Theater and Dance 113 - Action and Character

This course examines what happens on stage (‘action’) and ‘how’ that action happens (the character) from the points of view of  both the playwright and the actor. 

We will learn the core principles of acting: how to draw out the dramatic potential from a scene or a situation, how to use our body, voice and imagination to create unique and rich characters, how to work collaboratively with a partner, and more.

A series of acting exercises designed to assist in developing craft and giving students a feeling for the creative processes are presented in class. Students will be assigned plays and certain critical texts to support their work. Three two-hour class meetings and a two-hour production workshop per week are scheduled.

Twenty students attending the first class will be admitted. Selection will be based on the instructor’s attempt to achieve a suitable balance between first-year students and upperclassmen and to achieve a broad range of levels of acting experience.  Notice of those admitted will be posted within 24 hours of the first meeting and a waiting list will be available.

Limited to 20 students. Admission with consent of the instructor. Fall semester: Professor Eliraz. Spring semester: Professor Bashford.