College of Fine Arts School of Dance Undergraduate Handbook

Student Evaluation Processes and Criteria

Acting classes may incorporate traditional testing as well as writing assignments for evaluation criteria. The weight of evaluation, however, is based upon classroom performances including monologues, scene work, and/or non-scripted performance assignments. Solid preparation, creative investment, and professional rehearsal and performance standards are all-important elements in evaluation. A grade of a “C” or better must be achieved in all major classes. Students receiving a “D” or less may not pass on to the next level until that class is retaken. Courses in the acting sequence are listed below. During the first two years of study, acting classes must be taken in sequential order. Included are the lists of competencies for each section of acting taken from current evaluation sheets and from course objectives.  Upon completion of each course, students will be able to demonstrate:

1513 Intro to Acting

  1. Rudimentary understanding of dramatic structure including objectives, obstacles, tactics and actions
  2. Physical and vocal relaxation
  3. Physical and emotional grounding
  4. Clarity and simplicity of performance
  5. Personalization of circumstances

1523 Character Study for the Actor

  1. Specific informed acting choices
  2. Moment-to-moment adjustments to persons or circumstances with which they play
  3. Awareness of inherent strengths and limitations as a performer
  4. In-depth character analysis

2513 Scene Study for the Actor
                (Co-Requisites for Acting Emphasis: 1643 & 2323)

  1. Identification of a character’s through-line of action
  2. Identification and illumination of the play’s super objective
  3. Research skills for understanding geographical, social, and cultural milieu and application to the psychology of their character
  4. Sensitivity to the language of the playwright

2523 Performing Shakespeare
    (Co-Requisite for Acting Emphasis: 2643)

  1. Verbal, physical, and emotional size necessary for performing Shakespeare
  2. Knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to make verse the natural language of the character
  3. Scansion abilities   

NOTE: Upper division acting classes may be taken in any sequence.

3513 Departures from Realism
       (Co-Requisite for Acting Emphasis: 3643)

  1. Knowledge of the non-realistic tradition of the last century both in dramatic literature and in rehearsal techniques    
  2. Expanded ability to use non-Stanislavski based acting methods   
  3. An integration of absurd or surreal textures, with realism in particular, with non-realistic works of otherwise realistic writers
  4. Self-motivation in finding relevant research and applying it to the actor’s approach

3523 Performing New Plays

  1. Informed, bold acting choices in staged readings of new scripts
  2. Understanding of the demands of supervising a staged reading of an unproduced playwright by having successfully done so  
  3. Understanding of the actor/playwright relationship
  4. Understanding of the traditions of working in the American theatre
  5. Deepened actor’s craft in the sense of self, other, and text

4513 Professional Preparation

  1. Diverse audition repertoire
  2. Skills auditioning from sides: both cold and prepared readings
  3. Basic networking skills and business sense for the profession
  4. Self-direction: application of notes given in class and ability to find resources needed
  5. Understanding of the structure of the industry and its personnel
  6. Understanding of marketing the actor as a business      

4523 Acting for the Camera   

  1. Skills of advanced acting technique.
  2. Ability to adjust acting technique in terms of size or intimacy to make effective choices for the demands of close-ups, medium and master shots.
  3. Understanding of on-set conditions.
  4. Command of the basic technology used in film and television.

         
A student who has been passed to upper division acting classes may also take up to two sections of Special Studies in Acting (DRAMA 4990).