September 29th Weekly Agenda for Beginning Acting

Tuesday, September 29th:

Shortened day!

Finish up monologues.

Wednesday, September 30th:

Begin theatre games!

Vocal exercises
Physical warm-ups
Emotion memories

Thursday, October 1st:

Theatre exercises

Vocal exercises
Physical warm-ups
Emotion memories

Friday, October 2nd:

Improv!
Theatre games

September 21st Weekly Agenda for Beginning Acting:

This week you will be presenting your monologues. Since there are over fifty of you in the class it will probably take about a week. You will then be assigned to Mr. Itkin's class or to my class. We will then begin working on acting exercises and scenes. And yes, the monologues must be memorized.

BEGINNING ACTING
Welcome to Beginning Acting. The class is taught by Kate Bridges and will be combined with Mr. Itkin’s Advanced Acting class.
Each day the class will start with vocal exercises, stretches, physical warm-ups and acting exercises - some of them fun, some of them weird. But everyone is expected to participate and the grade will be based in part on participation.

We will do theatre games - particularly in the beginning of the semester. The games are fun and do require everyone to get up on her or his feet and participate. The games do serve a purpose and are designed to help the young actor grow.
During the first half of the semester, you will pair up or work in small groups of three or four and create scenes and/or pantomimes according to a set guide line which you will perform for a grade.

As the semester progresses, you will be given a monologue from which you will develop a character. The process which you will use to create a living, believable character will include improvs and exercises you will perform in front of the class, and written work on the character which will include creating a background for the character, a day in the life of the character, objectives of the character, and a “Who-What-Where-When” journal on the scene. These will be turned in for a grade. The monologue will be committed to memory and performed in front of the class.

You will also choose scenes and scene partners, create believable characters through the process described above, commit the lines to memory and perform the scenes in front of the class - complete with props and blocking.
You will rehearse with me twice. You will present to me what you have created on your own; I will direct and block your scene which you will then rehearse. A few days later you will rehearse the scene for me but this time fully memorized and with props and blocking. You will then be scheduled to perform the scene or monologue in front of the class.

You will perform one memorized monologue and at least two memorized scenes during the semester in addition to the group pantomimes and group created scenes.

The class will learn to critique the scenes and monologues and write criticisms or critiques of the work which will be turned in for a grade. The performer will be videotaped and then observe her/his work and write a self reflection on the performance which will also be turned in for a grade.

You will also be expected to keep a notebook which will include your written work and your scripts.

As a member of the performing arts magnet, you will be expected to usher and work tech on at least one show per semester and to see all of the plays, and dance and vocal productions put on by the magnet.
This should be a fun but also very demanding class. Because of the nature of the class it is important that we treat each other with respect at all times so that we may feel safe to create.

The grades will be determined by the following:
Participation: 35%
Monologue: 15%
Scene: 20%
Scene: 20%
Written Work: 5%
Outside participation in magnet productions: 5%

The week’s agenda will be posted at hollywoodhighschool.net under teachers’ blogs, under jbridges and under Beginning Acting. You are expected to check it at least once a week to keep abreast of the class’s agenda. If you have a question please feel free to contact me at jkatbridge@aol.com.

Sincerely,

KATE BRIDGES

backstagewest






MAY 26th - MAY 29th WEEKLY AGENDA FOR INTERMEDIATE ACTING

This week the following people will perform their scenes:
Melissa and Daniel in BIRDS WITHOUT WINGS
Adrianna, Cristina, Leonie and Tayllor in THE CHILDREN’S HOUR
Amanda and Jonathan in MOON OVER THE BREWERY
Josue, Jennifer Sanchez, Christiina Saavedra and Ashley will also do their second rehearsal and their final performance THIS WEEK!

Tuesday, May 26th:
No shortened day today!
Animal studies! Those of you who have not performed your character’s animal study must do it this week.
Today, the following scenes are up for their second rehearsal:
Melissa and Daniel in BIRDS WITHOUT WINGS
Adrianna, Cristina, Leonie and Tayllor in THE CHILDREN’S HOUR
Amanda and Jonathan in MOON OVER THE BREWEARY
THE ABOVE SCENES WILL PERFORM THEIR SCENES ON THURSDAY, MAY 28TH.

Wednesday, May 27th:
Animal studies!
Today, the following actors are up for their second rehearsal:
Josue, Jennifer Sanchez, Christina Saavedra and Ashley will do their second rehearsall and their final performance on Friday, May 29th.

Thursday, May 28th:
The following scenes will perform today:
BIRDS WITHOUT WINGS
MOON OVER THE BREWERY
THE CHILDREN’S HOUR
The scenes will be videotaped, and critiqued and then the actors will view the tape and write a reflection on their work.
Please remember that the Who-What-Where-When journal is due on the day of the performance.

Friday, May 29th:
Josue, Jennifer Sanchez, Cristina Saavedra and Ashley will perform their scenes today.

MAY 18th - MAY 22nd WEEKLY AGENDA FOR INTERMEDIATE ACTING


Monday, May 18th:
CST BELL SCHEDULE!
Performers:
Gabby and Mara in WORKING GIRL!
2nd Rehearsal with:
Malika and Jazmine in FAMILY SCENE
Melissa and Daniel in BIRDS WITHOUT WINGS

Tuesday, May 19th - Wednesday, May 20th:
CST BELL SCHEDULE!
NO FIFTH PERIOD!

Thursday, May 21st:
CST BELL SCHEDULE
Performers:
Axelle and Tennessee in JULIET REVISITED
Malika and Jazmine in FAMILY SCENE
Melissa and Daniel in BIRDS WITHOUT WINGS

Friday, May 22nd:
REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE
The performers from this week will view their taped scenes and write a reflection on their work.
Theater Games!

MAY 11th - MAY 15th INTERMEDIATE ACTING AGENDA


MONDAY, MAY 11th:
Warm-ups: Vocal and Physical
Sense and Emotion memory exercises
Animal Studies
Work with: Jessica and Tyrone, and Mara and Gabriela
Work with one new scene.
Devante, Ivan, Eduardo and Eddie will view their scenes and write a reflection on their work.
As soon as you finish your scene you must find a new scene with a new (different) partner.
Please remember to turn in your “Who-What-Where-When Journals” when you have performed your scene.

TUESDAY, MAY 12th:
Not a shortened day today!
Performers:
Jessica and Tyrone
Katherine and Jennifer
Scenes will be videotaped, critiqued and the actors will view their work and write a reflection.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13th:
Warm-ups: Physical and Vocal
Sense and Emotion memory exercises
Animal studies
Work with two new scenes today.

THURSDAY, MAY 14th:
Warm-ups: Physical and Vocal
Sense and Emotion memory exercises
Animal studies
Mara and Gabriela will perform their scene today. The scene will be taped, critiqued and the actors will review their work and write a reflection on it.
Please remember to turn in your “Who-What-Where-When Journal” when your perform your scene.
Another scene will be rehearsed today.

FRIDAY, MAY 15th:
Theatre games and rehearsals.

MAY 4th - MAY 8th WEEKLY AGENDA FOR INTERMEDIATE ACTING

MONDAY, MAY 4TH:
Warm-ups: Physical, vocal, sense and memory
Animal Studies
Work with two scenes today.

TUESDAY, MAY 5th:
Shortened day!
Today Devonte Raye and Ivan Santiago will perform GOOD WILL HUNTING.
Those who have not watched their scenes yet will view their work and write a self reflection.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6th:
Warm-ups.
Animal Studies
Work with two more scenes which will perform their scenes on Friday, May 8th.

THURSDAY, MAY 7th:
Warm-ups.
Work with two more scenes which will perform their scenes on Tuesday, May 12th.

FRIDAY, MAY 8th:
Warm-ups.
Two scenes will perform today, which will be critiqued by the class, taped and then viewed by the actors who will write a reflection on their work.

APRIL 27th - MAY 1st WEEKLY AGENDA
FOR INTERMEDIATE ACTING

Monday, April 27th:
Warm-ups: Vocal and Physical
Relaxation Exercises
Journal: Who-What-Where-When
Today Katherine Gonzalez will perform her monologue.
Those who performed their monologues on Thursday, will watch the tape of their work and write a reflection.

Tuesday, April 28th:
Shortened day.
Animal Studies
Work with two actors on their scene.
Everyone must have a scene and a scene partner by today.

Wednesday, April 29th:
Warm-ups: Vocal and Physical
Relaxation Exercises
Animal Studies
Journal: Who-What-Where-When
Work with two actors on their scene.

Thursday, April 30th:
Warm-ups: Vocal and Physical
Relaxation Exercises
Animal Studies
Go through your scene and write your major objective(s) and then for each line write the minor objectives you have to achieve the major objective(s).
Work with two actors on their scenes.

Friday, May 1st:
Two scenes will be performed today. The scenes will be taped, the audience members will write their critiques on the performances and the actors will watch the tape of their work and write a reflection.

April 20th - April 24th Weekly Agenda for
Intermediate Acting

EXPECTED SCHOOL WIDE LEARNING RESULTS:
Effective Communicators
Critical Thinkers

Monday, April 20th:
Warm-ups: Vocal exercises, physical exercises, sense and memory exercises
Performances today:
Tennessee Prieto
Devante Raye
Mara Patterson
The scenes will be taped, the class will write their critiques which they will share with the actors; then the actors will watch the tape of their work and then write a reflection.

Tuesday, April 21st:
Shortened Day!
Warm-ups!
Performances today:
Leonie
Eduardo
The scenes will be taped, the class will write their critiques which they will share with the actors; then the actors will watch the tape of their work and then write a reflection.

Wednesday, April 22nd:
Warm-ups!
I will work with those students who have not performed their scenes yet. You must perform your scenes this week!
Amanda Clancy
Adrianna Lemus
Jennifer Meza
Tayllor Robertson
The rest of the class must find a scene and a scene partner, get my approval and then begin rehearsing.

Thursday, April 23rd:
Those students who have not performed their scenes yet must perform them today.

Friday, April 24th:
Those students who have not performed their scenes yet must perform them today.

APRIL 13th - APRIL 17th ACTING CLASS AGENDA

Monday, April 13th:
Please be sure to turn in your trip slip today. Let us know if you have a lunch ticket and would like to take your school lunch with you on Wednesday; otherwise, please take enough money with you (minimum five dollars) to buy lunch there in Pasadena.
This week everyone who has not performed must perform her/his scene by Friday.
Today I will work with three actors.



Tuesday, April 14th:
Shortened day!
Today Ashley Lowe and Jennifer Sanchez will perform their scenes today. The scenes will be taped, the students will write their critiques and the actors will watch their scenes and write a reflection on their work.

Wednesday, April 15th:
Please meet at the Hawthorne Gate at 9 am. You may dress “nice/casual”; please do not wear flip-flops, shorts or tee-shirts.

Thursday, April 16th:
If you have not performed your scene yet, you must rehearse with me.

Friday, April 17th:
Today we will finish presenting the photo monologues.
The class will write their critiques, the scenes will be taped and then the actors will view and write a reflection on their work.

MARCH 30th - APRIL 3rd WEEKLY AGENDA FOR ACTING CLASS

Monday, March 30th:

Daniel Cruz and Jazmine Mcneese will perform their monologues today in front of the class. The scenes will be videotaped and critiqued by the class and then the performers will watch their scenes and write a reflection on their work.
Today I will work with Katherine on a redo of her scene.
After you have finished your monologue then you will find a scene and a scene partner with approval by me.

Tuesday, March 31st:

Shortened day!
Katherine will perform her redo.
Another monologue will be scheduled for rehearsal with me. The actor will perform her/his scene on Friday, April 3rd. Remember, your monologue must be memorized by now.

Wednesday, April 1st:

Warm-ups: Physical and vocal.
Sense and Emotion memory exercises.
Work with two more actors on their monologues. Remember, your monologues must be memorized by now.

Thursday, April 2nd:

Warm-ups: Physical and vocal.
Sense and emotion memory exercises.
Work with two more actors on their monologues. Remember, your monologues must be memorized by now.


Friday, April 3rd:

Those actors who have rehearsed with me this week will do their monologues today!

MARCH 23rd - MARCH 27th WEEKLY AGENDA FOR ACTING

Monday, March 23rd:
Performances:
Josue
Gabriella
Melissa
The scenes will be videotaped and the class will write a critique of their performances. The actors will then view the tape of their performances and write a reflection.

Tuesday, March 24th:
Shortened day!
When you are sent outside to work, you must read through your scene at least twice; then you need to stand up, block and work on business using props in your scene. You need to do a full out run-through of your scene at least three times. If you are caught running around, or sitting and talking/laughing/fooling around with your friend(s) then you will get an “F” for the day.
When I call you in to rehearse, you must have the scene memorized or you will receive an automatic fail for the rehearsal.
Today two actors will rehearse with me.

Wednesday, March 25th:
When you are sent outside to work, you must read through your scene at least twice; then you need to stand up, block and work on business using props in your scene. You need to do a full out run-through of your scene at least three times. If you are caught running around, or sitting and talking/laughing/fooling around with your friend(s) then you will get an “F” for the day.
When I call you in to rehearse, you must have the scene memorized or you will receive an automatic fail for the rehearsal.
Today two actors will rehearse with me.
Thursday, March 26th:
When you are sent outside to work, you must read through your scene at least twice; then you need to stand up, block and work on business using props in your scene. You need to do a full out run-through of your scene at least three times. If you are caught running around, or sitting and talking/laughing/fooling around with your friend(s) then you will get an “F” for the day.
When I call you in to rehearse, you must have the scene memorized or you will receive an automatic fail for the rehearsal.
Today two actors will rehearse with me.
Those who rehearsed this week will perform their monologues on Friday.

Friday, March 27th:
Three people will perform today. Their scenes will be videotaped and the class will write a critique on their performances. Then the actors will view their taped work and write a reflection on their performances.

MARCH 16th - MARCH 20th AGENDA FOR ACTING CLASS


Monday, March 16th:
Vocal Warm-ups!
Sense and emotion memory exercises.
Today I will work with two people today. Please bring your script with you every day and have it memorized.
If you have already performed your monologue, then please find another scene with a scene partner.

Tuesday, March 17th:
Shortened day!
Vocal Warm-ups!
Sense and emotion memory exercises.
Today I will work with one person today. Please bring your script with you every day and have it memorized.
If you have already performed your monologue, then please find another scene with a scene partner.

Wednesday, March 18th:
Vocal Warm-ups!
Sense and emotion memory exercises.
Today I will work with two people today. Please bring your script with you every day and have it memorized.
If you have already performed your monologue, then please find another scene with a scene partner.



Thursday, March 19th:
If I have worked with you on your monologue then you will perform today. The class will observe your work and then write a critique on the performance.
After you have performed your monologue, which will be taped, you will observe the tape and then write a reflection on your work.

Friday, March 20th:
No class today. Minimum day today. School dismissed at 12:40.

MARCH 9th - MARCH 13th
WEEKLY AGENDA FOR DRAMA B

Monday, March 9th:
Worked with Jessica and Malika

Tuesday, March 10th:
Shortened day.
Sense memory exercises.
Work with Malika and Melissa

Wednesday, March 11th:
Performances:
Tyrone
Eddie
Jessica
These performances will be taped and critiqued by the class. The performers will watch their taped performances and then write a reflection on their work.
After you have performed your scene, then find a scene to do with a scene partner you have not worked with before.

Thursday, March 12th:
Sense and emotion memory exercieses.
Work with Jazmine and Ivan



Friday, March 13th:
Performances:
Jazmyne
Melissa
Malika
These performances will be taped and critiqued by the class. The performers will watch their taped performances and then write a reflection on their work.
After you have performed your monologue, then find a scene to do with a scene partner you have not worked with before.

ACTING AGENDA
FOR MARCH 2ND - MARCH 6TH

MONDAY, MARCH 2ND:
Warm-ups: Physical, Vocal, and Sense and Emotional Memory Exercises
Rewrites of monologues

TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD:
SHORTENED DAY!
Begin presenting second drafts/rehearsals with me.
When you have presented your draft to me and rehearsed, then you should go outside, rewrite, polish and rehearse your monologue.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH:
Continue presenting second drafts/rehearsals
When you have presented your draft to me and rehearsed, then you should go outside, rewrite, polish and rehearse your monologue.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5TH
Begin presenting your rewritten scene to the class. You should treat your self written monologue as a regular monologue: it must have blocking and business and it must be memorized.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27th:
Continue presenting your final written scene. It must be memorized.

ACTING AGENDA
FOR FEBRUARY 23RD - FEBRUARY 27TH

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD:
Warm-ups: Physical, Vocal, and Sense and Emotional Memory Exercises
Rewrites of monologues

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH:
SHORTENED DAY!
Begin presenting second drafts/rehearsals
When you have presented your draft to me and rehearsed, then you should go outside, rewrite, polish and rehearse your monologue.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH:
Continue presenting second drafts/rehearsals
When you have presented your draft to me and rehearsed, then you should go outside, rewrite, polish and rehearse your monologue.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH:
Continue presenting second drafts/rehearsals
When you have presented your draft to me and rehearsed, then you should go outside, rewrite, polish and rehearse your monologue.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27th:
Begin presenting your final written scene. It must be memorized.

BEGINNING ACTING
WEEKLY AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 16TH - 20TH


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16th:
Day off!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH:
Sense memory exercises
Vocal exercises
Continue presenting your pictures and a brief bio of the character you are developing.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH:
Sense memory exercises
Vocal exercises
Continue presenting your pictures and a brief bio of the character you are developing.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH:
Sense memory exercises
Vocal exercises
Start writing the first draft of your monologue.
Some questions to think about as you are writing:
Where are you (the character)?
To whom are you speaking?
What is the situation in which you are involved?
What do you (the character) want to happen?
PLEASE DO NOT START THE MONOLOGUE WITH “HI, MY NAME IS.....”
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH:
Continue writing the monologue.
Create the environment in which your scene takes places.

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.