Interdisciplinary Arts 0125 - Acting and Presence

What is presence on stage? And how does an actor manifest it? In this course, you'll explore acting through a hands-on, ensemble-based approach that is grounded in listening. The course begins with an exploration of the many stories that you carry, hear, and express through movement. We will then move to theatrical language, developing skills of text analysis and character development. Throughout this process, you'll explore how listening deeply helps foster ensemble - guided by the core belief that dynamic life on stage is found not within oneself but in relationship: to the text, to other performers, to the audience, and to the world. To supplement your learning process, we will read plays from a range of playwrights who challenge oppressive systems, center voices historically absent from the stage, and create a language to meet a world of crisis and possibility. Keywords: Acting, ensemble, theatre, theater, performance

In/Justice Students in this course can expect to spend 6 to 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.