Effective communication Words are not enough alone to perform a scene effectively Circumstances of relationships greatly affect how actors act within a scene Settings greatly affect the way humans behave Considerations of environments are absolutely necessary for effective playing of a scene Focus on the expected cultural norms within a place is important Utilizing the aspects of environments can help the actor have things to do on stage Environments can create within a thereby increasing its dramatic potential Environments affect a character's sense of comfort and safety The word "act" translates as "to do" Acting is active, not a recitation of words Tactics and define the playing of a scene Effective actors are able to adjust and change tactics Create physical obstacles to overcome Write a response to the exercises of Days 4 through 7 Interact with a peer who is not well known to him/her Read the handouts and apply their principles physically Interact with a peer who is not well known to him/her Complete the exercises as directed within the text and directed by the teacher Work on expressing the same messages verbally as well as nonverbally Complete at least three “content-less” scenes with three different partners a reaction specifically to teacher selected classes Write a descriptive essay of a place he/she does not like to be in Play the scene within various environments, noting how the environments changed actions and reactions from one scene to another
The tactics taught here help students to think on their feet in any presentation and recover more quickly when things go wrong. Spolin, Viola. Improvisation for the Theatre. Northwestern University Press, Evanston IL.1985 White, Edwin. Acting and Stage Movement. Meriwether Publishing, Ltd. Colorado Springs, CO. 1985 Whose Line Is It Anyway, Season Two. 1998 DVD Various DVD's of classic movie genres and television styles Subject: Introduction to Theatre Grade: 9 - 12 Suggested Timeline: 3 weeks Unit Title: Mechanics of the Physical Actor Unit Overview/Essential Understanding: This unit focuses primarily in developing the actors' abilities to express themselves physically and nonverbally. Emphasis is on building strength and flexibility. In the beginning, this unit can intimidate the students more than any other. By the end, the majority of students develop a great deal more self-confidence as they realize they CAN move and are capable of more than they knew. Unit Objectives: The students will demonstrate an understanding of the power of nonverbal communication. Focus Standards Addressed in this Unit: 9.1.12 B. Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts. • Dance: • move • perform • read and notate dance • create and choreograph • improvise • Music: • sing • play an instrument • read and notate music • compose and arrange •improvise • Theatre: • stage productions • read and write scripts • improvise • interpret a role • design sets • direct • Visual Arts: • paint • draw • craft • sculpt • print • design for environment, communication, multi-media Important Standards Addressed in this Unit: 9.1.12 G Analyze the effect of rehearsal and practice session.
Endurance is not it is developed. No ever needs to be slapped, punched, kicked, or interacted with violently. It just has to look as though he is. Often we use nonverbal communication more effectively than verbal. Developing flexibility and strength takes time and regular practice. Muscle pain is not necessary. basic levels of three dimensional movement. The students will write a short three minute script, performing it as chamber theatre, and then as nonverbal movement. The students will enact a folk or fairy tale nonverbally. The students will employ a of staging that emphasizes a theme. Demonstrate understanding the principles of reverse energy when fighting on Assessments: Bi-Weekly Personal Reaction Journal Personal Exercise and Stretching Journal Performance Stage Combat Choreography Nonverbal Scene Interdisciplinary Connections: This unit has commonalities to the physical education classes and sports. Additional Resources: Acting and Stage Movement. Meriwether Publishing, Ltd. Colorado Springs, CO. 1985 Dennis, Anne. The Articulate Body, The Physical Training of the Actor. Drama Book Publishers, NY. 1995 Wangh, Stephen. An Acrobat of the Heart, A Physical Approach to Acting, Inspired By the Work of Jerzy Grotowski. Random House. NY. 2000
Theatre is only about scripted plays. Concepts/Content: Often we use nonverbal communication more effectively than verbal. There are no limitations on how a theme can be presented. The combination of all forms of writing and performing can create a strong thematic piece that appeals to a wide variety of audiences. The type of audience targeted has an effect on the choices of literature used. Competencies/Skills: Each student will keep a journal that analyzes not only the material covered in class, but also their progress as an actor and changes in the acting ensemble every week. Demonstrate an understanding of the three basic levels of three dimensional movement. Employ a style of staging that emphasizes a theme. Conduct research for products to use in their presentations. Demonstrate their comprehension of literary elements including, but not limited to plot, rising action, exposition, climax, and resolution. Create a piece that is original in its approach and intertwining of specific literary pieces. Edit for effectiveness. Combine at three different types of performing arts. Utilize constructive criticism. rehearse and adapt for most effective presentation Description of Activities: Through researching music, poems, scripts, stories, and other forms of literature, the students will be divided into groups of six to ten. Then they will create a performance piece utilizing the found pieces based on a singular theme such as "resilience," "courage," "obstacles," "change." Assessments: The students will turn in a completed original script that meets all areas of the teacher designed rubric and then perform the piece utilizing all aspects of theatre covered in the year thus far.