Stage Movement
Theatre Arts 252
TR 11:00-12:15
Spring Semester 2019
Little Theatre, and the Classic Hall 3rd Floor Choir Room during February 5-March 7
Instructor: Ms. Elizabeth Hartwell
Office Hours: By appointment in Little Theatre
Cell Phone: (502) 297-4357
e-mail: ehartwell@centralmethodist.edu
CMU MISSION STATEMENT: Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. Please read pp. 5-6 of your student handbook for a more detailed description.
CREED: The Central Methodist Community believes in:
* seeking knowledge, truth, and wisdom;
* valuing freedom, honesty, civility, and diversity;
* living lives of service and leadership; and
* taking responsibility for ourselves and the communities in
which we live.
Course Description: Stage movement has become a very important component of actor training in recent years. Most actors have not been trained in movement, although some have probably taken dance classes. I have no preconceived notions or expectations for you to have previous movement training before taking this class. I believe that all actors (and most people) need to have an understanding of their bodies in motion, of their capacity for expressive movement, and to understand themselves as vehicles for dramatic expression.
My own experience and training in movement includes ballet, with some jazz and modern classes. I am not extensively trained as an actor, yet my dancing career did involve similar aspects of acting in every way except with the voice. Dancers tend to appreciate all things related to kinetic movement, including athletics. It is one thing to move well and it is quite another to move with conscious awareness of yourself as a dramatic instrument, to express yourself through movement.
I will ask you to move in concert with others as well as move unself-consciously in front of others. Most importantly, as you gain awareness of yourself in movement and recognize the importance of expressive carriage, you must also lose consciousness of your movement. This requires trust and courage. Trust yourself, trust and support your classmates, and take positive risks. Stretch yourself, make a fool of yourself. See what works and what does not work, but always take a risk.
Course Objectives: The successful student will be able to:
*Understand the basic vocabulary of the theatre and its application;
* Through critical analysis, develop an appreciation by exposure to diverse theatrical productions;
* Understand and follow safety precautions, rules, and procedures for theatre facilities;
* Demonstrate theatre skills related to physical movement interpretation, staging techniques, and their interrelationships;
* Demonstrate elements of critiquing aesthetics in theatre performance; and
* Understand the responsibility of the individual in a free society to establish ethical standards, promote ethical behavior, and acknowledge freedom of artistic expression.
* Demonstrate acting skills through improvisation, imagination, focus, listening, voice, concentration, breath control, diction, use of the body, and characterization.
Dress: You must wear clothing that will allow you to move in this class. Any sort of sweats, dance clothing, leotards, and SHOES that you can move in. You cannot come to this class without appropriate clothing and expect to participate. If you need to bring clothes to change into, please arrive early enough to change.
Attendance: You cannot pass this class without attending every class. We all rely on each other. If you miss class, you will hear from me.
Grading: There will also be an assigned grade for in-class participation based on enthusiasm, physical and mental dexterity, ability to improvise, and performance focus. Your final grade will be an average of your 6 projects and participation.
ADA: If you have a disability and need accommodations, please inform me privately as soon as possible. Students with disabilities seeking academic accommodations should also register with the Center for Learning and Teaching at CMU ext. 54287. The Center will then assist in arranging for any necessary accommodations.
Academic Honesty Policy: Central Methodist University believes that honesty throughout life is a significant foundation of character and personal integrity. The College’s Policy on Academic Honesty applies to all forms of academic work, including but not limited to, quizzes and examinations, essays and papers, lab reports, oral presentations, surveys, take-home tests, etc. Every student is responsible for understanding this policy. [See Student Handbook p. 36.]
Class Schedule of Activities/Important Dates
Tuesday, January 15: Introduction
Thursday, January 17: Move/Assign Project #1
WEEK OF JANUARY 22: NO CLASS AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
Tuesday, January 29: Move (edited on 1/29/19)
Thursday, January 31: Move
Tuesday, February 5: PERFORM PROJECT #1
Thursday, February 7: Move/Assign Project #2
Class Schedule of Activities/Important Dates
Tuesday, February 12: Move
Thursday, February 14: PERFORM PROJECT #2
Tuesday, February 19: Move
Thursday, February 21: PERFORM PROJECT #2 (cont.)
Tuesday, February 26: Move/Assign Project #3
Thursday, February 28: Move
Tuesday, March 5: PERFORM PROJECT #3
Thursday, March 7: PERFORM PROJECT #3
Tuesday, March 12: Move/Assign Project #4
Thursday, March 14: Move
Tuesday, March 19: 1st Showing PROJECT #4
Thursday, March 21: PERFORM PROJECT #4
WEEK OF MARCH 26: SPRING BREAK
Tuesday, April 2: Move/Assign Project #5
Thursday, April 4: NO CLASS: SERVICE DAY
Tuesday, April 9: Move
Thursday, April 11: PERFORM PROJECT #5
Tuesday, April 16: Move/Assign FINAL PROJECT
Thursday, April 18: Work FINAL PROJECT
Tuesday, April 23: Work FINAL PROJECT
Thursday, April 25: Work FINAL PROJECT
Tuesday, April 30: Work FINAL PROJECT
Thursday, May 2: Work FINAL PROJECT
FINAL EXAM, Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30-9:30 a.m.: PERFORM FINAL PROJECT