In this course we will use Viewpoints, Meisner and other improvisation based acting techniques to fully explore, rehearse and present a play. The goal of our work will be to retain the truth, life and presence that we discover in the process of improvisation as we move into performance. How do you hold on to the fullest expression of what was discovered when you have to repeat it? Our process will include a deep investigation of character development, essence of character relationships to one another, and character relationships to the world of the play. All of this work, as well as the final staging, will be accomplished through physical theater exploration. Text analysis, character and world of the play written and visual research will also be required. All casting and play selection decisions will be discussed with the ensemble in an effort to allow each actor to bring themselves fully to the work. Every effort will be made to provide an accurate and adequate ethnocultural context for the play(s) chosen.
Learning Outcomes:
-practice staying present and alive in the moment while acting
-practice getting out of your head and increasing your trust in kinesthetic awareness and response
-strengthen capacity for collaboration within an ensemble
-practice engaging your body fully in your acting
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
Viewpoints Groundwork or permission of instructor - email: jrohn@bennington.edu
Corequisites: Dance or Drama Lab Assignment
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
T/F 2:10PM - 4:00PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Drama , Four Credit , Fully In-Person
Tags: acting , improvisation , physical theater