Interdisciplinary Arts 0125 - Acting and Presence

What is presence on stage? And how does an actor manifest it? This course examines the work of the actor through a hands-on, experiential approach, focusing on the body, voice, and imagination. Inspired by the work of Constantin Stanislavski and his students, we begin with exercises in physical and emotional presence. We then move to the study of action, and how one directs energy outward on stage, using both improvisation and acting exercises as learning tools. We then move to language and character, using the work of playwright/performer Anna Deavere Smith and student-conducted and performed interviews as examples. This process - from self to other to community - is designed to help actors create vivid life on stage and to explore the connections between ourselves and the characters we embody.

Arts, Design, and Media Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research