Backstage West








December 15th - 19th
Weekly Agenda for Beginning Acting

Monday, December 15th:
For your new monologue:
Who, What, Where, When Journals:
Go through your scene and write a half page description, story, explanation of every person, place or event your character talks about in the monologue. Personalize each person, place or event. If your character is talking about a relative, then think back to your own life and substitute someone you know and with whom you have a similar relationship. When you are performing you’ll visualize that person you know and with whom you have an emotional connection.
The Entrance Game:
Where have you (as the character) been ten minutes before you enter the scene? Bring in the emotional and physical reality your character has been engaged in for the past ten minutes prior to the scene.
Each person will perform the entrance game for a grade.
Today I will rehearse with you on your monologues.
If I am not rehearsing with you, then you should be continuously running your monologue (minimum of five times) complete with props, business and blocking.


Tuesday, December 16th:
Shortened Day!
Journals: The “Objectives”: Go through the script and write out your super objective: what does your character want? Why does your character want it? What will happen if your character doesn’t get it? Then go through the script and write out the smaller individual objectives of each beat: how are you going to get your objectives met?
Finish up the entrance game.
Improvs as your character.
Today I will rehearse with you on your monologues.
If I am not rehearsing with you, then you should be continuously running your monologue complete with props, business and blocking.

Wednesday, December 17th:
Journals: “A Day in the Life”: Describe a typical day in the life of your character.
Create business or some sort of activity your character would do that would express something about the character or satisfy the requirements of the scene. The activity must not be random or generalized. Sitting and doing nothing but reciting lines is boring to watch. (You will also not be as nervous if you are engaged in some activity.)
Today I will rehearse with you on your monologues.
If I am not rehearsing with you, then you should be continuously running your monologue complete with props, business and blocking.

Thursday, December 18th:
Journal: “A Life”. Create a history of your character. Where and when was your character born? What kind of family did s/he have? Any siblings? What kind of schooling did s/he receive? What kind of family does the character have now? Describe her/his home, his/her home. What kind of job or career does the character have? What interesting or strange events has the character experienced? What hopes and dreams does the character have? What fears?
Warm-ups: vocal, physical, emotional and sensory warm-ups.
Today I will rehearse with you on your monologues.
If I am not rehearsing with you, then you should be continuously running your monologue complete with props, business and blocking.

Friday, December 19th:
Begin presenting scenes, which will be taped and critiqued.

DECEMBER 8th - 12th
Weekly Schedule for Beginning Acting
Monday, December 8th:
The following actors will present their scenes today or Tuesday:
Axelle and Devante
Gabby and Daniel
Those who have already performed their scenes will look for a monologue to do.

Tuesday, December 9th:
Finish up the second round of scenes.
Watch playback of your scene and write a minimum of a half page reflection.
The rest of the class will begin memorizing their monologues.

Wednesday, December 10th:
For your new monologue:
Who, What, Where, When Journals:
Go through your scene and write a half page description, story, explanation of every person, place or event your character talks about in the monologue. Personalize each person, place or event. If your character is talking about a relative, then think back to your own life and substitute someone you know and with whom you have a similar relationship. When you are performing you’ll visualize that person you know and with whom you have an emotional connection.
The Entrance Game:
Where have you (as the character) been ten minutes before you enter the scene? Bring in the emotional and physical reality your character has been engaged in for the past ten minutes prior to the scene.
Each person will perform the entrance game for a grade.




Thursday, December 11th:
Journals: The “Objectives”: Go through the script and write out your super objective: what does your character want? Why does your character want it? What will happen if your character doesn’t get it? Then go through the script and write out the smaller individual objectives of each beat: how are you going to get your objectives met?
Finish up the entrance game.
Improvs as your character.

Friday, December 12th:
Journals: “A Day in the Life”: Describe a typical day in the life of your character.
Create business that your character is doing during the scene. The activity must be intrinsic and organic to the character and grows out of the needs of the character and/or the requirements of the scene. The activity must not be random or generalized. Sitting and doing nothing but reciting lines is boring to watch. (You will also not be as nervous if you are engaged in some activity.)
I will begin working with you on your monologue.

DECEMBER 8th - 12th
Weekly Schedule for Beginning Acting
Monday, December 8th:
The following actors will present their scenes today or Tuesday:
Axelle and Devante
Gabby and Daniel
Those who have already performed their scenes will look for a monologue to do.

Tuesday, December 9th:
Finish up the second round of scenes.
Watch playback of your scene and write a minimum of a half page reflection.
The rest of the class will begin memorizing their monologues.

Wednesday, December 10th:
For your new monologue:
Who, What, Where, When Journals:
Go through your scene and write a half page description, story, explanation of every person, place or event your character talks about in the monologue. Personalize each person, place or event. If your character is talking about a relative, then think back to your own life and substitute someone you know and with whom you have a similar relationship. When you are performing you’ll visualize that person you know and with whom you have an emotional connection.
The Entrance Game:
Where have you (as the character) been ten minutes before you enter the scene? Bring in the emotional and physical reality your character has been engaged in for the past ten minutes prior to the scene.
Each person will perform the entrance game for a grade.




Thursday, December 11th:
Journals: The “Objectives”: Go through the script and write out your super objective: what does your character want? Why does your character want it? What will happen if your character doesn’t get it? Then go through the script and write out the smaller individual objectives of each beat: how are you going to get your objectives met?
Finish up the entrance game.
Improvs as your character.

Friday, December 12th:
Journals: “A Day in the Life”: Describe a typical day in the life of your character.
Create business that your character is doing during the scene. The activity must be intrinsic and organic to the character and grows out of the needs of the character and/or the requirements of the scene. The activity must not be random or generalized. Sitting and doing nothing but reciting lines is boring to watch. (You will also not be as nervous if you are engaged in some activity.)
I will begin working with you on your monologue.

DECEMBER 1st - DECEMBER 5th
WEEKLY AGENDA FOR BEGINNING ACTING

Monday, December 1st:
Work with your scene partner for first half of class.
Those of you who have already performed your scenes will watch the tape of your scene and then write a reflection on your work. The reflection should be at least half a page and should include:
1. an objective account of what you see
2. what you liked about your scene
3. what you didn’t like about your scene and why
4. what you can do to improve your work
At 1:30 we are going to present the remaining scenes which will be taped and critiqued.
In order to get an “A” on the scene, you must have the scene memorized and have blocking and business. You cannot just sit during the scene and “recite” lines and expect to get a good grade.

Tuesday, December 2nd:
Shortened day.
Same as Monday.

Wednesday, December 3rd:
We will finish up the remaining scenes today.
If you do not perform your scene you will fail the class.

Thursday, December 4th:
Watch the video of Uta Hagen’s “Respect for Acting”.
Friday, December 5th:
Warm-ups: Vocal and Physical
Emotion and Sense Memory Exercises.
Today short monologues will be passed out to you which you will use to work on acting exercises for the next week. These monologues must be memorized.

For next week:
Your monologue must be memorized by Monday.
Monday:
Who, What, Where, When Journal: Go through your scene and write a half description, story, explanation of every person, place or event your character talks about in the monologue.
The Entrance Game;
Where have you (the character) been the past ten minutes? Bring in the emotional and physical reality your character has been engaged in for the ten minutes prior to the scene.
Tuesday:
Objectives. Go through the script and write out your super objective and your objectives for the scene. What do you want? Why do you want it? What will happen if you don’t get it?
Business:
Create business that your character is doing during the scene. YOU MUST DO BUSINESS DURING THE SCENE. SITTING THERE AND DOING NOTHING BUT RECITING LINES IS BORING TO WATCH.
Wednesday:
A Day in the Life: Describe a typical day in the life of your character.
Thursday:
A Life: Write the character’s biography. Discuss where and when the character was born and raised. Discuss the character’s family, schooling and childhood friends. Discuss the character’s current friends, her/his school or job and home life now.

The Entrance Game;
Where have you (the character) been the past ten minutes? Bring in the emotional and physical reality your character has been engaged in for the ten minutes prior to the scene.
Begin performing the monologues which will be taped and critiqued.

Backstagewest



NOVEMBER 24TH - NOVEMBER 26TH
WEEKLY AGENDA
FOR BEGINNING ACTING

Monday, November 24th:
Physical and vocal warm-ups.
Sense and emotion memory exercises.
We will begin presenting ALL scenes today and will continue through Wednesday.
The scenes will be videotaped.
The actors will view the videotape of their scene and write a reflection on their work.
The audience will write a critique on the scene and turn it in.
The performers will turn in at the time of their scenes their “Who-What-Where-When” journals, their objective, relationship and physical description journals.
You must do your scene this week.

Tuesday, November 25th:
Same as Monday.

Wednesday, November 26th:
Same as Monday and Tuesday.

NOVEMBER 17th - 21st
WEEKLY AGENDA
FOR BEGINNING ACTING

Monday, November 17th:
Warm-ups: Vocal. Physical, Sense and Emotional Memory Exercises
Journal: Who-What-Where-When
Go through your scene and write a brief history of every person, place, event that you discuss in your scene. Each reference should be about half a page. This is due when you present the scene.
Work with Daniel and Gabby on “Funeral Parlor”.

Tuesday, November 18th:
Shortened Day!
Work on scenes! You must be off book by now and running your scenes five times with blocking and props!
Work with Amanda and Sierra on HEIDI.

Wednesday, November 19th:
Journal: Who-What-Where-When
Remember, the journals are due when you perform the scene.
Work with Axelle and Annie on “The Actors”.

Thursday, November 20th:
Work on scenes.

Friday, November 21st:
The following people will present their scenes today:
Tyrone and Tayllor
Daniel and Gabby
Amanda and Sierra
Axelle and Annie
These scenes will be taped. The actors will review their work and write a brief reflection on how they did.
The audience will watch and write a critique on the performances.

Everyone else will perform their scenes on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week!

BEGINNING ACTING
NOVEMBER 10TH - NOVEMBER 14TH

Monday, November 10th:

Find a new scene and a new scene partner!

Tuesday, November 11th:

No school today in observance of Veterans’ Day.

Wednesday, November 12th:

Warm-ups!
Vocal warm-ups: breathers, tongue-twisters
Sense Memory Exercises
Emotion Memory Exercises

Work with Daniel Cruz and Gabby Rodriguez

Everyone work with your scene partner! That means reading your scenes three times through. The fourth, fifth and sixth time get up on your feet and start moving around.

NOVEMBER 3RD - 7th
Beginning Acting

Monday, November 3rd - Wednesday, November 5th:
Today we will again begin presenting scenes. The audience will be quiet and respectful: that means no talking, listening to the ipod, text messaging, putting on make-up, or getting up out of your seat and walking around during the scene. The focus of the class should be on the actors and anything that distracts from that is RUDE!
The scenes will be videotaped and the audience will write a critique on the scene which they will turn in at the end of the class. The actors will watch their taped scenes and then write critiques on their performances which they will turn in. The journals for their acting scenes will be due after their performances.

Thursday, November 6th:
After you have performed your scene you may look for another scene to do. If I allow you to do a “redo” then I will work with you on the scene so that you may present it again.

Friday, November 7th:
Performance of “redo” scenes.
Watch video of Uta Hagen’s Respect for Acting.

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.

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.

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!

September 29th - October 3rd
Weekly Schedule
for
Beginning Acting

Monday, September 29th:

Warm-ups:

Tongue Twisters

Greeting by Numbers

Coloring Your Words

Coloring Your Nursery Rhymes

Fiinish the individual pantomimes.



Tuesday, September 30th:

Roshashana! No school today!


Wednesday, October 1st:

Select someone whom you see on a fairly regular basis and “become that person” for about one minute. You should do an action that you see this character typically performing, and yes, you may speak. The imitated person can be anybody but should not be in this class, nor should you reveal the identity of this person to others in the class, and of course, the imitation should never be mean spirited. This is to be nonjudgmental and objective study of a human being. We will begin the “Person Study” on Friday.

One Word Situational Scenes:

A group of three or four performers choose a word or a phrase (for example, "sorry", or "thank you") and develop and perform three or four short scenes based on the word. Each scene should depict a different situation using the word in a different context; in each scene an actor says the word or phrase in a different way. The word or phrase is spoken at a high point in the scene, not thrown away in the first few lines.

Example: Given the word “welcome” three actors portray the following three scenes: saying welcome to a long awaited good friend; saying welcome to relatives they dislike and whom they only greet at their parents’ insistence, and saying welcome to visiting diplomats.

Suggested Word Phrases:

well so guess don’t
welcome good thank you sorry
never why oh, no really

Thursday, October 2nd:

Warm-ups: vocal and physical

Begin presenting the One Word-Three Situations Scenes.


Friday, October 3rd:

Finish up the One Word-Three Situations Scenes.

Begin presenting the “person study”.

September 22nd - 26th
Weekly Schedule
for
Beginning Acting

Monday, September 22nd:

Vocal warm-ups; relaxation
Sense memory exercises

Group Focus Pantomime:

Groups of four or five actors pantomime a scene in which they focus their attention on an imaginary offstage object, event or person. Titles are given to the scenes to identify what the actors are focusing on.

Using a sign or an announcement, actors give the title of their scene: “Burning Building”, “Car Accident”, etc. Two begin on stage, watching and reacting. Three others enter and join the group of onlookers; one finds a fire alarm and sounds it. The actors react individually - with horror, with fear, with fascination.


Tuesday, September 23rd:

Shortened day!

Fantastic Duet Pantomime!

Working in pairs, actors pantomime an ordinary situation that undergoes a fantastic or totally unexpected, illogical and imagination-defying twist. The more outrageous and bizarre the twist, the better.

Example:

A dentist tries to extract a tooth, but refuses to budge. Pliers, rope and then finally dynamite are used. The dentist walks away, disgusted and the tooth falls out by itself.

A mad scientist wires up a monster, which comes alive and kills the scientist. The monster puts the scientist’s body on the table and brings it back to life as another monster.


Wednesday, September 24th:

Warm-ups!
Vocal and physical warm-ups
Relaxation
Sense Memory

Finish up the “Fantastic Duet Pantomime!”



Thursday, September 25th:

Warm-ups:
Vocal and physcial warm-ups
Relaxation
Sense Memory

Cocktail Party!

Groups of four are at a dinner party eating various foods - some tasty, some not so much - and drinking various drinks - all nonalcoholic, of course. Through pantomime the actors convey their like or dislike of the foods and what kind of food they are eating.


Friday, September 26th:

Solo Pantomime

A single actor pantomimes an activity that has a beginning, a middle and an end. Before the scene s/he announces the title of the scene.

Example:

An actor pantomimes playing pinball. S/he walks in and begins playing the machine facing the audience. Through her/his body and face the actor communicates whether s/he is winning or losing. When the game is over the actor leaves the stage.

Weekly Schedule
for
Beginning Acting
September 15th - 19th

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH:

Vocal, physical warm-ups
Relaxation techniques

Group pantomime:

One actor goes up on stage and begins an activity (playing in a rock band, an orchestra, painting a wall, shoveling snow, etc.); then a second person, without speaking, joins the activity; then a third, and so on until the entire group is involved in the activity.

Dream Journey:

The actors break into groups of four and create a dream story line. Actor number one begins the dream sequence - without dialogue - then at a prearranged signal from the first actor, the second actor enters the dream and playing with the first actor continues the dream - again without dialogue. Then the third actor appears and continues the dream - without dialogue - and finally the fourth actor enters and continues the dream. Then in reverse order, the first actor exits, the second actor exits, the third actor exits, leaving the fourth actor alone on stage.


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH:

SHORTENED DAY!

Vocal, physical warm-ups
Relaxation techniques

Finish the Dream Journey.

Imaginative Journey #1.



WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH:

Vocal, physical warm-ups
Relaxation techniques

Imaginative Journey #2






Theatre Games:

Break into groups of three. Create a distinctive movement and sound that represents each person the group. Each group then moves around the room using the movements and the sounds. Try to win as many other groups to your sound and movement as possible.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH:

Vocal, physical warm-ups
Relaxation techniques

Imaginative Journey #3

Theatre Games:

Break into groups of three. One actor strikes a pose. The other two quickly say what the pose reminds them of (example: a baseball pitcher! A prancing horse!) Don’t think too long - you only have about one second to spit it out! Then one of the other two actors taps the “sculpture” and replaces her/him and strikes a pose which the other two have to quickly name.

Variation:

One actor poses the second actor into a sculpture which the third actor quickly names; the third actor then poses the first actor in a sculpture which the second actor names. Time is of the essence and you are not going to be given much time to think or ponder the pose or of what the sculpture reminds you.


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH:

Vocal, physical warm-ups
Relaxation techniques

Living Patterns and Live Machines:

One actor makes a sound and a movement that a machine might make. A second actor joins her/him and becomes a second part of the machine; more actors join and become successive pieces and parts of the machine.


“The Bulgarian Game”:

One actor pretends that s/he is traveling through Bulgaria but of course, does not speak Bulgarian. S/he must buy an item from Bulgarians who do not speak English. They can only communicate with each other through pantomime. No talking is allowed.

Weekly Schedule
for
Beginning Acting
September 15th - 19th

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH:

Vocal, physical warm-ups
Relaxation techniques

Group pantomime:

One actor goes up on stage and begins an activity (playing in a rock band, an orchestra, painting a wall, shoveling snow, etc.); then a second person, without speaking, joins the activity; then a third, and so on until the entire group is involved in the activity.

Dream Journey:

The actors break into groups of four and create a dream story line. Actor number one begins the dream sequence - without dialogue - then at a prearranged signal from the first actor, the second actor enters the dream and playing with the first actor continues the dream - again without dialogue. Then the third actor appears and continues the dream - without dialogue - and finally the fourth actor enters and continues the dream. Then in reverse order, the first actor exits, the second actor exits, the third actor exits, leaving the fourth actor alone on stage.


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH:

SHORTENED DAY!

Vocal, physical warm-ups
Relaxation techniques

Finish the Dream Journey.

Imaginative Journey #1.



WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH:

Vocal, physical warm-ups
Relaxation techniques

Imaginative Journey #2






Theatre Games:

Break into groups of three. Create a distinctive movement and sound that represents each person the group. Each group then moves around the room using the movements and the sounds. Try to win as many other groups to your sound and movement as possible.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH:

Vocal, physical warm-ups
Relaxation techniques

Imaginative Journey #3

Theatre Games:

Break into groups of three. One actor strikes a pose. The other two quickly say what the pose reminds them of (example: a baseball pitcher! A prancing horse!) Don’t think too long - you only have about one second to spit it out! Then one of the other two actors taps the “sculpture” and replaces her/him and strikes a pose which the other two have to quickly name.

Variation:

One actor poses the second actor into a sculpture which the third actor quickly names; the third actor then poses the first actor in a sculpture which the second actor names. Time is of the essence and you are not going to be given much time to think or ponder the pose or of what the sculpture reminds you.


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH:

Vocal, physical warm-ups
Relaxation techniques

Living Patterns and Live Machines:

One actor makes a sound and a movement that a machine might make. A second actor joins her/him and becomes a second part of the machine; more actors join and become successive pieces and parts of the machine.


“The Bulgarian Game”:

One actor pretends that s/he is traveling through Bulgaria but of course, does not speak Bulgarian. S/he must buy an item from Bulgarians who do not speak English. They can only communicate with each other through pantomime. No talking is allowed.

This is a heads up regarding the week of finals. On Monday, the following people will present their scenes or monologues:

David and Terence: TRUE WEST
Lauren and Julius: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
Julius and Brenda: RUMORS
Alex and Blue: HOUSE SETTING

The final for 3rd period is Tuesday, June 24th at 7:40. The following people will present their scenes or monologues to me during the first hour of the final. After the presentation the actors will go outside to rehearse and then during the second half of the final, they will perform their scenes before the class.

If we run out of time and I do not see your initial presentation you still have to perform before the class in the last hour.
Remember that your "Biography", "A Day in the Life", "Who, What, Where, When" and "Objectives" are due on the day of the performance.

Daniela and Nicole
Albert
Sasha and Candace
Maria and Kathryn
Chalida
Maciah
Edvin
Yasmina

Meryl Streep's high school picture on the left







THE HOME STRETCH
FOR
INTERMEDIATE ACTING
WEEK OF JUNE 16TH


Monday, June 16th:

Today the following people are up for rehearsals:

David and Terrence with TRUE WEST
Alex and Blue are up with their scene.

Remember: seniors will present their scenes on Friday, June 20th.

Julius and Lauren: WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
David and Blue: TRUE WEST
Alex and Blue:


Tuesday, June 17th - Thursday, 19th:

I will work through the roster this week and work with as many scenes as I can. We will begin presenting the lower classmen’s scenes on Monday, June 23rd and will finish up on Tuesday, June 24th.

When you present your scenes you must turn in:

Your biography
Your “A Day in the Life” journals
Your “Who-What-Where-When” journals
Your “Objectives” journals

JUNE 9TH WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR
INTERMEDIATE ACTING


Monday, June 9th:

Present the “Photo” monologues today.

If you and your partner have presented your “Photo” monologues, then you may rehearse outside.


Tuesday, June 10th:

Present the “Photo” monologues today.

If you and your partner have presented your “Photo” monologues, then you may rehearse outside.


Wednesday, June 11th:

Finish up the “Photo” monologues today.


Thursday, June 12th:

Journal: “Biography”

The journals will be due on the day of performance.

Begin rehearsing with the seniors on their final acting scenes.

First up:

Julius and Lauren: WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?

Performance date for seniors: June 18th and 19th.


Friday, June 13th:

Journal: “ A Day in the Life”

The journals will be due on the day of performance.

Rehearse with: David and Terence on TRUE WEST

Performance date for seniors: June 18th and 19th.

INTERMEDIATE ACTING
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT
FOR
JUNE 2, 2008


MONDAY, JUNE 2nd:

Alonzo and Tricia will perform their memorized monologues today. Just so there is no confusion: these monologues were given quite some time ago and are from a published script.

Tape the AMAZING scene Terence Meadows wrote, and performed on Friday, with assistance from Edvin, Ahmad, Richard, David and Alex. Brilliant work, Terence! Bravos to all who worked on the scene!

Finish the second go round with the photo monologues. Just so there is no misunderstanding: this assignment, which most of you have already done, is to simply read to me what you have written as the character. It should be about three minutes long and should be written as if you are the character and you are speaking to someone about some issue or conflict in your character’s life. Everyone who has read her/his photo-based, self-written monologue has done a good job. If you have already read yours to me then begin rewriting according to the critiques and then commit to memory - in other words, memorize it. You will definitely perform your monologue this week. Become the character!


TUESDAY, JUNE 3rd:

Start performing the self-written and MEMORIZED photo-based monologues.


WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4th:

Finish up the self-written and MEMORIZED photo-based monologues.

THURSDAY, JUNE 5th:

A little breather: theatre games.

Begin working on the senior scenes. Senior fails need to be turned in on Friday, June 13th, and since seniors leave earlier in the semester, it is therefore necessary that I work with the seniors first. So I will work with Julius and Lauren today on their scene, WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?


FRIDAY, JUNE 6th:

Continue working with Julius and Lauren.

Start working with David and Terence on TRUE WEST.

The rest of you work with your scene partners on your scenes.

May 27th Schedule for Intermediate Acting

TUESDAY, MAY 27th:

We are going to blast through the readings of the monologues today and tomorrow, Wedneday, May 28th. That means you have to finish writing the monologue which you will then present to me. After a brief writer's conference with me, you will then rewrite it, memorize it, polish it and present it to the class starting on Thursday, May 29th.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28th:

We will continue blasting our way through the readings of the monologues today.

THURSDAY, MAY 29th:

We will begin presenting our written monologues today, which will be taped and critiqued.

FRIDAY, MAY 30th:

Continue presenting our written, memorized and polished monologues today, which will be taped and critiqued.

Starting next week I will begin rehearsing the next scenes with the seniors first.

MAY 19TH
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR
INTERMEDIATE ACTING



MONDAY, MAY 19th:

CALIFORNIA STATE TEST

3RD PERIOD DOES NOT MEET TODAY. So work on your outstanding journals, in both meanings of the word, write your monologue and/or memorize your lines.


TUESDAY, MAY 20th:

CALIFORNIA STATE TEST

3rd Period will meet today from 2:16 to 3: 26.

Today please work on your journals, your lines, and your monologues.


WEDNESDAY, MAY 21st:

CALIFORNIA STATE TEST

Today 3rd Period will meet from 2:16 to 3:16.

I will work with Alonzo and Tricia today.

We will then finish up the outstanding, in both meanings of the word, background presentations.


THURSDAY, MAY 22nd:

CALIFORNIA STATE TEST

Today 3rd Period will meet from 2:16 to 3:26.

Alonzo and Tricia will present their monologues today.

You must be finished with writing your monologue today. You will then present what you have written to me for feedback before you present to the class.


FRIDAY, MAY 23rd:

REGULAR SCHEDULE

We deseve a break today! So theatre games!

WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR
MAY 12TH
FOR
INTERMEDIATE ACTING


MONDAY, MAY 12TH:

Today we will watch a videotape of “Inside the Actors’ Studio with Johnny Depp”. You will watch the videotape, write down three important things Johnny Depp says about acting and then write if you agree or not with him.

If you are on probation, (and you know who you are) continue to read ten pages a day of the play, THE MIRACLE WORKER, and write a one page synopsis complete with reflection in order to get a passing grade in this class. Failure to do so will result in continued loss of performing privileges and a very strong probability of a fail in Intermediate Acting.


TUESDAY, MAY 13TH:

Continue working on your photo bios:

What is your character’s deepest fears?
What is the biggest disappointment your character has suffered?
What is the greatest love your character has experienced?

Three people will present their photos to the class and share the background they have created for the characters.

Today THE CHILDREN’S HOUR with Sasha, Candace, and Crystal will rehearse.


WEDNESDAY, MAY 14TH:

Continue working on your photo bios:

Three more people will present their photos to the class and share the background they have created for their character.

Today: Sasha, Candace and Crystal will perform their scene, THE CHILDREN’S HOUR.

Remember, you must turn in your character journals on the day of performance.

Sasha, Candace and Crystal will review their scene and write a reflection on their work.

THURSDAY, MAY 15TH:

Today we will work on the photo characters. Everyone will present what they have written. You will receive a grade for effort and creativity.


FRIDAY, MAY 16TH:

We will finish presenting our backgrounds on the characters today. For homework, you will write the first draft of the character’s monologue.

MAY 5TH
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR
INTERMEDIATE ACTING



MONDAY, MAY 5TH:

The actors who performed on Friday will watch their taped performances and then write reflections on their work.

This is a heads-up: We are going to plow through the remaining scenes this week and get them up and running by Friday. This means that I will work with you this week and that you must have your scenes memorized. If your lines are not memorized then you will receive a D for rehearsal.

Today: Alberto, Maria and Andrew will rehearse.

If you have not performed your scene yet, then you will rehearse a minimum of five times with your scene partner each day I do not work with you. You should spend some time creating the environment; establishing the relationship with the other character in your scene, and reconnecting with your objectives. You should be moving around on your feet with props in your character’s world.

During this time, you should also be working on your lines.

At no time should you be “resting” on the planters, trotting off to the restroom, hanging out with your buddies, playing the guitar or frolicking by the picnic tables.

Everyone else who has performed her/his scene will begin working on creating a character based on the photos.

Today you will create a background story for your photo character: minimum of three pages. Must be detailed.


TUESDAY, MAY 6TH:

Today: Anais, Alicia and Tatevik, and Jazmin will rehearse.

Check Monday’s agenda. Ditto for Tuesday.



WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TH:

Today: Kathryn, Crystal Munoz, Junior will rehearse.

Check Tuesday’s agenda. Ditto for Wednesday. However, today, you will begin working on a “Day in the Life” biography for your character. This should be at least three pages and in detail.

THURSDAY, MAY 8TH:

Today we will see performances by:

Alberto, Maria and Andrew

These scenes will be taped and critiqued by the audience, and then the actors will watch their scenes and write reflections on their performances.


FRIDAY, MAY 9TH:

Today we will finish up with the remaining performances.

APRIL 28TH
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR
INTERMEDIATE ACTING


MONDAY, APRIL 28th:

Lauren and Alex will perform their scene today from MONTY PYTHON, which will be critiqued by the class.

Their scene will be videotaped and they and the other two scenes from Friday will watch the tape and write a reflection on their work.

Remember: Your acting journal is due on the day of performance. It should include your “A Day in the Life...”, the character’s biography, the “Who, What, Where, When” journal, and the objectives.

If there is time I will work with Maria and her scene partner today.


TUESDAY, APRIL 29th:

Shortened day!

Today the following scenes are up today:

Tymonisha and Priscilla in THE CHILDREN’S HOUR
Roxanna and Julius in “Nightmare”

The class will critique the scenes.

The scenes will be videotaped and the actors will watch the scenes and write a reflection on their work.

Your journals are due at the time of performance.


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30th:

Warm-ups: vocal and physical
Sense memory and emotion memory exercises
Physical task

Today I will work with Leslie, Edvin and Anais on AGNES OF GOD.


THURSDAY, MAY 1st:

Warm-ups: vocal and physical
Sense memory and emotion memory exercises
Physical tasks.

Today, Joseline and her scene partner are up.
I will also work with Tatevik and Alicia.


FRIDAY, MAY 2nd:

Today the following scenes are up:

Chalida and Blue in ONLY YOU.

Leslie, Edvin and Anais in AGNES OF GOD.

The actors will perform their scenes which will be taped and critiqued by the class. The actors will then watch the tape and write a reflection on their work.

Remember your acting journals are due on the day of performance.

APRIL 21st
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR
INTERMEDIATE ACTING


MONDAY, APRIL 21st:

Warm-ups: physical and vocal.
Theatre Games: Cocktail Party! But the catch is: you are your character.

Work with: Lauren and Alex

Lauren and Alex will present this Friday April 25th.


TUESDAY, APRIL 22nd:

Warm-ups: physical and vocal.

Due to technical difficulties, the following scenes will be taped without an audience:

Maciah and Crystal
Richard and Kristoff

After viewing their scenes, they will write a reflection on their performance.


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23rd:

Warm-ups: physical and vocal.
Subtext exercise.

Work with Edvin and Candace on AGNES OF GOD.


THURSDAY, APRIL 24th:

Work with Terrence and David today in preparation for their scene tomorrow.
Work with Alicia and Tatevik on “For Julia”.


FRIDAY, APRIL 25th:

The following scenes will perform today:

Terrence and David
Ahmad and Miguel
Lauren and Alex

The scenes will be taped. Everyone will do a critique. The performers will watch their scenes in playback and then write a reflection. Remember: your journals are due on the day of performance.

April 14th Agenda for Intermediate Acting

DANIEL DAY-LEWIS



MONDAY, APRIL 14TH:

Journal: Go through your script and write next to each exchange between you and the other character, what your objective is or in other words, what do you want to achieve or what change do you want to effect in the other character.

Warm-ups, vocal exercises, sense and memory exercises.

Work with Richard and Kristof on MASS APPEAL. They will present their scene on Friday, April 18th.

Work with Ty and Priscilla on THE CHILDREN’S HOUR.



TUESDAY, APRIL 15TH:

Work with Terrence and David on ANGELS IN AMERICA. They will present their scene on Friday, April 18th.

Maciah and Crystal will present their scene today: “The Aunt”.

Everyone will critique the scene. Then Maciah and Crystal will review their scene and write a self-reflection on the scene.


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16TH:

Warm-ups, vocal exercises, sense and memory exercises.

Work with Edvin and Candace on AGNES OF GOD.

Work with Nicole and Daniele on PLUM PINK PEDICURE.


THURSDAY, APRIL 17TH:

Work with Tatevik and Alicia on FOR JULIA. They will present their scene on Tuesday, April 22nd.

Ahmad and Miguel will present their scene, ANGELS IN AMERICA.

Everyone will critique the scene. Then Ahmad and Miguel will watch the playback of their scene and write a self-reflection of their work.


Friday, April 18th:

Today the following people will perform: Richard, Kristoff, Terrence and David.
The scenes will be taped; the class will critique the scenes, and the actors will then view their performances and write a self-reflection on their work.

Weekly Agenda 4/7/08

APRIL 7TH
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR
INTERMEDIATE ACTING


MONDAY, APRIL 7TH:

Now don’t be too happy, but I won’t be here today. So you are to work quietly on your scenes with your scene partner.


TUESDAY, APRIL 8TH:

Shortened Day!

Journal: Describe a typical day in the life of the character. Discuss how and where s/he lives, the type of job s/he has, the kinds of friends your character has, the family your character has. What does s/he enjoy doing? What does your character have to do but hates having to do it? What kind of music does the character like? Which group or types of people does your character identify with? What are your character’s fears? What is your character’s dark secret?

I’m back and I hope I’m feeling better. If I am, then we will do some much needed vocal exericise, sense memory and emotion memory exercises.

Today, I will work with Miguel’s scene.


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9TH:

Journal: Continue working on Tuesday’s journal. It should be several pages long.

Warmups: Vocal exercises; sense memory and emotion memory exercises.

Today I will work with:

Ahmad’s scene.
Blue Cooke’s scene.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10TH:

THEATRE GAMES!

Today I will work with:

Terrence Meadow’s scene.


FRIDAY, APRIL 11TH:

Today, the following scenes are up: Ahmad’s scene and Blue’s scene. These will be taped and the actors will then watch and write a journal on what they liked about the scene, and how they can improve. This reflection should be at least half a page.

MARCH 31ST
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR
INTERMEDIATE ACTING



MONDAY, MARCH 31ST:

Warm-ups: relaxation, vocal exercises, sense memory and emotion memory.

Journal: Read your scene multiple times and write a background biography of your character, answering the following questions: what does your character want from the other character? What is your relationship with the other character? Where is the scene taking place? Describe it physically.

Begin working on scenes today. Today I will work with Ty and Priscilla.


TUESDAY, APRIL 1ST:

Warm-ups: relaxation, vocal exercises, sense memory and emotion memory.

Journal: Describe a typical day in the life of your character. This is just a start; you are simply laying the foundation for your character and as you get to know the character, this information may change. Try to be as complete as possible.

Begin working on scenes today. I will work with Anais and her scene partners today.


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2ND:

Warm-ups: relaxation, vocal exercises, sense memory and emotion memory.

Journal: Continue working on your “A Day in the Life of....” What kind of job does your character do during the day? If your character is a student, where does s/he attend school? What does s/he study? What is this person good at? What does this person struggle with? What are this person’s goals?

Today Alex and his scene partner will be up.


THURSDAY, APRIL 3RD:

Same.

Today I will work with David and his scene partner.


FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH:

I won’t be here today so I would like for you to work on your scenes with your scene partners.

March 24th Weekly Assignment for Intermediate Acting

MARCH 24TH
WEEKLY AGENDA
FOR
INTERMEDIATE ACTING

MONDAY, MARCH 24TH:

Warm-ups: relaxation exercises, vocal exercises, sense and memory exercises.
Finish up the observation exercises.

For those of you who are going to Theatre Fest, PLEASE FIND A SCENE!

TUESDAY, MARCH 25TH:

Warm-ups: relaxation exercises, vocal exercises, sense and memory exercises.

Please bring three to five photos (torn out magazine or newspaper pictures of non famous people). Choose one and analyze the person. What kind of person is in the photo? Where is s/he from? Who are her/his parents? What is her/his family like? What are this person’s hopes? Dreams? What is this person’s darkest secret? What are this person’s deepest fears? Where is this person? Describe the environment. Who is in the scene with this person? What is the person doing? What was s/he doing ten minutes ago? This morning?

We will share your journals.

For those of you going to Theatre Fest, please present to me the scene or monologue you will be doing.


WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26TH:

Warm-ups: relaxation exercises, vocal exercises, sense and memory exercises.

Continue working on journals.

Today I will work with those who are going to THEATRE FEST.


THURSDAY, MARCH 27TH:

Same as Wednesday.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH:

Guest speaker! Theatre games!

March 17th Weekly Schedule for Intermediate Acting

March 17th Weekly Schedule
for
Intermediate Acting


Monday, March 17th:

Vocal Warm-ups, relaxation and sense memory exercises.
Finish up the animal studies.
Begin our “observation” exercises in which you observe someone you see on a fairly frequent basis. Then, you become that person engaged in some sort of activity which you have seen that person do.
Begin looking for a scene or monologue you would like to do for Theatre Fest.

Tuesday, March 18th:

Continue our “observation” exercise.
Bring in three to five photos of people whom you find intriguing. The photos may be from magazines. Please do not choose anyone famous.


Wednesday, March 19th:

Finish up the animal studies today.
Choosing one photo, write an imaginary character based on that photo.
Continue choosing scenes or monologues to work on.

Thursday, March 20th:

Vocal Warm-ups; relaxation and sense memory exercises.
Continue working on imaginary character.
Final decision on scenes or monologues.

Friday, March 21st:

Vocal Warm-ups; relaxation and sense memory exercises.
Continue working on imaginary character.
Begin work on scenes. You will volunteer to present your scene for rehearsal.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR INTERMEDIATE ACTING
MARCH 10, 2008

Monday, March 10th:

Relaxation exercises, vocal exercises, sense memory exercises.

Finish the “Entrance Game”.

If we have time, we will do some theatre games.



Tuesday, March 11th:

Shortened Day!

Relaxation exercises, vocal exercises, sense memory exercises.

Animal studies. Observe an animal: how does it move, how does it investigate the rest of the world, how does it relate to others? Create a human with those characteristics.


Wednesday, March 12th:

Animal studies. You will perform your “animal” for the enjoyment of the class, and the class will try to guess the animal you used to build your character.


Thursday, March 13th:

Continue the animal studies.


Friday, March 14th:

Assignment: Choose a person who you see on a fairly regular basis and then “become” that person for a few minutes (two to three minutes). Notice how the person walks, where and how s/he carries his/her weight, where the person carries her/his tension? Notice the person’s posture; how does the way the person carries himself/herself reveals how the person feels about the world and about his/her place in it? Try to see the world through your character’s eyes. No judgments.

We will begin this assignment today and continue on Monday.