Students work on basic acting skills, e.g., developing the ability to produce free, imaginative, and purposeful behavior in relation to environments, objects, and other persons; individual silent exercises; and group exercises. This work leads to in-class performances of selected scenes from a variety of American contemporary plays, with special focus on the sensory requirements in the text. 


How does the actor create character, story, meaning onstage? This course provides the student with a secure and supportive learning environment necessary for the development of fine acting work. It is an intentional space of group-generated discovery, risk, growth and thoughtful play. Preparing to perform is the work; the performance is a “release of the preparation.” Preparing the actor includes relaxation, physical, vocal and imaginative exercises, text analysis, research, critical discussion and feedback, and diligent rehearsal outside of class.