THEA 104A: Voice and Movement for the Actor I - Beginning

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: THEA 201; ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

A beginning course in vocal anatomy, physiology, and phonetics as well as the exploration of how the voice and body work. Designed to develop the actor's awareness, relaxation, flexibility, and responsiveness in order to communicate openly and expressively. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate a beginning knowledge of basic vocal anatomy and physiology for body and voice use on stage.
  • Use a beginning series of physical/vocal exercises that develop efficient and relaxed breathing patterns and extend pitch, range and volume.
  • Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet for American and British English.
  • Demonstrate a fundamental ability to read and transcribe unfamiliar material in a Standard American dialect for the stage.
  • Demonstrate an elementary sense of positive change in physical and vocal awareness and in performance level.

Major Course Content

  1. An introduction to the The Actor and the Self
    1. Self-awareness and exploration
    2. Breathing explorations
    3. Group physical and vocal warm-ups
    4. Personal physical and vocal warm-ups
    5. Relaxation techniques
    6. Intro to Stage Combat
  2. Introduction to Anatomy/Physiology of the Voice
    1. Anatomy
      1. Larynx
      2. Vocal chords
      3. Respiratory system
      4. Vocal health/health problems
    2. Physiology
      1. Resonance
      2. Phonation
  3. Introduction to International Phonetic Alphabet (I.P.A.)
    1. Step by step basic breakdown & exploration of the I.P.A. 
    2. Assigned short speeches for both the practical as well as for the performance
  4. Introduction to Movement for the Actor
    1. Physical relaxation
    2. Centering
    3. Focus
    4. Balance
    5. Creative expression through movement
  5. Regular vocal exercises and work in poetry, monologues and scenes

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A short analysis of various scenes, monologues or poems and a two to three page critique of a live performance are required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Find scenes, monologues and poems for rehearsal and performance.
Memorize material.
Observe live performances.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture