Acting Theories

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The subject provides FAMU International

Contents

Acting Theories explores a variety of approaches to the art of acting, beginning with Stanislavski’s tools for the creation of psychological character and Michael Chekhov's tools for physicalizing intentions. Approaches stemming from Meyerhold’s emphasis on physical expressivity are also explored, and leads into Lecoq's techniques for training an actor to be physically responsive to images. The course continues to look at techniques for the creation of a psychologically truthful character by examining the Method teachers (Strasberg, Adler and Meisner) as well as techniques for immediate expressivity by introducing the student's to Anne Bogart's Viewpoints. Brecht and Grotowski are also explored. As each approach is introduced, in-class exercises demonstrate some of the techniques used by that particular acting teacher. This is why class size has to be limited so that there is space and time for everyone to participate in the exercises.

Learning outcomes

• To become familiar with vocabulary and key concepts related to the art of acting
• To understand basic theories of Stanislavski, Chekhov, Meyerhold, Lecoq, Method Acting teachers, Johnstone, Bogart, Brecht, Grotowski and Bresson.
• To be able to compare approaches to acting as developed by major acting teachers
• To become familiar with core exercises related to different schools of acting
• To apply acting theories to practical work with actors

Prerequisites and other requirements

Open only to degree students.

During a check of study plans, the course 311ACT2 can be replaced with the course 311AT.

Literature

Hodge, Alison (2009). Twentieth Century Actor Training. (London: Routledge).

Johnstone, Keith. (1981). Impro. (New York: Routledge).

Meisner, Sanford, with Sydney Pollack. (1987). Sanford Meisner On Acting. (New York: Vintage).

Petit, Lenard.(2009). The Michael Chekhov Handbook for the Actor. (London: Routledge).

Zarelli, Phillip. (1995) Acting (Re) Considered: Theories and Practices. (London: Routledge).

Evaluation methods and criteria

Students are expected to regularly attend class and fully participate in the exercises. Student must have, without exception, a minimum of 70% attendance to pass the course (more is expected).

A final grade is calculated is in this way:

40% - In-class participation in exercises, attendance

30% - Written response to readings

15% - Midterm test on material covered in the course

15% - Final test on material covered in the course

Note

The subject is not taught every year. The subject is taught at least once every three academic years.

Further information

No schedule has been prepared for this course

The subject is a part of the following study plans

• Cinema and Digital Media - Directing (Required elective subjects)