SYLLABUS - THA 45A

ACTING II - CHARACTERIZATION
 

Dr. Doug Cummins

294-2127
doug.cummins@furman.edu
Office Hour: 2-3 p.m. or by appointment

DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE

This course is designed to help the student of acting develop a personal approach to characterization. The objective is accomplished through exploration of character choice and intention and performance of scenes which help the actor discover the essential dramatic action of a scene. We will include characterization in musical theatre and voice for the actor in the training. The work of the class culminates in performances of scenes before the class and the public.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

Sanford Meisner. Sanford Meisner on Acting.

REQUIRED PLAYS

All the work of the course will focus on the following material, which each student must read within the first three weeks of class.
  • Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
  • As You Like It by William Shakespeare
  • Sonnets by William Shakespeare

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Regular assigned readings from the text.

2. One written exam over voice class material.

3. Performances

  • Characterization with music
  • Duet scene from a modern play
  • Shakespearean Sonnet
  • Final project - a lengthy scene (at least 10 minutes) performed at the end of the semester. This assignment in is lieu of a written exam. It does not have to be from the above plays.

4. Written review of Spoon River specifically related to acting.

5. Regular attendance and participation in class activities

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance at each class meeting is imperative. The major work of this class will be in daily workshop experiences. You cannot make them up. Your outside of class rehearsals will be shaped by the in-class experiences

ON THE THIRD UNEXCUSED ABSENCE YOU GRADE WILL BE DROPPED ONE LETTER. ON THE FOURTH YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE COURSE WITH A DF.

COACHING WITH PROFESSOR

Good acting is the result of regular and serious practice. It does not happen magically as some people assume. I expect that each student will arrange regular times with me so that I may coach you and your partner.

RECOMMENDED SOURCES

Below is a selected bibliography of books that I believe are essential reading for the contemporary actor. While I will require you to read them, I will be making reference to many of these sources throughout the term. All of these books should be part of your personal library.

Adler, Stella. The Technique of Acting.

Boal, Augusto, Games for Actors and Non-Actors.

Brook, Peter. The Empty Space.
The Open Door.

Caine, Michael. Acting in Film.

Fo, Dario, The Tricks of the Trade.

Grotowski, Jerzy, Towards a Poor Theatre

Hagen, Uta. Respect for Acting.

Linklater, Kristen. Freeing the Natural Voice
Freeing Shakespeare's Voice.

Mamet, David. True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor.

Richard, Thomas. At Work with Grotowski on Physical Actions.

St. Denis, Michel. Theatre: The Rediscovery of Style.

 

Return to Doug Cummins Page

Go to Class Calendar

Return to Actingpage

 

 

.