Required Text: Harrop, J./ Epstein, S.: Acting With Style, 2^nd Ed. Prentice Hall, 1990
NOTE: Need access to plays by Shakespeare (and sonnets), Farce and the Absurdists.

Course Description: This course is a continuation of the study of acting at an intermediate level. This means that the students will be continuing their investigation into the methods of creating character, text analysis and performance techniques. This course will also introduce the student to different styles of acting.

Course Objective:
        To enhance the actor's awareness of their imagination as an acting tool.

        To continue to solidify the actor's understanding of the basic methods of
            building a character.

        To enhance the actor's understanding of the methods and approaches to
            acting of C. Stanislavski.

        To enhance the actor's knowledge of their body as an acting instrument.

        To enhance the proficiency of the actor's voice as an acting tool.

        To introduce the actor to different stylistic approaches to acting.
            Specifically: Shakespeare, Farce, and Theatre of the Absurd

Attendance
Due to the nature and size of this course, good attendance is necessary. Three absences (excused and unexcused) will be allowed, any that occur after will result in the lowering of the final grade one full letter grade. If a student misses a day they are to present material, they will not be given the opportunity to makeup that assignment. Three tardies will be considered one absence.

Dress
Wear comfortable, non-confining clothes that you can move in, and that you don't have to worry about damaging. Wear shoes, not sandals, clogs, high heels or any footwear that impedes movement. You may be required to sit or squat on the floor for certain in class exercises.

Written Material
All written material must follow the guidelines listed below:
        - Papers must be 3-5 typewritten, double spaced pages.
        - Papers must have a cover page with name and title.
        - One inch margins all around.
        - Nothing larger than 12 pitch print.
        - No paper will be accepted late.
        - Free of spelling, grammar and composition errors.
        - Specific content requirements will be discussed in class.
 

Memorization
Unless otherwise specified, all performances should be memorized.

Decorum
This work requires a trusting and trustworthy, collaborative atmosphere in the classroom and rehearsal hall. You will be expected to conduct yourself in a manner which shows respect for yourself, all others, and our common process at all times. Persons unable to accomplish this will be asked to leave.

Academic Misconduct
The performance of and/or involvement in any acts of misconduct will be addressed as per regulations set forth in the ASU Student Handbook 1998-99. This includes, but is not limited to, cheating, misrepresentation, and plagiarism.

Assignments:                                                                Point Value
Performance:
    Monologue                                                                      50
    Sonnet                                                                          100
    Farce Scene                                                                  100
    Absurd Scene                                                               100
    Group Project                                                               100
    Exercises/Class Participation                                           50

Written:
    Midterm                                                                        100
    3 Character Analysis (3x100)                                        300
    2 Critiques (2x50)                                                         100
                            Total                                                  1,000

Week 2
        Jan 12 - Exercises - Trust/Concentration
        Jan 14 - Exercises - Concentration/Imagination

Week 3
        Jan 19 - Stanislavski Brush UP                                               Handout
                     Pick Monologue
        Jan 21 - Con't Stanislavski Exercises

Week 4
        Jan 26 - Begin Monologue Work
        Jan 28 - Continue Monologue Work

Week 5
        Feb 2 - Perform Monologue - Character Analysis Due
        Feb 4 - Intro - Style                                                              Chapter 1

Week 6
        Feb 9 - Wm. Shakespeare / Language Handout
        Feb 11 - Intro Sonnets Shakespeare Anthology
                      Select Sonnets

Week 7
        Feb 16 - Work Sonnets
                       Critique of Simpatico Due
        Feb 18 - Work Sonnets

Week 8
        Feb 23 - Perform Sonnets
        Feb 25 - GROUP ONE PRESENTATION - WM. SHAKESPEARE

Week 9
        Mar 2 - Intro Farce                                                               Chapter 5
        Mar 4 - Midterm Exam

Week 10
        Mar 9 - Assign Farce Scenes
        Mar 11 - GROUP TWO PRESENTATION - FARCE

Week 11 - SPRING BREAK - YEAH! YEAH!

Week 12
        Mar 23 - Work Farce Scenes - 1^st half class
        Mar 25 - Work Farce Scenes - 2^nd half class

Week 13
        Mar 30 - Work Farce Scenes - 1^st half class
        Apr 1 - Work Farce Scenes - 2^nd half class

Week 14
        Apr 6 - Perform Farce Scenes - Character Analysis Due
        Apr 8 - Intro The Absurdists                                                  Chapter 8
                    Assign Scenes

Week 15
        Apr 13 - Work Absurd Scene - 1^st half class
        Apr 15 - GROUP THREE PRESENTATION - ABSURD

Week 16
        Apr 20 - Work Absurd Scene - 2^nd half of class
        Apr 22 - Work Absurd Scene - 1^st half of class

Week 17
        Apr 27 - Work Absurd Scene - 2^nd half of class
        Critique of The Shadow Box due

Final Tuesday, May 4^th - 8:00am to 10:00am - Perform Absurd Scenes
        Character Analysis Due - Absurd