Advanced Acting 15/25/35 (5 credits) Course Outline 16/17
FALL TERM
Instructor: Fiona Williams
[email protected]
Advanced Acting provides a continuum of theatre experiences that moves well beyond the
introductory or exploratory activities outlined in Drama 10/20/30. Advanced Acting expands the
specific skills related to performance, and is designed to extend the foundation skills outlined in
Drama 10/20/30. The major difference between Drama 10/20/30 and Advanced Acting 15/25/35
lies in the learning strategy employed in these courses. In this sequence, all the learning objectives
will be achieved by production experiences.
These outcomes carry through the 15/25/35 levels. Students are expected to develop an increased
sophistication and independence in demonstrating the outcome. Overall, general and specific
outcomes can be achieved and assessed concurrently rather than sequentially.
General Outcomes
1. Explore the role of acting for stage as a means of performance communication in our
society.
2. Demonstrate a variety of acting skills (physical, vocal and cognitive) required to
express thoughts, ideas and emotions through acting on stage.
3. Explore and apply elements of performance and performance etiquette.
Learner Outcomes:
1 Explore the role of acting for stage as a means of performance communication in our
society.
1.1 Review and analyze the role of context in a play (ex. historical, traditional, and contemporary
1.2 Review and analyze the influence of given circumstances in a scene or script
1.3 Review and analyze the role of text and character using a variety media
1.4 Analyze and evaluate the role of an audience in a performance (ex. communication choices,
style of performance, etc.)
1.5 View, analyze and evaluate a variety of theatrical performances (5 Credits only)
1.6 Analyze and evaluate the role of theatre as a voice in the community. (5 Credits only)
1.7 Interpret and reflect upon the creative work and viewpoints of others while demonstrating
respect and appreciation (5 Credits only)
2 Demonstrate a variety of acting skills (physical, vocal and cognitive) required to express
thoughts, ideas and emotions through acting on stage.
2.1 Execute and lead a variety of warm-up exercises for the body and voice
2.2 Communicate within an artistic context using vocabulary and terms unique to the theatre
2.3 Analyze and apply audition skills required for acting for theatre (ex. slating)
2.4 Apply the use of an actor's book
2.5 Analyze and apply the creative process of character development and the ability to sustain a
character throughout a performance
2.6 Analyze and apply blocking techniques in a scene or play
2.7 Analyze and apply appropriate sound, lighting, staging, costumes and makeup techniques to
enhance artistic unity
2.8 Analyze and apply artistic unity to various aspects of production including character choices.
3 Explore and apply elements of performance and performance etiquette.
3.1 Demonstrate responsibility and commitment both individually and to the group (ex. effective
use of rehearsal time, being 'off book' early, etc)
3.2 Reflect upon personal acting skills and assess strengths and areas for growth in order to set
goals and strategies for improvement (ex. self-reflection, acting on feedback, etc.)
3.3 Build positive relationships to manage conflict and differences and collaborate with others to
present a scene or play on stage
3.4 Transfer rehearsal knowledge to stage practice
3.5 Transfer technical knowledge and decisions to new stage environment (loading set in and out,
learning new lighting and sound equipment)
3.6 Analyze and reflect upon various roles and career opportunities within the theatre
Expectations and Responsibilities:
1. Regular attendance and punctuality are important for learning and for the success of the
show. You made a commitment during auditions to the rehearsal process of the show. If
you absolutely cannot attend a rehearsal please let me know as much is advance as possible
so I can adjust rehearsal accordingly.
2. When performing, an actor can be very vulnerable. It is very important for all class
members to respect and support the work that their peers are doing. Treat your fellow
class members as you yourself wish to be treated.
3. Students are encouraged to experiment and use their creativity when developing characters
and stories, but there are some topics that are not appropriate and will not be acceptable in
this class. The following are not appropriate or acceptable for student creation or
performance: profanity, violence, sexual innuendo, racism/sexism/discrimination of
any sort, and representation of substance abuse. If a student is uncertain about the
appropriateness of an idea, please discuss it with the teacher.
4. Appropriate classroom behavior is essential in creating and maintaining a rehearsal
atmosphere conducive to learning. Please respect your fellow students, and please respect
the learning environment.
Course Evaluation – The process of creation and rehearsal and the performance element are
valued equally in this class. Quality performances are a result of quality preparation, and quality
preparation will result in a higher caliber of performance.
Process (Rehearsal) and Performances
80%
Rubrics to assess commitment and growth in rehearsal and application of rehearsal knowledge to
performance.
Reflective work/Production Tasks
20%
Final reflection, completion of actor bio/headshot, dramaturgical contribution, actor’s notebook.
The Power School Grade Book Codes:
Only the following may appear for a student on an assignment in a course.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
a numeric value
“ √ “ [Green “check mark’] This indicates an assignment has been received
Late “L” (Red ‘L”) – this indicates that the assignment is has not been turned in on time. No change to the
course grade will result.
Exempt “EX” (Grey “EX”) – this is used for all items that are not to be included in that student’s grade
calculation. (see disclaimer) No change to the course grade will result.
Missing “M” (Tan “M”) – The student has missed an assessment but has the opportunity to complete the required
work. The work will be evaluated when submitted according to a timeline set up in consultation between the
student and the teacher. This code will calculate as a zero until the code has been replaced with a numeric value.
Please Note: A range of assessment information is used to determine a student’s final grade. At Archbishop MacDonald High
School, individualized assessments provide specific information regarding student progress and overall performance in the
course. Student assessment may vary from student to student to adapt to differences in student needs, learning styles,
preferences, and paces. Due to special circumstances assessment criteria may vary from student to student in the same
course.
Google Classroom
I will be making use of Google Classroom this year. The course outline, assignments, and discussion
questions will be posted here. You will need to use your ECSD email account to access this.