business Advanced voice techniques

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Reading Assignments

Play scripts and librettos Trade publications Online industry websites

Writing Assignments

Written analysis of acting text Written and oral critiques of acting scenes Attendance at live theatrical productions for the purpose of written critical evaluationAnalysis and critiques of visual materials (video, DVD)

Out-of-class Assignments

Attendance at live theatrical productions for the purpose of critical evaluation Homework assignments Acting exercises as assigned Preparation and rehearsal of acting presentations Analysis and critiques of visual materials (video, DVD, digital, online) as assigned

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Attendance at live theatrical productions for the purpose of critical evaluation Evaluation and discussion of class presentations, scenes, monologues and theatrical productions.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Written analysis of acting text Written evaluation of class presentations, scenes, monologues and theatrical productions.   Analysis and critiques of visual materials (video, DVD, digital, online) as assigned Preparation and rehearsal of acting presentations Attendance at live theatrical productions for the purpose of written critical evaluation

Eligible Disciplines

Drama/theater Arts: Masters degree or Master of Fine Arts in drama/theater arts/performance OR bachelors degree or Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama/theater/performance AND masters degree in comparative literature, English, communication studies, speech, literature, or humanities OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Hagen, Uta. A Challenge for the Actor , 1st ed. Scribner, 1991 Rationale: Classic textbook.  Will never be revised or updated.  Considered the best textbook on acting and has been since publication. 2. Required Cohen, Robert. Acting One/Acting Two, 5th ed. Mc-Graw Hill, 2008 Rationale: Classic textbook.   . 3. Required Hagen, Uta. Respect for Acting, 2nd ed. Wiley, 2008 Rationale: Classic textbook.  Will never be revised or updated.  Considered the best textbook on acting and has been since publication.

Other Resources

1. Published play scripts and libretto.