This two semester advanced acting class explores the history of actor process through study of techniques that include mask, ancient Greek theatre, commedia dell'arte, classical performance traditions, 19th and 20th century naturalism, and the innovations of 20th and 21st century theatre artists. We investigate processes that energize performance from the outside in as well as from the inside out. Students practice multiple approaches for creating a role, devising staging, deepening emotional connection within the context of monologue and scene study.
First semester is devoted to processes rooted in the ancient and classical traditions. Second semester continues with the study of 19th and 20th century acting processes. Texts studied include ancient, classic and modern drama and musical theatre scripts and scores and selected scholarly readings. Goals of this class are to impart a thorough understanding of the actor's process and responsibilities; to deepen knowledge of the applicability of historical theatrical practices in today's work; to craft roles that are multileveled, detailed and well researched; to build performances that are unselfconscious and fully rooted in the individual artist's personal truth.