THEA 202: Stage Acting II - Intermediate

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
Prerequisite: THEA 201 or Audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

An extension of the concepts as introduced in THEA 201. A more in-depth approach to contemporary theatre using the Stanislavski method as well as other methods of acting in character and scene study and analysis. Students may perform in an Acting Showcase at semester's end. 54 lecture hours, 26 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • apply a deeper understanding of the Stanislavski method and technique in order to identify and analyze characters in relation to the needs of the play
  • demonstrate capability to critique others as well as self
  • perform one scene and one monologue from published plays
  • demonstrate growth in performance skills
  • demonstrate an understanding of the process of finding and using good material for auditions and performances

Major Course Content

  1. Review the concepts of Thea 201.
    1.  in-depth review of the Stanislavski Method 
  2. The Actor – an interpretive artist
    1. obtaining a deeper understanding of the art of acting
    2. review action, objective and obstacle
    3. theatre concepts
      1. play, monologue and scene selectivity
      2. dramatic imagination vs. reality
      3. external/internal motivations 
    4.  Voice & Body – the actor’s tools
    5. Introduce moment to moment behavior, imagery, psychological and physical traits, given circumstances
  3. Creating the Character - the fundamentals
    1. analyzing the character
      1. the playwright’s function
      2. character conflict
      3. character relationships
      4. the psychological aspect of the character
      5.  the actor’s responsibility to the character
    2.  the rehearsal period - the fundamentals
      1. dramatic conflict
      2. developing emotional and intellectual control
      3.  the ability to make creative choices
      4.  the actor’s responsibility to the  rehearsal process
      5. intimacy & detachment 
  4. The Actor and the Audience
    1. understanding and recognizing the importance of the audience in a theatrical performance
      1. actor/character projection
      2.  the actor’s responsibility to the audience. 
  5.  Scene & Monologue performances
    1. critique/analysis while observing student performances
    2. critique/analysis of individual’s own performances
    3. apply concepts of purposeful collaboration
    4. text analysis

Hours Arranged Content

  1. Maintaining a semester long written journal

  2. observing live performances

  3. scene & monologue rehearsals

  4. various acting exercises

  5. rehearsal for final performance

  6. final performance

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Assorted plays and scenes

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

play critiques character analysis 10-page personal inventory paper semester-long written acting journal

Examples of Outside Assignments

Reading and observing plays, working on scene work, memorization and interpretation.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab