THEA 292A: Special Techniques in Acting - Beginning

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2023
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

Students will begin to critically examine how the Stanislavski Method applies to various genres of theatrical literature. A fundamental examination of how social and cultural influences affect the playwright's choices will be analyzed through scenes and monologues. 54 lecture hours, 26 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of specific acting styles as they pertain to World Literature.
  • Demonstrate fundamental creative skills in auditions, scenes, monologues and cold readings.
  • Develop and apply fundamental analytical skills that reflect an understanding of characteristics and language specific to various theatrical genres.

Major Course Content

  1. Analysis of the Stanislavski Method and its importance as the foundation for all styles of acting
  2. Fundamental Concepts 
    1. sense memory  
    2. emotional memory
    3. relaxation 
    4. personalization 
    5. imagination
    6. substitution   
    7. personal growth
  3. Applying Fundamental Concepts to Characters in a variety of Scenes and Monologues from World Literature
  4. Communicating Character Needs in Scenes and Monologues from World Literature by Introducing and Implementing 
    1. Actions
    2. Objectives 
    3. Obstacles
    4. Subtext
    5. “the magic if”
  5. Researching and Creating Suitable Audition Material
  6. Begin to connect the concept and importance of personal choices no matter what the theatrical genre

Hours Arranged Content

  • Research and rehearse scenes from World Literature
    1. Dialogue
    2. Blocking
    3. Characterization
    4. Relationship development
    5. Improvisation
  • Research and rehearse monologues from World Literature
    1. Characterization
    2. Focus
    3. Presentation

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Various plays

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Short critiques of theatrical productions and character analysis of scenes and monologues are required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Observe animal behavior, rehearse animal characteristics and perform in class.

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture, Online Education Lab, Online Education Lecture