Theories and Practices of Improvisation
THEA 251
Fall 2006
| 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 coursework 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:
Speaking |
| 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
Kieth 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 or practitioner of improvisational theater. Students will also keep and submit a journal 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. |
| Instructor(s): Jaffe,David Bailey Times: .M.W... 02:40PM-04:00PM; .M..... 04:00PM-05:30PM; Location: TST114; TST114; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 14 | | SR major: 5 | JR major: 5 | | |
| Seats Available: 0 | GRAD: 0 | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 0 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 2 | 1st Ranked: 1 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 1 | Unranked: 0 |
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