Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

There's a paradox in good acting when it comes to psychological realism. You create the illusion of absolute 'truth' and naturalness, as if you are really living in the moment. Yet in most cases, you can only seem that spontaneous if your technique is finely honed. Stanislavsky maintained that the greater your talent, the more refined your technique should be if you really want to reach the heights of virtuosity. (Bella Merlin)

Aims

The students now move from the preparation of their Instrument (themselves) toward the preparation of the role. The emphasis of this unit is on the introduction of increasingly complex text into the acting process, the further development of the emotional instrument, personal research in role presentation, craft development and the efficient use of rehearsal time, both autonomous and lecturer-directed.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Develop and demonstrate a methodology for role preparation and performance.
2. Audition for roles in stage productions and film roles.
3. Analyse dramatic text and understand obligations set forth by the author.
4. Incorporate the author's textual obligations into the character's needs, wants and desires.
5. Show advanced ensemble playing skills and professional work ethic.
6. Stay in the moment during for long periods of time without diverting mental focus from the intention.
7. Demonstrate a moment to moment 'Being State' with emotional honesty required for Screen Acting.
8. Demonstrate a developing Screen presence in close-up.
9. Develop skills in script analysis for film, episodic TV, sit com and TV soap opera.

Content

This unit addresses content such as rehearsal and performance of plays and screen works that offer a psychological through-line in keeping with the acting process. You will be introduced to auditioning protocol, the need for motivation in stagecraft, emotional and line cue management, working with given circumstances, choosing craft approaches, effective listening/responding and how to develop and manage stage and screen presence.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Due to the practical nature of this unit and the importance of developing individual skills, you are required to make a serious commitment to taking responsibility for your own progress within the restrictions of a group environment (ensemble). Rehearsal protocol demands that attendance is mandatory. You are also expected to take personal responsibility for maintaining a healthy life style, and to ensure that you maximize your development by doing instrumental workouts in your own time in order to be prepared for rehearsals.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Because of the nature of studio-based teaching, formative assessment is an inherent part of the process. The industry-based procedure of receiving regular performance notes from a Director during the Rehearsal process will provide you with feedback and direction and regular feedback from your lecturers should be taken as an indication of your progression in the unit. Weight: 0%

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Due to the practical nature of this unit and the importance of developing individual skills within a dynamic group culture, you are required to make a serious commitment to taking responsibility for your progress within the restrictions of a group environment. In order to meet unit objectives and for you to gain maximum benefit from Acting 3, attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory.

Assessment name: Practical work in rehearsals
Description: (Formative & Summative) Competence, skill development and willingness to explore the work in studio rehearsals. This includes quality of acting journal, work ethic, group sensitivity, attendance and professional attitude.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 7
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout semester

Assessment name: Performance
Description: (Summative) Audition for and perform in 2 projects both stage and/or screen, and provide evidence of a quality reflective acting journal. Specific Details and Criteria sheets are posted on the unit Blackboard site. Weight: Two Stage Productions (30%, 30%).
Relates to objectives: 1 - 7
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Performance season

Assessment name: Performance
Description: (Summative) 1 x film shoot, plus an acting journal which tracks your development in this project.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4 & 8 -10
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Performance season

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Stanislavski, K. (1961) My Life in Art, New York, Theatre Arts Books
Benedetti, R. (2000) The Actor At Work, Prentice Hall, Inc.
Merlin, B. (2007) The Complete Stanislavsky Toolkit, Nick Hern Books, London.
Stanislavsky, K. (1967) Creating a Role, London, Trans. E.R. Hapgood. Eyre Methuen
Morris E. (1979) Acting with the Ultimate Consciousness, Los Angeles
Carey, Dean (1995) Master Class, Sydney, Currency Press
Hull, S. Loraine (2004) Strasberg's Method, Hull-Smithers, USA
Brook, Peter (1968) The Empty Space, London, G.B. Macgibbon & Kee
Comey, Jeremiah (2002) The Art of Film Acting

Risk assessment statement

You need to ensure your own safety in what is an emotionally rigorous unit by:
(a) informing staff of any health issues;
(b) taking personal responsibility for a health life style.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 04-Oct-2012