Advanced Drama

In Advanced Drama, you will study the methods of Uta Hagen. Hagen is one of the most important American acting teachers. Her teachings emphasize relationship and specificity in physical action that easily lends itself to emotional specificity with fellow actors.

Hagen’s nine questions that help anchor an actor are:

1. WHO AM I? (All the details about your character including name, age, address, relatives, likes, dislikes, hobbies, career, description of physical traits, opinions, beliefs, religion, education, origins, enemies, loved ones, sociological influences, etc.)

2. WHAT TIME IS IT? (Century, season, year, day, minute, significance of time)

3. WHERE AM I? (Country, city, neighborhood, home, room, area of room)

4. WHAT SURROUNDS ME? (Animate and inanimate objects-complete details of environment)

5. WHAT ARE THE GIVEN CIRCUMSTANCES? (Past, present, future and all of the events)

6. WHAT IS MY RELATIONSHIP? (Relation to total events, other characters, and to things)

7. WHAT DO I WANT? (Character's need. The immediate and main objective)

8. WHAT IS IN MY WAY? (The obstacles which prevent character from getting his/her need)

9. WHAT DO I DO TO GET WHAT I WANT? (The action: physical and verbal, also-action verbs)

Theatre history and the role of the playwright in society will continue. The study of musical theatre will be a focus in analysis and performance.

This course is an advanced class and is meant as a more 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 upper level class.

Grading

75% of your grade is Class Participation and Preparation. Writing assignments pertaining to a presentation are considered an important component to this grade.

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

Class Culture

It is my expectation that every student will contribute to the atmosphere of the class in a positive way. This will include making the class a safe environment in which to take risks. A respectful, nurturing environment is essential in order to learn. It is made more apparent when many presentations are required. Any lack of respect for anyone in the class will not be tolerated.

Arlington Public School Nondiscrimination Statement:

Arlington Public Schools do not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs and activities, on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or national origin.

mbyrne@arlington.k12.ma.us Assignments can be found on the classroom website: http://mbyrne0.wix.com/drama