Saturday, October 25, 2008










October 27th - October 31st
Weekly Schedule
for
Beginning Acting

Monday, October 27th:

Warm-ups:

Vocal and physical warm-ups
Sense and memory exercises

Journal: Go through your script and next to each of your lines, write down your objective for saying that line. In other words, what do you want the other character to do and how are you going to make him/her do it?

Today I will work with two actors on their scene. They will perform their scene completely memorized in front of the class next Friday, October 31st. The scene will be taped which the actors will watch they will then write a one page reflection on what they liked about the scene and what they did not like about the scene and how they can improve.

The rest of the class will go outside with their scene partners and read the scene at least twice; then the actors will get up on their feet and work on the scenes a minimum of five times with blocking, props, and intent. If you are not working with your scene partner in the designated area, you will receive an “F” for the day.


Tuesday, October 28th:

Theatre Games!

Cocktail party! But you are playing your character!
Elevator!
Taxi Cab!


Wednesday, October 29th:

Vocal and physical warm-ups
Sense and memory exercises

Who-What-Where-When Journal: Go through your script and write a brief story and description about each person (who), place (where and when) and thing (what) you talk about or mention in the script. Each person, place or thing that is in your script should have a story and a description to it which means something to you - in other words, personalize it so that when you as your character are speaking about (for example) a younger brother, you are referencing someone from your own life that plays the same type of role in your character’s life. Each story or description should be about half a page long.

This should be neatly written or typed, have the person, place or thing listed, and have half a page of description and story for each person you mention in the scene, each place you mention in the scene and each thing you mention in the scene. This will be due tomorrow.

Today I will work with two more actors on their scenes. The actors will perform their perfectly memorized and blocked scene on Friday.


Thursday, October 30th:

Same. I will work with another scene today.


Friday, October 31st:

Two scenes will perform today. The scene must be memorized, blocked and have props.

The scenes will be taped and the actors will watch their scenes and write a one page reflection on their work which they will turn in for a grade.

The rest of the class will watch and write down their critiques which will be collected and graded.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

OCTOBER 13th - 17th
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR BEGINNING ACTING

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13TH:

Establishing the reality of the scene:

Journal: What does the location look like in which the scene takes place?

Create the physical reality in which the scene takes place:

Where is the scene taking place?

What does the area look like?

What are the sounds you hear in this space in which the scene takes place?

What are the smells, the aromas in this space? Does the scene take place on a busy street in a large city in the summer? If so, then the odors will probably be of diesel fuel and car exhaust. Does the scene take place in a forest in the fall? Then the air will probably be filled with pungent cedar. It’s your scene - make it up so that it’s real to you and that it means something to you.

What is the temperature of the space? Is it hot and sultry or chilly and windy?

The Entrance Game!

A character always makes an entrance coming from somewhere else. Have you ever seen a character make an entrance where s/he were suppose to have been walking in the snow but the actor makes no attempt at showing that s/he has been in cold, wet weather? In this assignment, you are playing a character who has been in a specific situation or in a particular weather condition and you are now coming home. There should be no dialogue. The assignment should last about one minute.

Here are some situations you might want to consider. Choose one or you may create your own:

Walking ten blocks in Hollywood in 100 degree heat.

Running home in the rain.

Walking home in ill-fitting shoes.

Walking home really having to use the bathroom.

Walking home in chilly, snowy weather.

Walking home after being suspended from school.

Walking home after someone you like tells you h/she likes you back.

Walking home from school on your birthday knowing that your parents have planned something nice for you.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14TH:

Shortened day!

The Entrance Game!

Assign rehearsal schedules and performance dates for scenes.

Work with first scene today.


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15TH:

The Entrance Game!

Journal (Substitution):

Person/Place and Thing: Go through your script and write a brief story surround every person or place that is mentioned in your script. Personalize the story so that when your character is talking about someone in her/his life you are referring to someone in your own life with whom you have a similar relationship.

Today I will work with another scene.

If I am not working with you then you must run (rehearse) your scene a minimum of five times complete with movement, lines and intention.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16TH:

SAME AS WEDNESDAY.


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH:

Watch Uta Hagen’s RESPECT FOR ACTING and Johnny Depp at the Actor’s Studio.

Sunday, October 05, 2008









OCTOBER 6TH - 10TH
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR
BEGINNING ACTING

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6TH:

Assign seats.

Warm-ups: vocal, physical and emotional memory exercises

Begin the “Personal Observation” assignment.


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH:

Shortened day!

Continue with the “Personal Observation” assignment.


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8TH:

Pass out scenes and assign scene partners.


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9TH:

NO SCHOOL TODAY IN OBSERVANCE OF YOM KIPPUR


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10TH:

Journal: Who am I?

Write a brief description of the scene you and your scene partner are doing:

Where does the scene take place?

Describe the location where the scene takes place.

What is your relationship to the other character in the scene?

What do you want from the other character?

What does your character want to happen in the scene?

What happened prior to the beginning of the scene?


Work with a volunteer scene. Remember, you get extra credit for volunteering and participating!