Theatrical Literacy, History and Criticism 1A (660010-11) and 1B (660020-21): 2 semesters
Each semester this class will focus on a chosen Western theatrical history, drama and practices of an instructor chosen time period. Students will study the social, political, musical, cultural and historical influences of the instructor chosen time period to understand the context in which that theatre was created. Likewise, they will explore the means by which theatre was produced and practiced during the chosen time period that may include one or more of the following focuses: theatre companies, acting styles, actors, playwrights, and producers. They will also study the dramatic literature of this instructor chosen time period that will include a critical analysis of at least two texts that represents the instructor chosen time period. Students will also write several critical analysis pieces each semester that will include: at least two live performance reviews approved by the instructor; two film reviews of Academy Award winning performances; and various journals and response pieces. All writing completed in the course will use appropriate MLA formatting and rules. The class also consists of a performance lab of a Shakespearean text. (1 credit per semester)
Voice and Movement I (660110-22): 1 semester
The focus of the Voice and Movement I class is to create a greater awareness of and connection to the actor’s natural voice and physical body. Further, it is to free that natural voice toward greater psychological and physical connections and improved self-awareness, imagination, expressiveness and embodiment. Students will focus on breath and vocal production, opening the physical channels of communication, exploring physical alignment, and releasing tension to begin to build vocal strength and connect the voice to creative impulses. The first year will introduce basic diction and projection skills, refining the actor’s use of their voice through deepening their experience of resonance along with clarifying vowel and consonant articulation. Basic elements of speech will be explored to help the actor bring vocal clarity, energy and point of view to any text. Movement in year one will focus on the fundamentals of body awareness and control, sense, and awareness through movement. Students will discover body mechanics, physical alignment, connection to breath, and self-awareness. (.5 credit)
Writing for Stage and Film I (660770-12): 1 semester
Writing for stage and screen provides a chance to explore dramatic writing in a number of different ways. The class includes theatre games and improvisation activities, which illustrate narrative techniques particular to the Playwriting genre. Students read and analyze a number of plays, and apply points of craft to their own work. After experimenting with various writing exercises, students write and revise a ten to 30 minute one-act play, which is then workshopped both in class, and during individual conferences, and, finally, submitted in the young playwrights competition through CenterStage Baltimore. (.5 credit)
Methods and Techniques I (660090-12): 1 semester
Methods and Techniques focuses on the many different methods and philosophies of actor training, including (but not limited to) Stanislavski, Stella Adler, and Practical Aesthetics. Through the use of published plays, students will ascertain a practical understanding of terms such as action, objective, tactic, obstacle, conflict, intention, motivation, and “beat.” Particular emphasis will be given to ensemble-building, imaginative play, enlarging creativity, memorization techniques, and building self- confidence. (.5 credit)
Theatre Business I (660050-22): 1 semester
This class concentrates on choosing contemporary and classical monologues best suited for an audition. The class will explore the audition process itself; how to find work as an actor and insights into the day to day workplace of theatre, television, film and commercials. The class will also discuss cold readings, creating showcases, voice-overs, meeting agents, contacting agencies, pictures & resumes, mailings and life as an actor professionally and regionally. Students may "cold read," prepare assigned material, receive directorial adjustments, or be put through their paces in mock callbacks. Students will spend time on the collegiate selection process along with preparation and expectations for the college application and audition process. (.5 credits)
2nd Year Academy Students
Theatrical Literacy, History and Criticism 2A (660030-11) and 2B (660040-21): 2 semesters
Each semester this class will continue to focus on Western theatrical history, drama and practices of Classical Athens through post-Depression American theatre. Students will study the social, political, musical, cultural and historical influences of an instructor chosen time period to understand the context in which that theatre was created. Likewise, they will explore the means by which theatre was produced and practiced during the chosen time period that may include one or more of the following focuses: theatre companies, acting styles, actors, playwrights, and producers. They will also study the dramatic literature of this instructor chosen time period that will include a critical analysis of at least two texts that represents the instructor chosen time period. Students will also write several critical analysis pieces each semester that will include: at least two live performance reviews approved by the instructor; two film reviews of Academy Award winning performances; and various journals and response pieces. All writing completed in the course will use appropriate MLA formatting and rules. The class also consists of a performance lab of a Shakespearean text. (1 credit per semester)
Voice and Movement II (660120-22): 1 semester
The focus of the Voice and Movement II class is to further the concepts learned from Voice and Movement I. Students will continue to work on a greater awareness of and connection to the actor’s natural voice and physical body, with particular focus on movement and destinations on the stage. Further study will include the role of psychological and physical connections for continued improved self-awareness, imagination, expressiveness and embodiment. As introduced in Voice and Movement I, students will build on breath and vocal production, opening the physical channels of communication, physical alignment, and appropriate tension to begin to build vocal strength and connecting the voice to specific characters. The course will continue to utilize advanced diction and projection skills and its relation to the needs of the dramatic work. Movement in year two will build on the fundamentals of body awareness and control, sense, and awareness explored in Voice and Movement I. Students will apply body mechanics, physical alignment, connection to breath, stamina, and self-awareness in relation to performances. (.5 credit)
Writing for Stage and Film II (660080-12): 1 semester
Writing for stage and screen continues to provide students a chance to participate in dramatic writing. The class includes theatre games and improvisation activities, which continue to serve as a springboard for narrative techniques particular to the student’s particular needs. Students continue to read and analyze a number of plays, and apply points of craft to their own work. After experimenting with various writing and acting exercises, students will write and revise a ten to 30 minute one-act play, which is then workshopped both in class, and during individual conferences, and, finally, submitted in the young playwrights competition through CenterStage of Baltimore. (.5 credit)
Methods and Techniques II (660100-12): 1 semester
Methods and Techniques continues the insight gained in Methods and Techniques on the many different methods and philosophies of actor training. Students will apply their practical understanding of terms such as action, objective, tactic, obstacle, conflict, intention, motivation, and “beat” with various scene studies. Emphasis will continue to be given to ensemble-building, imaginative play, enlarging creativity, memorization techniques, and building self- confidence. (.5 credit)
Theatre Business II (660060-22): 1 semester
This class concentrates on choosing contemporary and classical monologues best suited for an audition. The class will explore the audition process itself; how to find work as an actor and insights into the day to day workplace of theatre, television, film and commercials. The class will also discuss cold readings, creating showcases, voice-overs, meeting agents, contacting agencies, pictures & resumes, mailings and life as an actor professionally and regionally. Students may "cold read," prepare assigned material, receive directorial adjustments, or be put through their paces in mock callbacks. Students will spend time on the collegiate selection process along with preparation and expectations for the college application and audition process. (.5 credits)
Each semester this class will focus on a chosen Western theatrical history, drama and practices of an instructor chosen time period. Students will study the social, political, musical, cultural and historical influences of the instructor chosen time period to understand the context in which that theatre was created. Likewise, they will explore the means by which theatre was produced and practiced during the chosen time period that may include one or more of the following focuses: theatre companies, acting styles, actors, playwrights, and producers. They will also study the dramatic literature of this instructor chosen time period that will include a critical analysis of at least two texts that represents the instructor chosen time period. Students will also write several critical analysis pieces each semester that will include: at least two live performance reviews approved by the instructor; two film reviews of Academy Award winning performances; and various journals and response pieces. All writing completed in the course will use appropriate MLA formatting and rules. The class also consists of a performance lab of a Shakespearean text. (1 credit per semester)
Voice and Movement I (660110-22): 1 semester
The focus of the Voice and Movement I class is to create a greater awareness of and connection to the actor’s natural voice and physical body. Further, it is to free that natural voice toward greater psychological and physical connections and improved self-awareness, imagination, expressiveness and embodiment. Students will focus on breath and vocal production, opening the physical channels of communication, exploring physical alignment, and releasing tension to begin to build vocal strength and connect the voice to creative impulses. The first year will introduce basic diction and projection skills, refining the actor’s use of their voice through deepening their experience of resonance along with clarifying vowel and consonant articulation. Basic elements of speech will be explored to help the actor bring vocal clarity, energy and point of view to any text. Movement in year one will focus on the fundamentals of body awareness and control, sense, and awareness through movement. Students will discover body mechanics, physical alignment, connection to breath, and self-awareness. (.5 credit)
Writing for Stage and Film I (660770-12): 1 semester
Writing for stage and screen provides a chance to explore dramatic writing in a number of different ways. The class includes theatre games and improvisation activities, which illustrate narrative techniques particular to the Playwriting genre. Students read and analyze a number of plays, and apply points of craft to their own work. After experimenting with various writing exercises, students write and revise a ten to 30 minute one-act play, which is then workshopped both in class, and during individual conferences, and, finally, submitted in the young playwrights competition through CenterStage Baltimore. (.5 credit)
Methods and Techniques I (660090-12): 1 semester
Methods and Techniques focuses on the many different methods and philosophies of actor training, including (but not limited to) Stanislavski, Stella Adler, and Practical Aesthetics. Through the use of published plays, students will ascertain a practical understanding of terms such as action, objective, tactic, obstacle, conflict, intention, motivation, and “beat.” Particular emphasis will be given to ensemble-building, imaginative play, enlarging creativity, memorization techniques, and building self- confidence. (.5 credit)
Theatre Business I (660050-22): 1 semester
This class concentrates on choosing contemporary and classical monologues best suited for an audition. The class will explore the audition process itself; how to find work as an actor and insights into the day to day workplace of theatre, television, film and commercials. The class will also discuss cold readings, creating showcases, voice-overs, meeting agents, contacting agencies, pictures & resumes, mailings and life as an actor professionally and regionally. Students may "cold read," prepare assigned material, receive directorial adjustments, or be put through their paces in mock callbacks. Students will spend time on the collegiate selection process along with preparation and expectations for the college application and audition process. (.5 credits)
2nd Year Academy Students
Theatrical Literacy, History and Criticism 2A (660030-11) and 2B (660040-21): 2 semesters
Each semester this class will continue to focus on Western theatrical history, drama and practices of Classical Athens through post-Depression American theatre. Students will study the social, political, musical, cultural and historical influences of an instructor chosen time period to understand the context in which that theatre was created. Likewise, they will explore the means by which theatre was produced and practiced during the chosen time period that may include one or more of the following focuses: theatre companies, acting styles, actors, playwrights, and producers. They will also study the dramatic literature of this instructor chosen time period that will include a critical analysis of at least two texts that represents the instructor chosen time period. Students will also write several critical analysis pieces each semester that will include: at least two live performance reviews approved by the instructor; two film reviews of Academy Award winning performances; and various journals and response pieces. All writing completed in the course will use appropriate MLA formatting and rules. The class also consists of a performance lab of a Shakespearean text. (1 credit per semester)
Voice and Movement II (660120-22): 1 semester
The focus of the Voice and Movement II class is to further the concepts learned from Voice and Movement I. Students will continue to work on a greater awareness of and connection to the actor’s natural voice and physical body, with particular focus on movement and destinations on the stage. Further study will include the role of psychological and physical connections for continued improved self-awareness, imagination, expressiveness and embodiment. As introduced in Voice and Movement I, students will build on breath and vocal production, opening the physical channels of communication, physical alignment, and appropriate tension to begin to build vocal strength and connecting the voice to specific characters. The course will continue to utilize advanced diction and projection skills and its relation to the needs of the dramatic work. Movement in year two will build on the fundamentals of body awareness and control, sense, and awareness explored in Voice and Movement I. Students will apply body mechanics, physical alignment, connection to breath, stamina, and self-awareness in relation to performances. (.5 credit)
Writing for Stage and Film II (660080-12): 1 semester
Writing for stage and screen continues to provide students a chance to participate in dramatic writing. The class includes theatre games and improvisation activities, which continue to serve as a springboard for narrative techniques particular to the student’s particular needs. Students continue to read and analyze a number of plays, and apply points of craft to their own work. After experimenting with various writing and acting exercises, students will write and revise a ten to 30 minute one-act play, which is then workshopped both in class, and during individual conferences, and, finally, submitted in the young playwrights competition through CenterStage of Baltimore. (.5 credit)
Methods and Techniques II (660100-12): 1 semester
Methods and Techniques continues the insight gained in Methods and Techniques on the many different methods and philosophies of actor training. Students will apply their practical understanding of terms such as action, objective, tactic, obstacle, conflict, intention, motivation, and “beat” with various scene studies. Emphasis will continue to be given to ensemble-building, imaginative play, enlarging creativity, memorization techniques, and building self- confidence. (.5 credit)
Theatre Business II (660060-22): 1 semester
This class concentrates on choosing contemporary and classical monologues best suited for an audition. The class will explore the audition process itself; how to find work as an actor and insights into the day to day workplace of theatre, television, film and commercials. The class will also discuss cold readings, creating showcases, voice-overs, meeting agents, contacting agencies, pictures & resumes, mailings and life as an actor professionally and regionally. Students may "cold read," prepare assigned material, receive directorial adjustments, or be put through their paces in mock callbacks. Students will spend time on the collegiate selection process along with preparation and expectations for the college application and audition process. (.5 credits)
