THEA 201: Stage Acting 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: 80
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 26
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

A beginning level performance class with an introduction to the Stanislavski Method of Acting. Provides a beginning in memorization, stage movement, vocal production and interpretation of text. 54 lecture hours, 26 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • demonstrate a basic understanding of the Stanislavski method through evaluation and criticism of other student's work as well as an analysis of student's own work
  • identify the geography of the stage, utilize appropriate theatrical terminology and jargon and understand the principles of stage movement and blocking.
  • perform a short scene and monologue using various proper technique as introduced by the Stanislavski method
  • demonstrate growth in performance skills using the concepts and ideas introduced in class
  • utilize improvisational skills to help create clear character choices.

Major Course Content

  1. The Actor
    1. Why Act?
    2. Is there an ideal actor?
    3. What should the actor know? 
  2. The contribution of Stanislavski
    1.    Implementation of “The Method”.
      1. Action and Objective
      2. Psychological motivation 
    2.  Script Analysis 
  3. Stage Techniques
    1. Geography of the Stage
    2. The actor’s relationship to the audience 
  4. Voice and Movement
    1.  Movement for the actor
    2. Voice for the actor
    3. Tension and relaxation exercises 
  5. Short Scene and Monologue performances
    1. Critique/analysis while observing student performances
    2. Critique/analysis of individual’s own performance

Hours Arranged Content

  1. Maintaining a semester long written journal.
  2. Observing live performances
  3. Short Scene and monologue rehearsals and performances
  4. Various acting exercises

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

one - two-page play critique and one character analysis written worksheet is required. Also required is a semester-long written acting journal.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Rehearsing scenes and monologues Observing live performances Reading plays

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab