Characterization and Comedy

Characterization and Comedy Instructor: Peter King Check the wiki at http://parkarts.pbworks.com/Theater, click on Character for all assignments. All your written assignments will be submitted electronically to [email protected].

Syllabus

Rationale: The first part of this course focuses on basic techniques of characterization providing a framework in which the actor can explore the scope and complexity of the human condition. The second part of this course will focus on basic comic acting techniques for both character and situation.

Objectives:

1. To expand the student’s concept of ‘self;’ 2. To develop the student’s observation skills; 3. To enable the student to develop a character’s background and point of view using; the given circumstances in the script; 4. To explore how the elements and body centers work as characterization techniques. 5. To work effectively in ensemble and improvisational situations; 6. To employ the devices and principles of comedy in terms of character and situation.

ENSEMBLE

I. Introduction and Ensemble Building Trust Games Discussion of Expectations The Schedule Ensemble Building Exercises Improvisation Alexander Technique

CHARACTER

II. Character as Action Action and As If Workshop Action Scene Presentation

III. Point of View Background, Circumstances, and Point of View Enhancing Inciting Incidents Background: Playing Age Presentation Point of View: Transformation Presentation COMEDY

IV. Comic Character Using Elements and Body Centers Elements Body Centers

Element / Body Center Workshop Teacher Imitation Presentation

V. Comic Structures and Devices Repetition Inversion or Reversal Reciprocal Interference of a Series

Duet Scene Presentation

Course Set-up

Attendance: 1. Class starts promptly. Warming up is essential to your work in acting. If you miss it, your work will suffer. 2. Scenes will be presented according to the sign-up list. If you present early, you will have time to rework your scenes and present them again. 3. Because acting takes place on a stage in front of others, any time you miss class, whether excused or not, your work and others will be affected. You can’t learn to act by reading a book. You must be present in class.

Rehearsal Entries: You must email me an attachment with your 7-step rehearsal entry one class prior to presenting work. No 7-step, no presentation.

Journals: You will be asked to keep a journal in which you jot down all your great and not so great ideas. It will also include your Weekly Observations and your Character Notes. No one will see this actor’s journal, just you. So write what you really think and feel. I will check this periodically just to make sure you’re doing it.

Presentations: You will present your work often in this class. Keep all your written critiques and self-assessments for your portfolio. Please prepare thoroughly so you don’t waste everyone’s time.

Self-Assessment: You will be assessed to a large extent by your quarterly self- assessments that include discussions of what you consider your best work. Due the second to last class period prior to the end of the 3rd quarter on April 1st electronically by midnight. For 4th Qtr. June 8, electronically by midnight.

Park Productions: All acting students will attend The Heidi Chronicles, Romeo & Juliet, and Peter Pan. Sign-up to usher and you’ll share the backstage excitement, as well as get in free! Scene Night: Your final exam for this course is presenting final scenes for an invited audience of family and friends Tuesday, June 7th, 7-8:00 pm. This is a fun, informal time to share your work. Don’t get uptight about this, ok?

Materials  Three-ring binder for your course pack and other handouts.  A journal. The bookstore has black bound books with blank pages or you can just put a bunch of blank paper in your three-ring binder for this purpose. Please bring your journal, your course pack, and a pen or pencil everyday.  Props. When presenting exercises and scenes you must bring all necessary props.  Costumes. When presenting scenes, bring the character-appropriate garments.

Attire: wear clothing you are comfortable moving around in. We will be doing a lot of physical work in this class. When presenting scenes or exercises you must wear clothing suitable to the character and situation.

Assessment: 1. Participation 40% a. Timeliness b. Focus c. Commitment d. Engagement e. Ensemble – Trust and Respect of others f. Risk-taking 2. Presentations 40% a. Preparation – props, costumes, sets, lines, staging when called for b. Application of technique – truth, action, playing off the partner, personalization, observation, point of view, elements and body centers. 3. Written Assessments 20% a. 7-steps b. Self-assessments c. Reviews of shows