*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). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
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 14. The Art of Movement Design
Catalog Number: 2983 Enrollment: Limited by interview.
Elizabeth Weil Bergmann
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4:30. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17, 18
What makes movement art? Through a combination of readings, lectures,
videos and dance improvisation experiences, this course investigates how
physical energy and movement design choices develop into kinesthetic,
dramatic, and artistic experiences for both the performer and the
audience. Focusing on time, weight, space and flow, movement phrases
will be structured into an understandable, organic whole.
Note: No previous dance experience is necessary.
Dramatic Arts 15. Movement for Actors and Directors
Catalog Number: 4908
Claire Mallardi
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4:30. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17, 18
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. Advanced Acting: 20th-Century Texts
Catalog Number: 8011 Enrollment: Limited by interview.
Marcus Stern
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
A course of 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: Contemporary Texts
Catalog Number: 5397 Enrollment: Limited by interview and audition.
Scott Zigler
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
An intermediate acting class exploring approaches to contemporary dramatic literature. The class will investigate methods of performance that make the material accessible and engaging for both actor and audience. The class will focus on analyzing texts through intensive scene-work, exploring dynamic and playable actions as well as approaches to comedy and style.
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 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
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 and 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 (spring 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.