THDA 360, Acting Approaches: In the different editions of this course, students have an opportunity to approach the acting method of masters such as Stanislavsky , Bertolt Brecht, Jacques Lecoq, Grotowski, and so forth. The course includes consideration of style and genre. Typically, the course also focuses on the development of collaborative skills: students will partner with those THDA 255 and THDA 350 to create the Spring Collaborative Theater Project, with public performances in the Huber-Seikaly Theater. May be repeated for credit.
Frequency: Spring semester only.
Prerequisite(s): THDA 120
Course Objectives
In the course of the semester, acting students will,
- Gain solid knowledge of Brecht’s political theater;
- Develop a detailed understanding of and engage in performing Brecht’s acting techniques, including A-effect;
- Learn tools to better engage in collaborative work;
- Rediscover play and imagination;
- Learn how to focus effort and attention while performing;
- Learn how to construct a repeatable score of actions;
- Learn how to edit their scores;
- Develop work ethics and discipline.
Methodology
This is a studio course and thus attendance, participation, and preparation are crucial. The two main assignments for students in THDA360, Acting II, are: a solo performance utilizing one of Brecht’s poems; one or two scenes from The Good Person of Setzuan, in collaboration with student designers and directors.
Evaluation
- Preparation and participation in daily process work; 45%
- Acting work, first half of the semester; 25%
- Acting work, second half of the semester; 30%