THDA 230, The Art of Play: Acting, Invention, and Chaos: Making theatre is a messy business; in this studio course, we will explore physical comedy, the haphazard world of the clown, masks, improvisation, games, and object manipulation. The goal of the course is to encourage curiosity, and to engage the student as creator, designer, and performer—we will invent everything ourselves by learning how to play with skill. In short: there are no scripts, no lines and no stage directions. Our training will include basic acrobatics, balancing, and juggling. The instructor draws inspiration from the work of French stage actor and movement coach Jacques Lecoq.
Frequency: Every Spring.
Prerequisite(s): Performance training in dance or theater is strongly encouraged. Openness to experimentation and play is a must.
Course Objectives
- Observation/Replay: Learning to observe and re-create daily life and the natural world around us as a foundation for creating theatre.
- Transposition/Play: Transferring everyday ideas and actions to a theatrical and poetic dimension. Finding the joy of pushing boundaries and breaking the rules.
- Improvisation: Learning to play with what is in front of you; How to think on your feet.
- Composition: Introduction to composing bodies and objects in time and space with the awareness of an audience.
- Devising: Discover how to combine your skills to create original work; Learn how to work together, how to make choices and create in action with minimal discussion.
Methodology
Technical skills will focus on developing specificity of gesture, intent and physical storytelling to assist in creating original, student generated work. We will use daily warm-ups and movement exercises to develop a physical vocabulary. Performance assignments will include solo and group work. Some assignments will be developed within a class period and some will require rehearsal and preparation outside of class.
Evaluation
- Attendance and Participation: 35%
- Performance Projects: 40%
- Written Assignments: 25%