Actors Studio I
Semester:
Teachers:
Spring 2016
Mr. Reagan
Kent Island High School
Prerequisites: Intro to Theatre
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces the student to the basic elements and styles of acting through study of the Stanislavski
Method, individual performance, and scene work. The students will learn to develop character through the basic
elements of analysis, interpretation, and technique.
COURSE OUTCOMES
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and describe the development of a variety of dramatic
forms over time, and the aesthetic qualities they reflect.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the history, traditions, and conventions of theater,
dramatic texts, and other literature of the theater, and ways that diverse theories and forms of theater
satisfy cultural needs past and present.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to explore the creative process through theatrical activities and to
apply theatrical knowledge, principles, and practices to collaborative theatrical presentations.
4. Students will explore and demonstrate knowledge of the Stanislavski “Method” of acting technique.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, and apply criteria for individual and group
contributions to the collaborative process, dramatic texts, and other literature of the theater and
theatrical performances and productions.
6. Students will demonstrate the ability to present performances for public audiences.
7. Students will demonstrate the ability to observe, reflect, and recall information from emotional memory.
TEXT BOOKS AND MATERIALS
Melissa Bruder A Practical Handbook for the Actor
Richard Brestoff The Great Acting Teachers and Their Methods
Viola Spolin Improvisation for the Theater 3rd Edition
Spiral notebook for monologue journal
Pens and pencils
Sonia Moore The Stanislavski System *Recommended Reading
Marina Calderone Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus *Recommended Reading
All texts will be provided; however, it is recommended you purchase the texts above for reference at home
REQUIREMENTS
1. All students are to report to class on time with required materials, which will include appropriate
clothing and shoes for performance exercises.
2. All students are expected to participate in all activities.
3. Students are expected to obey school rules at all times. Any student showing a lack of respect for the
teacher, other students, or the learning environment will be penalized ONE class participation point for
each offense.
4. All assignments, both written and performance based are to be turned in on time. Make-up work & tests
are allowed according to the attendance policies of KIHS.
5. There is to be NO food, drink, or gum in class at any time.
6. The student, NOT the teacher, has the responsibility to get make-up work or schedule a make-up test
7. All students will be expected to keep a journal of observations, reflections, and criticisms. This will be
checked and graded every week.
GRADING POLICY:
Regular class attendance is necessary for consistent performance improvement. Each student is responsible for
obtaining information concerning materials covered during class in his/her absence. Missing assignments as a
result of excused absences or suspensions must be made up within three school days of the student’s return to
class. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any missing assignments. Deadlines may be extended at the
teacher’s discretion for extended absences, or unusual circumstances. The final grade will be composed of the
following components:
Formative Assessments – 40%
Class work and participation
Daily assignments
(worksheets, classroom reading,
homework, etc.)
Journal
Summative Assessments – 45%
Performance and research projects
Research papers
Tests
Mid-term
Final Exam:
15%
Note about grades and help outside the classroom: I am available from 2:30 – 3:10 every weekday and an
appointment can be made if there are conflicts with those times. The best way to contact me is through e-mail. If
you have any questions throughout the semester, please contact me at: Kevin.Reagan@qacps.org
Course Outline
Unit
Time Frame
Introduction to Acting
The Actor’s Instrument
Movement and Relaxation
Voice and Speech
The Stanislavski Method
Creating Character
Emotional Recall
Sensitivity
1 Week
2 Weeks
Monologue Work
6 Weeks
The Language of Shakespeare
1 Weeks
Small Scene Work
Using the Stage
The Ensemble
2 Weeks
The World of the Play
Tragedy and Comedy
Realism
Romanticism
Stylized Acting
Final Project
One Act Play
Ongoing
Monologue Notebook
Monologue Criticism Notebook
Ongoing
Ongoing
1 Week
3 Weeks
Assessments
Objective Test
Objective Test
Reflective Essay
Performance
Objective Test
Reflective Essay
Performance Project
Scored Text
Character Analysis
Objective Test
Performance Projects
Character Analysis
Objective Test
Performance Project
Reflective Essay
Objective Test
Performance Project
Scene Analysis
Character Analysis
Objective Test
Performance Projects
Research Project
Performance
Character Analysis
Play Analysis
Performance
Assessed Weekly
Actor’s Studio I
It is expected that students keep a record of their grades so that they may determine their standing at
any time during the semester.
* NOTE to Parent/Guardian *
Parent Portal is the QACPS website that allows you to see your student’s current grades by going to the
internet. If you are not already signed up, please call the guidance office (410-604-2070) for information.
Student Name ______________________________________
Student Signature____________________________________ Date _______________
Student email address ________________________________
Dad/Guardian Name______________________________________ Date ______________________________
Dad/Guardian Signature ___________________________________ Home # ___________________________
E-mail address___________________________________________ Cell # _____________________________
Workplace______________________________________________ Work phone_________________________
Mom/Guardian Name_____________________________________ Date ______________________________
Mom/Guardian Signature __________________________________ Home # ___________________________
E-mail address___________________________________________ Cell # _____________________________
Workplace______________________________________________ Work phone_________________________