Honors Drama

 

In Honors Drama you will study the acting techniques know as Pratical Aesthetics. This was originally conceived by David Mamet and William H. Macy. Practical Aesthetics is based in the practice of breaking down a scene using a three step analysis that entails the following:

 

1) THE LITERAL: The essential and most basic description of what is taking place.

 

2) THE ESSENTIAL ACTION: An evocative and relevant description of what the actor wants within the scene. It is essential to understand that what the character is doing and what the actor is doing are separate.

 

3) THE AS IF: The "as if" relates the "essential action" to the actors own life. For example: ESSENTIAL ACTION: To retrieve what is rightfully mine. AS IF: it's as if my girlfriend has taken away my favorite album that i was going to give as a gift. I need to retrieve it as it is mine. This step is a memory device. A spark to involve the actor in the scene. It helps the actor escape the fiction. Find the truth and apply it elsewhere.

 

Theatre history and the role of the playwright in society will continue. Non-western artists will be studied, as will the alternative acting methods and theories, such as those of Anne Bogart.

 

This course is an honors class and is meant as an in depth study of drama. Scene work in pairs and as individuals will continue as will written analysis of plays and acting. The texts chosen will reflect the rigor of this honors level class.

 

The role of the director will be explored and you will be expected to take the leadership role that a director of theatre must. 

 

Grading

 

75% of your grade is Class Participation (a weekly class participation reflection is due every Friday) and Preparation. Writing assignments pertaining to a presentation are considered an important component to this grade.

Participation and preparation :

Coming to class on time

Coming to class prepared with your homework  - this may include memorizing a script, doing research on your playwright and many other things

Creating a safe place in which to explore and be vulnerable and honest

Having an open attitude to what we are going to accomplish in class

Making sure every participant in class understands that you are treating them with respect

Dressing appropriately for the work to be done. Clothes that restrict your movement will hinder your participation in class. Clothes that are appropriate for school are required.

Be prepared for presentation. It is essential that you are prepared to present when you are expected to. In a class in which many presentations are expected, a schedule must be followed.

25% of your grade is made up of writing assignments not specifically related to performance (reviews and quizzes).