THEA 105A: Improvisation for the Theatre - Beginning

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2024
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

A beginning course introducing the techniques of improvisation to enhance character development. Focus is on group expression, problem-solving, focus, imagination, concentration and spontaneity with and without dramatic text. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate a beginning understanding of how character traits can be developed through spontaneous interaction.
  • Demonstrate a beginning understanding of how a character's psychology can deepen through role playing in unique and diverse settings.
  • Develop the basic tools necessary to create character background and character relationships from a neutral canvas.
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of physical exercises that heighten concentration.
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of how props and furniture are not obstacles but tools to be used in creating a dynamic activity.
  • Utilize the 'senses' of looking, listening, seeing, touching, smelling and tasting in order to enrich characterizations.
  • Utilize beginning problem-solving exercises in order to strengthen actable actions in pursuit of character objectives.

Major Course Content

  1. Improvisation: its nature and purpose for the beginner
    1. What is improvising?
    2. Background to improvisation
    3. Aspects of spontaneity
    4. Workshop procedures
  2. A fundamental outline of a Theatre Game for the beginner
    1. Focus
    2. Description and Example
    3. Side-Coaching
    4. Evaluation
    5. Points of Observation
    6. Timing
    7. Problem-solving
    8. Boundary setting
  3. Sensory Awareness
  4. Physical involvement
  5. Use of Space
  6. Exploration of mood and feeling through interpersonal and open communication
  7. Stimulating the imagination
  8. Building characterization - basic, fundamental concepts for the beginner
    1. Role playing
    2. Clothing and accessories
    3. Temperament
    4. Character background including multi-cultural perspectives
    5. General attitude and outlook

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A journal on developing character through improvisational techniques is required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Observation of people and animals for character development

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture