Theories and Practices of Improvisation
THEA 251
Spring 2008
| Section:
01
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Through a series of exercises, games, scene work, and readings, students will explore the theories and practices of improvisational theater and acting. The course will enhance the student-actors spontaneity, range, imagination, physical and sensory awareness, and use of language. The course work will challenge students to trust their creative impulses and increase their attention to the partner. Improvisation is a foundational element in the development of complex character and in-the-moment acting. The improvisational skills developed in the course will be applied to original character creation, group projects, and scripted material. The course will begin with a focus on impulse work, physical and vocal exploration, and environmental and given circumstances exercises, helping the actor find spontaneous ways of creating the who-what-where-and-when of a scene. Week to week, exercises and assignments will grow in complexity, exploring such things as narrative structure, group dynamics, status, proximity, persona, and conflict. The course may culminate in the creation of an ensemble-created performance project. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA THEA |
| Course Format: Studio | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Viola Spolin, IMPROVISATION FOR THE THEATER
Keith Johnstone, IMPRO
Augusto Boal, GAMES FOR ACTORS AND NON-ACTORS
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Examinations and Assignments:
A series of improvisational exercises, games, and scenes. Weekly reading assignments which augment the exercises and which will be discussed in class. Students will be required to present a research project based on a key aspect of practitioner or improvisational theater. Students will also post blog entries detailing the work process and explorations of the course. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Attendance at all class sessions is required. The course is practical and technical, and full commitment and attention is required.
Students are encouraged to apply! General prerequisite is Acting I at Wesleyan (or the equivalent elsewhere). Please contact David Jaffe as soon as possible (dbjaffe@wesleyan.edu). |
| Instructor(s): Jaffe,David B. Times: ..T.... 01:10PM-04:00PM; Location: FAYERW; |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 12 | Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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