Presentation of the historical, philosophical, and aesthetic traditions of the arts with opportunities for students to confront their own sense of beauty. Attempts to give students a cumulative arts experience by tying the subject matter of the course to one of the major cultural productions of the Center for the Arts. Subject matter varies each semester. Extends the principles begun in THR 210 through scene study, audition technique, and work in analysis, characterization, and relationships. Builds on students' existing skills in observation, sense memory, relaxation and improvisation.
Students learn a variety of methods for scene preparation to apply to their own acting process.
Develops the student's understanding of the challenges of performing Shakespeare by building upon the body of acting skills and knowledge already acquired. The course focuses on how structure of language in the plays reflects, reveals, and expresses the emotional life of the character. Students use detailed script analysis, expansion of vocal range, and use of actions and objectives to achieve the experience of transforming Shakespeare's language into powerful theatrical expressions. Offered during the Beginning Modern Acting time block but open to all theater majors. Offered periodically, the course addresses a selected topic in design or technical theater on an advanced level.