“People are sitting at a table having dinner, that’s all, but at the same time their happiness is being created, or their lives are being torn apart.”-Anton Chekhov
In this advanced acting course, we will delve deeply into the life and plays of Anton Chekhov through research, discussion, and performance. Chekhov’s plays present an actor with both unique challenges (buried action and his use of subtext) and the great gift of his rare and profound insight into the human condition. The characters in his plays may feel trapped but they dream of being released and truly believe that they will be released. We will investigate the social and political forces at work in Chekhov’s time in order to more fully understand how to portray his characters and tell his stories. Guest speakers, reading and text analysis assignments, watching and analyzing taped performances will create the foundation for our work on monologues and scenes.
Class time will be divided up to include large and small group discussions, individual coachings, and scene rehearsals.
Students should be able to participate during shared class time via Zoom with a solid internet connection for group meetings/rehearsals and the ability to download digital written material/scripts. Students must have private space- remote or on-campus- for rehearsal where they can feel free to explore vocally, emotionally, and physically.
Learning Outcomes:
Delivery Method: Hybrid in-person and remote, with faculty remote
Prerequisites:One 4000 level acting course and permission of the instructor.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
T/F 1:40PM-5:20PM (2nd seven weeks)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: All courses , Drama
Tags: acting , close readings and text analysis , research