Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy s1

Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy Theatre II, III, IV 2010-11 Syllabus

Instructor: M. Levin A Days, Block 3 Room 7 All assignments are posted on: http://www.fala.yolasite.com E-mail: [email protected]

“I love acting. It is so much more real than life.” -Oscar Wilde

“Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there.” –Miles Davis

“It is easy to coast through life rather than find the will to continually reach out into the world. To reach out is to risk. There is little grace in a life that never extends out beyond the boundaries of self” -Anne Bogart

Course Description: Theatre II, III, IV is an advanced performance-based class designed to give the theatre student a rigorous experience that delves deeper than the introductory level. Traditionally, we have studied various techniques in the acting process. While that will continue to be the crux of the course, we will also create original compositions and work in the technical components of theatre.

Course Rationale: The actor has an actual and a potential. Through exercises and intensive scene work, we will be aiming for the actor's potential. The class will explore all aspects of the art form including technique, history, and technical theatre in order to gain a comprehensive analysis of the theatrical arts.

Course Objectives:

1. To grow as an artist, actor, and person. 2. To learn the methods and techniques in classical theatre and innovative teachers of theatre. 3. To analyze and perform a variety of characters. 4. To utilize acting skills such as improvisation, memorization, character development, etc. 5. To develop criteria for analyzing and evaluating script, acting, design and direction based on artistic choices in theatre. 6. To take on leadership roles in planning technical theatre and performance.

Course Requirements/Policies: In general, students are referred to the Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy Student and Parent Handbook regarding specific policies on plagiarism, absenteeism, tardiness, and other matters of conduct. Due Dates: Complete all assignments on or before due dates. If you are not able to do this, please see me before hand. I am mostly reasonable, however I am not fond of excuses. All assignments that are late, without prior notice, will result in a reduction of one letter grade for each day they are late with no exceptions. Any assignments turned in following the completion of a unit will not be accepted for credit.

Class Activities: Most classes will consist of exercises meant to better the talents of the actor, as well as align and unify the class as a working whole to ultimately make the most effective cast possible.

I enjoy talking with you, so if you have questions that we did not answer in class, or if you want to explore an idea, please see me. If I am not around when it is most convenient for you, leave a note or send me an e-mail. I will get back to you. On an educational level, you will find I have little patience with gossip and falsifying the truth. I adore honesty and straight talk.

Class Assignments: Most assignments for this class are performance-based. Therefore, attendance and preparation are to be expected of you. Of course, the final exam (given at the end of each semester) is worth 20% of your grade.

Most of class will be spent on individual and group activities. Performances will be videotaped for analyzing different aspects of the performance.

Class Decorum: -Absolutely no food during class. -Please pick up after yourself. -No sunglasses. -No foul language. -Please use the bathroom only when absolutely necessary. -Please dress appropriately for theatre.

Course Evaluation and Assessments: I expect that you will make a commitment to come to class prepared -- prepared means you've memorized your lines promptly and completed any assignments due. Your grade will be comprised of: attendance, course notebook, participation, and performances. All written assignments must be neatly typed and are due at the beginning of class.

A rubric for performance-based activities will be provided when the assignment is given as well as after the assignments are evaluated. Performances will be based on several criteria including memorization, characterization, and use of body/voice. Formal papers and exams will also be assigned.

All course work will be graded using a point system. Please note: all assignments may be redone for a higher grade. Final grades will be calculated by determining the percentage of points earned out of total possible points. The grade scale is as follows: "A" = 100-90%; "B" 89-80%; "C" 79-70%; "D" 69-60%; and "F" below 60%. Course Materials/Texts:

You are responsible for acquiring a notebook which will be checked and graded throughout the class. Handouts and scripts will be given. The following texts will be used for class and may be purchased, if desired, by the student:

The Viewpoints Book by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau Technical Theater for Nontechnical People by Drew Campbell A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen

We will also study the theatre writings of Tadashi Suzuki, Peter Brook, Jerzy Grotowski, and others as our philosophies change.

Attendance: Attend class daily. We will be doing a lot of exercises, group work, and practicing which require your presence. If for some reason you must miss class, you are responsible for obtaining any notes, handouts, and assignments you may have missed. I will always have extras but you must request them from me. If you miss an evaluation date, you must arrange for a make-up.

A consideration of casting is, has been, and always will be based on attendance. When rehearsals for a production begin, you will be required to attend every rehearsal, whether you attend the rest of the school day or not. Assignments from the previous day’s class will be posted on the board. Handouts for the current week will be available at the front of the classroom. Ten absences in a semester is a loss of credit.

Tardiness: It is necessary to be on time as an actor. Therefore, be here and be on time without excuse.

What is Expected of the Actor Taking Advanced Acting?  You will sign a contract. Failure to follow the conduct on the contract will result in failure and/or ejection from the course. The intent of this is for the safety of the class as a whole.  This class is designed for the serious student of theatre. Whereas Theatre I is designed for a variety of students, the expectations of you in this course are raised by all your peers and myself. Therefore, I expect you to be in class, memorize your lines ahead of schedule, and put your all into everything we do.  Understand theatre is a responsibility. Discipline is the heart of the theatre and theatre discipline is self-discipline.  Being part of a cast means you are part of a team. You must be in class.  Excessive absences will likely result in losing a role.  Be willing to accept criticism intended you help you grow as a performer.

Okay, So What Will Theatre I Do for Me?  You’ll come to know more about yourself (strengths, weaknesses, talents, effect on those around you.)  Continue the study of human nature (our motivations, actions, body language, etc.)  Become a more expressive, communicative person onstage and off  Share your talent, insights, excitement with others  Gain consciousness. Tentative Syllabus for Fall 2010

Unit Time Frame Topic

1 September/October Introductory Material Student Scenes: Select and Perform Uta Hagen

2 Oct./Nov./Dec. Rehearse Winter Performance

Syllabus for Spring 2011

3 Jan/Feb/March Trends in Contemporary Theatre Techniques Original Composition

4 April/May Rehearsals: Spring Performance

5 May Spring Performance

As always, this syllabus is subject to change …