Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit of study is designed to introduce you to the fundamental processes, techniques and theories that will enable you to develop a methodological approach to acting relevant to the form of Psychological Realism. Through an exploratory process that is both experiential and analytical you will identify that there are creative strategies that can be employed in the solution of practical acting problems. In the first half of the unit, through a series of games, exercises and improvisations, you will be required to work honestly from yourself. Later you will develop ways to observe the behaviour of other human beings. This will be followed by exercises designed to lead to the creation of a fully realised character, which you will be required to sustain under semi-improvised performance conditions.

The unit concludes with a showing for the full-time staff in which you must maintain all aspects of psycho-physically truthful acting.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit:

Theatre games and exercises concerned with:

• the essential conditions for acting (Relaxation/Freedom, Trust, Concentration, Spontaneity)
• the creative tools of the actor (Observation, Imagination, Sense Memory and Objectives)
• Improvisation
• Character creation 
• The concept of truth in acting
• An introduction to a methodological approach to acting

Method of Delivery
Studio practice, class discussion, lectures, group learning, group and individual presentations and tutor, peer and self evaluation.

Aims

A1 To introduce you to the concept of truth in acting, and develop your ability to explore the range of creative choices available to you.
A2 To introduce you to the essential conditions for acting and encourage you to explore them with honesty.
A3 To introduce you to the creative tools of the actor, imaginative, intellectual, and physical and give you the confidence to use them to stimulate the internal creative process.
A4 To introduce the concept of a methodological approach to acting and the creation of a character.
A5 To promote the use of the analytical, investigative and reflective tools of the actor through practical exploration and the keeping of the process log-book and Personal Development Portfolio.
A6 To establish the foundations for collaborative practical work.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Understand and articulate concepts of truth in acting.
LO2 Work from yourself with honesty and spontaneity in practical acting exercises, observing all elements of the essential conditions for acting.
LO3 Utilise the creative tools, imaginative, intellectual and physical, of the actor.
LO4 Demonstrate through performance and in your Evaluation the beginnings of a methodological approach to acting and character creation.
LO5 Utilise analytical, investigative and reflective approaches to acting by keeping a process log- book and establishing the Personal Development Portfolio.
LO6 Work collaboratively with and for other actors, and to create a mutually supportive, critical and healthy work environment.

Reference Material

Key
Benedetti, J. (2000). Stanislavski: an introduction. London: Methuen.
Hagen, U. (1973). Respect for acting. Baillere Tindall.
Johnstone, K. (1981). Impro – Improvisation and the theatre. London: Methuen.
Lecoq, J (2000). The Moving Body. London: Methuen.

Recommended
Merlin, B. (2007) Stanislavski: the complete toolkit. London: Nick Hern Books.
Merlin, B. (2001). Beyond Stanislavski. London: Nick Hern Books.
Meisner, S., and Longwell, D. (1987). Sanford Meisner on acting. New York: Random House.
Park, G. (1989). The art of changing. Bath: Ashgrove Press.
Rodenburg, P. (1995). The right to speak. London: Methuen.