*Dramatic Arts 11. Beginning Acting
Catalog Number: 3321 Enrollment: Limited by audition.
Thomas Derrah
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
An exploration of the basic techniques of acting, beginning with exercises that flex the imagination and heighten observation; the course will then move towards work on rhythm, an actor’s instincts, focus, concentration, and character. The texts of Anton Chekhov will be used as a point of reference for the work. The latter part of the course will concentrate on selected scene study from Chekhov’s major plays.
*Dramatic Arts 12. Acting Shakespeare
Catalog Number: 6659 Enrollment: Limited by audition.
Jeremy Geidt
Half course (spring term). W., F., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Investigation of the texts of Shakespeare as theatre, developing an American approach to verse speaking and character analysis. Scenes are rehearsed to interpret the verse and prose by the light of modern experience. Explores the imagination of the playwright in order to develop the imagination of the student.
Dramatic Arts 15. Movement for Actors and Directors
Catalog Number: 4908
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 4:15–6:15.
Emphasis on the integration of verbal and non-verbal forms of communication focusing on movement and gesture as means to enhance, inform, and illuminate text. The goal is to achieve the fullest range and clarity of physical and emotional expression of the body as it moves in relation to the surrounding space. A physical experiential approach will be practiced through studies that pertain to the actor’s presence on stage, concentrating on the structure, organization, and control of time, space, energy, and sound.
*Dramatic Arts 18ar. Intermediate and Advanced Acting: 20th-Century Texts
Catalog Number: 8011 Enrollment: Limited by interview.
Marcus Stern
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
A course of intermediate and advanced acting techniques using 20th-century dramatic texts for scene work. Text analysis and the resulting character intentions and tactics are carefully examined. The goal of the course is to provide the actor with concrete skills that produce tangible results in rehearsal and on stage.
Note: This course may be repeated with instructor and advisor approval.
*Dramatic Arts 18br. Intermediate Acting: Classical Dramatic Texts
Catalog Number: 5397 Enrollment: Limited by interview and audition.
Francois Rochaix and Scott Zigler
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
An intermediate acting course designed to make classical dramatic literature accessible and exciting to the contemporary actaor. Focus will be on intensive text analysis combined with scene work that will concentrate on the playing of actions and finding the correct behavioral vocabulary for the material.
Note: This course may be repeated with instructor and advisor approval.
Prerequisite: Auditions consist of a prepared 2-minute monologue from any period presented at the class’s first meeting.
Dramatic Arts 19. Playwriting and Dramatic Technique
Catalog Number: 8045
Gideon Michael Lester
Half course (spring term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
An investigation of dramatic technique for students with some prior experience of playwriting. The seminar focuses on the structural principles of dramatic composition, examining paradigms from Aristotle to Gertrude Stein, and develops a formal methodology for playwriting. Through a series of exercises and draft scenes, students gain an understanding of theatrical craft, invaluable to playwrights ans dramaturgs, and complete a major piece of dramatic writing.
Note: Admission based on samples of writing submitted to Course Instructor.
*Dramatic Arts 22r. Beginning and Intermediate Directing
Catalog Number: 8160 Enrollment: Limited to 15
Marcus Stern
Half course (fall term). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
A directing class for all levels of director and actor, from beginning to advanced. Course examines the directorial tools of text analysis, staging, design, and working with actors through constant scene work. The focus is on understanding texts and explicating your response to those texts on stage. This course is also useful for actors investigating all aspects of theater.
Note: This course may be repeated with instructor and advisor approval.
Prerequisite: Enrollment contingent on short interviews to be conducted on the first day of class.
[Dramatic Arts 30. Design for the Theatre: History and Practice]
Catalog Number: 8617
J. Michael Griggs
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
The practice of designing scenery for the theatre is explored through the history of stage design and through examples from productions at the Loeb Drama Center. Students complete projects of research and design for plays from various periods. The projects will introduce basic techniques in drawing, drafting, and model making.
Note: Expected to be given in 2000–01.