MONOLOGUES AND SCENE STUDY SYLLABUS

CWA DRAMA PHILOSOPHY

            The Charles Wright Academy drama program has recently adopted a very unique teaching method.   Based loosely on the teachings of Vsevolod Meyerhold, Keith Johnstone, and others, this method uses concepts from Bio-Mechanics and Performance Improv to train actors to respond reflexively to physical and vocal forces, understand and use iconic characterizations, spaces, and actions, create highly "theatrical" theatre, and work with others in an environment free from judgment, ego, and fear.

MONOLOGUES AND SCENE STUDY DESCRIPTION

            This class is the meat and potatoes of the whole acting thing... working with text to create a vivid reality.   Starting with the basics of Narrative (Person, Place, and Problem), students will learn to create an entire world for their characters that will be both real and compelling to an audience.

THE DRAMA ROOM

            The Drama Portable (it's okay to call it the "Drama Shack") is a very special place.   When you enter, you should leave any Judgments, Personal Expectations of Others, Inflated Egos, and especially Fear... at the door.   This is a place to be free from most social and academic anxieties, so that we can take huge risks every day.   This is a fun place.   This is a safe place.   This is the Drama Shack!

SEQUENCE

            Narrative                                                                      Status

            Making Text Real                                                         Reacting /Making Others Look Good   

Cycles of Movement and Speech                                  Advanced Stage Techniques    

GRADING

Grading will be based on the following...

QUALITY OF PARTICIPATION

            1. Daily Performance Skills

                        Preparation                                                       Knowledge of material (annotations, etc.)

                        Confident presentation (posture, clarity, etc.)    Growth (did you get there from here?)            

            2. Attitude and Positive Behaviors        

                        Enthusiasm towards all activities                       Taking exercises beyond stated expectations

                        Keen insights in discussions                              Keeping focus where it belongs

                        Acts of physical and vocal support of peers      Positive audience behavior       

            3. Attendance and punctuality

Tardiness: Three unexcused tardies will equal an unexcused absence, which cannot be made up, and will result in a 1/3 letter grade drop.

Attendance: Attendance is terribly important in a group activity based course.   Excused absences are often unavoidable, but please keep them to a minimum.   One unexcused absence or more than three excused absences could result in a 1/3 letter grade drop.

            QUALITY OF PARTICIPATION WILL COUNT AS 40% OF YOUR GRADE .

ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS,

                        These will be graded on an individual and group basis.

            ASSIGNMENTS, PROJECTS, and TESTS WILL COUNT AS 60% OF YOUR GRADE .