Drama: Beginning Acting (Elective)

“Thinking cannot be clear till it has had expression. We must write, or speak, or act our thoughts, or they will remain in a half torpid form. Our feelings must have expression, or they will be as clouds, which, till they descend as rain, will never bring up fruit or flower. So it is with the inward feelings; expression gives them development.” Henry Ward Beecher

OVERVIEW

This unit is an introduction to acting, providing varied opportunities for students to perform and create dramatic works. Students will be introduced to the basic performing skills of gesture, movement, facial expression and voice, paying close attention to utilising and exploring their various God-given creative talents. Students unpack the benefits of vulnerability, courage and confidence and use these skills to extend God’s Kingdom through story-telling. The emphasis in this unit is on developing communication, confidence, commitment and cooperation.

SUBJECT LENGTH

• 5 periods per cycle for Semester 1

 TOPICS INCLUDE

• Expression: The ability to draw an audience and use your body to express most effectively what it is you are trying to communicate, as well as increase the effectiveness other performers on stage
• Improvisation: The ability to think on one’s feet, especially in performance scenarios, to the effect of increasing the actor’s instincts
• Group Performance: The skill of responding, giving place to, and enhancing scenes with other actors on stage, knowing when to fall to the background or take centre stage and everything in between
• Theatre Styles: Learning about comedy and its various forms within them through observation and practical workshops

PREREQUISITES

• Booklist Items

ASSESSMENT

• Live performance (50%)
• Theatre style research and written work (25%)
• In-class participation and rehearsal (25%)

“No-one ever spoke the way this man does.” John 7:4