ACTING FUNDAMENTALS
Fall 2012, Course # MPEAT-UE 1050
Mon & Wed, 9:30 am – 11:35 am
Instructor: Judyie Al-Bilali
jab31@nyu.edu
office hours by appointment
“I truly believe there is nothing larger than life”.
Uta Hagen, A Challenge for the Actor
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course is focused on the theoretical and practical techniques necessary for
the actor to live truthfully under the imaginary circumstances of the play. In this
Stanislavski/Uta Hagen based approach students participate in a guided study of
self-observation, applying discoveries to scene work.
Through studio work, reading and writing you will:
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Learn how to create a truthful physical life
Explore the steps to take when approaching a role
Incorporate knowledge and discoveries into exercises and scene work
Develop habits to serve as a foundation for creative practice
Required Texts
Hagen, Uta. A Respect for Acting, New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1973
Son, Diana. Stop Kiss, Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
Books are available at the NYU bookstore
Selected Reading (available on Blackboard)
Hagen, Uta. A Challenge for the Actor, New York: Scribner, 1991
OVERVIEW
In the first part of the semester students will concentrate on a series of object
lessons developed by Uta Hagen to equip the actor with tools for creating
character. In the second half of the semester students will present monologues
of their own choice (subject to approval by instructor) and scenes from Stop Kiss
by applying the lessons and techniques learned. Reading and writing
assignments are due as outlined in the course schedule.
Studio Work
Requirements
As appropriate to professional training in the theatre attendance and punctuality
are mandatory. This is a studio class and as a member of the ensemble you are
expected to be on time, arrive prepared to work and to remain for the duration of
the class. Promptness is essential in all theatre work. Late arrival to class will
disrupt the warm-up and the focus of the ensemble. Repeated lateness will affect
the final grade. For each unexcused absence your grade will be lowered one half
letter grade. It is NYU policy that absences are excused at the discretion of the
instructor, advanced written notification is expected. Medical absences require a
doctor's note or NYU Health Center note in addition to written notification.
Expectations
 dress for movement and comfort including appropriate footwear
 water only in the studio, no other food or beverages
 turn off pagers, cell phones and electronic devices
 respect all ensemble members’ time, space and contributions to class
 actors must schedule outside rehearsals and book practice space as
necessary
Written Assignments
All written assignments are double spaced in 12 point font, and are due at the
beginning of the class. Assignments turned in late will be discounted one half
grade for each class they are late and will not be accepted if they are late more
than two class periods.
What Does It Take?: A Creative Bio
In the Prologue to A Challenge for the Actor Uta Hagen describes her
background and the early life experiences that prepared her for a career as an
actor. Please write your own bio citing specific cultural and creative influences or
interests that are your foundation for an artistic life. The length of the assignment
is 3-4 pages.
Maintaining a Journal/Character Analysis
Throughout the course and ideally as an on-going part of your creative process
you will maintain a journal. It is a consistent record of your acting work, research
for roles, responses and questions about acting exercises, opinions on the
assigned readings, notes on performances attended, etc. The written
assignments are character analyses for both your monologue and scene
characters. Specific questions to be answered will be posted on Blackboard, the
length is 3-4 pages.
Performance Response Paper
During the semester students are required to see one production within the
Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. The response paper is 2-
3 pages in length submitted with the playbill. Focus for the paper is on acting in
the performance with observations on design, plot and staging secondary.
PLEASE NOTE: It is your responsibility to reserve tickets before performances
sell out.
Final Self-Assessment
Students will submit a final self-assessment evaluating your work for the
semester citing specific practices that have enhanced your acting technique.
Assessment
Class attendance, preparation, and participation
What Does It Take?: A Creative Bio
Performance Response Paper
Character Analyses (2)
Monologue Presentations
Open Studio Scene Presentations
Final Self-Assessment
20%
10%
10%
10%
20%
20%
10%
Student Conduct and Academic Honesty
Students are responsible for complying with NYU standards of student conduct
an academic honesty. The standard penalty for academic dishonesty consists of
an automatic ‘F’ for the course and notification of campus authorities.
Individual Needs
Please notify the instructor if there is anything to be aware of regarding your
particular needs or characteristics, such as a medical condition, an early
pregnancy, a hidden disability, etc. that may influence your participation or your
personal well-being. This course must be as inclusive as possible and your
communication is appreciated. This disclosure is optional, or if you wish, only for
selected individuals.
Any student attending NYU, who needs an accommodation due to a chronic,
psychological, visual, mobility, and/or learning disability, or is deaf or hard of
hearing should register with the Moses Center for Students with Disabilities, 212998-4980, 240 Greene St, www.nyu.edu/csd.
Open Door Policy
Every effort is made to create a safe environment and a comfortable learning
community for everyone in class. If at any time you feel unsafe or uncomfortable,
please feel free to address these issues with the instructor. Appointments can be
made by contacting the instructor via e-mail. If at any time the requirements for
the course are unclear please consult with the instructor during office hours.
Blackboard
Blackboard at NYU continues to develop new and innovative ways for students to
utilize a web-based interface to enhance their learning experience. Blackboard
will be used to access both course materials and external links on the internet,
and to receive updates from the instructor.
http://www.nyu.edu/its/faq/blackboard/students/index.html#help
COURSE SCHEDULE (proposed)
Week 1:
9/5
Introduction and Ensemble Building
Warm-ups and games, review syllabus
Week 2:
9/10
The Basic Object Exercise
Reading: Introduction and the Basic Object Exercise, Respect for
Acting pgs. 81-94
9/12
Reading: Prologue: “What Does It Take?” A Challenge for the Actor
Week 3:
9/17
The Basic Object Exercise (continued)
Reading: Concept, pgs.11-21, Respect for Acting
9/19
Reading: Identity, pgs. 22-33, Respect for Acting
Week 4:
9/24
Preceding & Immediate Circumstances
Reading: Three Entrances, Respect for Acting, pgs. 95-101
9/26
Reading: Circumstances, Respect for Acting, pgs. 158-164
Writing: “What Does It Take?” Assignment due
Week 5:
10/1
Physical State
Reading: Immediacy, Respect for Acting, pgs. 102-105
10/3
Reading: The Five Senses, Respect for Acting, pgs. 60-64
Week 6:
10/8
Substitution
Reading: The Fourth Wall, Respect for Acting, pgs. 106-111
Monologue selections submitted for approval
10/10
Reading: Substitution, Respect for Acting, pgs.34-45
Week 7:
10/15
The Fourth Wall
Columbus Day Holiday – no class
10/17
Reading: Sense Memory, Respect for Acting, pgs. 52-59
Week 8:
10/22
Endowment
Reading: Endowment, Respect for Acting, pgs.112-118
10/24
Reading: Emotional Memory, Respect for Acting, pgs. 46-51
Week 9:
10/29
First Round Monologues
10/31
Writing: Performance Response Paper due
Scenes and partners assigned
Week 10:
11/5
First Round Monologues (continued)
Reading: Talking to Yourself, Respect for Acting, pgs. 119-123
11/7
Week 11:
11/12
Final Round Monologues
Writing: Monologue Character Analysis due
11/14
Reading: The Objective, The Obstacle and The Action, Respect for
Acting, pgs. 174-190
Week 12:
11/19
Open Studio – First Round Presentations
11/21
Thanksgiving holiday, no class
Week 13:
11/26
Open Studio – First Round Presentations (continued)
11/28
Week 14:
Open Studio – Second Round Presentations
12/3 & 12/5 Writing: Scene Character Analysis due
Week 15:
12/10
Open Studio Final Dress Rehearsal & Performance
Final dress rehearsal for Open Studio
12/12
OPEN STUDIO PERFORMANCE
12/14
Writing: Final Self-Assessment due (submitted online)