Grad Acting III Advanced Problems in Acting and Performance
Introduction to Shakespeare
Jack Young
3-0705
jyoung59@uh.edu
Course Description: Class will lead students to an understanding of the demands of performing verse
and language texts, and to proficiency in blending the craft skills of the first year of graduate training to
develop truthful and theatrical presentations of Shakespeare’s plays. Class time will continue to focus
on the field of professional theatre, development of business materials, audition material, and contact
letters.
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes
1. Recognize and make strong use of verse and rhetorical structure
2. Develop clear idea of presentational/representational acting
3. Combine skills in verse and rhetoric with appropriate style sensibilities to present artful
renditions of short Shakespeare scenes and monologues
Required Texts: Fantasia, Louis—Instant Shakespeare
Kaiser, Scott—Mastering Shakespeare
A copy of Shakespeare’s Complete Works—you may choose your own editor
Each Sunday’s New York Times Arts & Leisure section
Each month’s American Theatre magazine
Other Requirements: Appropriate costumes and props to fulfill the needs of scene and solo assignments;
photos and resumes to send out to professional contacts
Week 1-3—Presentation of Solo material/Finding The Clues In Shakespeare’s Verse
Week 3-5—What is Style? Melodrama/Realism/Combination Solo Exercises
First Round of Short Shakespeare Scenes
Week 6-8—Play That Scene—Image/Action/Objective to Give Scenic Truth
Strong Resonance Exercises
Week 9-11—Second Round of Short Shake Scenes
Week 12-15— Second Round of Short Shake Scenes
Personalization Exercises
Participation and attendance is necessary for success in this class. Missing class deprives other students
of the opportunity to move forward with their work. Experiential learning is key. It is expected that
techniques introduced during classtime will be honed by the student in rigorous rehearsal sessions
outside of classtime.
Grading—50% based on objective criteria: attendance, punctuality, deadlines, participation in
discussion, mastering of vocabulary, attire
50% based on subjective assessment of improvement of skill, support of partners and ensemble, success
in performance of skills in a fully theatrical and dramatic way
It is expected that all students daily will read material posted on the bulletin board outside of CWM
208. I do send notes to the entire class by email; it is expected that each student will regularly check
email and keep me apprised of their appropriate email address.
Maintaining good health, hygiene and fitness is part of your responsibility as a professional performer.
If you are unable to participate on any given day due to injury, you are expected to support the work of
the ensemble with intense observation.
There will be no discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion or creed, age, sexual
orientation or physical limitation.