Playscript Analysis

Course Description

Systems for analyzing playscripts which may be adapted and employed by directors, actors, and/or designers. Prerequisite: DRAM major or School of Theatre minor or permission of instructor.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

Course Goals

  • Develop a heightened physical vocabulary to create a foundation of tools to use when interpreting a character.
  • Develop an awareness and appreciation towards our own unique body
  • Develop kinesthetic and spatial awareness
  • Appreciate other peer’s work and have an honest conversation about it
  • Enrich and develop personal point of views about the work to shape a new one
  • Spark creativity, physical and dramatic imagination

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to work in an ensemble.
  • Develop a physical vocabulary to use when interpreting a character.
  • Be able to prepare and rehearse a scene.
  • Create new content by devising with a mix of prompts.
  • Critically analyze their own experiences when sharing and performing.
  • Tell stories with their bodies without using text.
  • Improvise scenes
  • Develop personal routines to warm-up and be ready

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Attendance100 points
Auto-Drama100 points
The Game50 points
Character Observation25 points
Animals25 points
“A Picnic”25 points
Devised Character*50 points
Transactional Psychology Scene25 points
Mime Technique25 points
Mime Performance50 points
Self-Assessments 1, 2, 3 (20 points each) *60 points
“Beyond the Word” Chapter25 points
Performance Review #120 points
Performance Review #220 points

Grading Scale:

Percentage Letter Grade
93-100%A
90-92%A-
87-89%B+
83–86%B
80–82%B-
77–79%C+
73–76%C
70–72%C-
67–69%D+
63–66%D
60–62%D-
59% and belowF

Attendance/Participation:

Due to the demand of the collective creation nature of this course, it is crucial that students attend and arrive on time to class. If you’re absent, your peer’s work might be affected.

You may have 3 excused absences due to an emergency, severe illness, death in the family, doctor’s appointment or any other issue that prevents you from attending class. Every absence after those 3 absences will result in a 50-point reduction from your final grade. You’re responsible for material covered during those classes.

If you know that you will be late to class, please inform the instructor via email prior to the start of the class. Arriving late to 2 classes will be the equivalent to 1 Absence.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

  • Notebook or Journal.
  • Pen/pencil to take notes
  • Water bottle with lid
  • Small Towel
  • Yoga Mat
  • Resistance Bands set
  • Baby Wipes (optional)

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.