Advanced Acting and Directing Studio
Kelley Ryan
2006-2007
This is a studio class whose focus changes based on the needs of the individual students in the class. At the beginning of every year I ask myself, what is most important for these acting students to learn now…before anything else? This year I came up with four essential questions that answered this question for me. Each question will drive our work each quarter this year.
A. The first quarter we will focus on the question:
“What is the best way to rehearse scenes in pairs and trios?”
This will be an intensive quarter where we really break down the rehearsal process into steps. This quarter we will also be doing a good deal of directing work with scenes. The following will be addressed:
Scene analysis/character analysis
Table work
Blocking
Using language
Using action/verbs
Setting the stakes high
Gesture – movement to punctuate or is it taking away from meaning
Using the beats to create rhythm
Finding the humor in all scenes
When to use book and when to get off book
Stage business?
What backstory comes out in the lines?
Physical punctuation
Rarity and minimalism
Pace
Playing to the polarities
Opening moments and closing moments of scene
Make sure you’re not stuck
Finding the build
Working moment to moment (bits and pieces)
Final Run throughs
B. The second quarter we will focus on the question:
“What is the best way to rehearse comedic scenes?”
Building upon the work from first quarter we will focus on comedy from all time periods.
Greek to modern comedy. Again, directing work will go along with acting this quarter.
The following will be addressed:
Comic Business or Lazzi
Directing Comedy
Comic Variations – different styles
The Rules of Comedy
Tone – vocal techniques
Timing
C. The third quarter we will focus on the question:
“How does rehearsal techniques compare to the individual actor’s creative process?”
This will explore the individual process of acting. Reading other actor’s memoirs, careful reflection and journaling will make up a good portion of this quarter. At the end of this quarter each student actor will conference with Mrs. Ryan and need to be able to articulate what they feel their process is and what their strengths and weaknesses are as an actor. The key to this quarter is gaining self-awareness.
D. The fourth quarter will focus on the question:
“Why do we do theater?”
This quarter will explore the social responsibility of the theater artist. Looking at the role of theater in third world nations and looking at the role of theater in history will provide the basis for final projects this year. Students will form groups and spend a good deal of time brainstorming a final project. Once the project is proposed and accepted, then students will rehearse for the majority of the quarter. The final pieces will be performed for the final. Each piece should be at least 20 minutes in length and should be a performance worthy of answering the question “Why do we do theater?”
Grading will be handled a different way this quarter. Of course, everyone is expected to do all the work to the best of his ability. Each student is also required to write me a weekly email journal of at least 100 words. I will respond to these emails with a written response (sometimes short, sometimes longer) and 2 grades. One grade will be given for your effort level or work ethic and one for the growth I’ve seen in your “talent.” My goal is to give you more specific feedback that you can use as you work on your craft.
I’m excited about this year! Lot’s to do! Lot’s to learn!!!!
