Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
THEA 2411
Descriptive
Voice & Movement on Stage II
Department
Theatre
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
22
Contact Hours
6 hours per week
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning Activities
- Lectures to further illustrate physiology, and the philosophy behind vocal and physical impulse.
- Warm-up exercises to encourage good vocal and physical preparation.
- Practical application of the acquired body/voice techniques to text including poems, plays, film scripts, prose, songs and choreographed pieces. Special attention will be paid to the creation of original work both written and choreographed.
- Discussion of material and presentations in a manner that encourages constructive criticism.
- Video and audio tapings of rehearsals, exercises and performances in order to allow the student the opportunity for self-observation, analysis, and evaluation.
- Public performances of selected projects to ensure that body/voice techniques are efficiently and affectively maintained under the pressure of audience observation.
Course Description
This course is a practical workshop. It continues the development of the body/voice as an instrument for theatrical creativity and interpretation. It is designed to further reinforce the vocal and physical tools already acquired by the student actor; to guide the integration of these techniques into the creative dramatic situation (in either theatre, film, or television); and to find the organic reality of a character.
Course Content
Students will continue to develop the body/voice as an instrument for theatrical creativity and interpretation. They will further reinforce the vocal and physical tools already acquired; integrate these techniques into the creative dramatic situation (in either theatre, film or television); and apply these and additional techniques to the organic creation and expression of a character.
Learning Outcomes
- Continued Development of Body/Voice
The student will:- Continue to explore, at a new and deeper level, the ongoing nature of the actor’s work through extensive exercises in physiology, breath, sound, resonance, range, articulation, speech sounds, impulse, kinesthetics, gesture, action, rhythm, space, time and mass.
- Continue to explore a series of technical exercises which will deepen the capacity for individual exploration and enable the re-working of his/her own personal warm-up regime.
- Gain the experience of leading a group of peers in an actor’s warm-up.
- Continue to explore energizing sound (both verbal and vocal), and vocalizing and physicalizing impulse (all while maintaining a relaxed instrument.)
- The Creative Dramatic Situation
The student will:- Explore the application of improvisation to a particular literary form (i.e. myths, legends, fairy tales, etc.) In order to create an original dramatic piece that challenges the use of the body/voice as a dramatic instrument.
- Write, compile, choreograph and/or compose short dramatic pieces through which the student will be encouraged to make use of the body/voice as the primary instrument for creative expression.
- Become familiar with the distinct and unique body/voice requirement for theatre, film and television.
- The Organic Creation and Expression of Character
The student will: - Learn the effective application of vocal and physical technique to the creation of character and the expression of character intention.
- Explore character (text, imagination and observation based), through variations and combinations of the following:
- Voice
- breath centre
- resonating centre
- vocal range
- dialect
- speech sounds
- verbal energy/dynamics
- Movement
- body centre
- gesture and walk
- animal essence
- mask work
- action verb essence
- energy essence
Means of Assessment
Because this is a studio course, full attendance and regular punctuality is mandatory; therefore, the following penalties will apply: 3% of the final mark lost per missed class and .5% per late class.
- Attitude, Participation and Progress (15%)
The student will be assessed on an ongoing basis according to the level of commitment and dedication to the process of class work. - Levels of awareness and comprehension and integration of the work will be demonstrated by the student’s ability to develop and lead a personal warm-up regimen. (10%)
- Students are expected to keep a journal for the class. The journal should contain a daily account of class work and reflections for same. (10%)
- The student will be assigned one written paper or project. (10%)
- The presentation of prepared work from poems, plays, film scripts, prose and original work that demonstrates awareness and employs newly developed technique. (4 x 10% = 40%)
- Final Exam (15%)
Textbook Materials
Linklater, Kristin. Freeing the Natural Voice. Drama Book Specialists, 1976.*
Skinner, Edith. Speak with Distinction (audio cassette/booklet). Applause Books, 1990.*
*Both texts purchased for pre-requisite courses.