12/21/2024 6:17:09 AM	THAR 13.2 Course Outline as of Spring 2012	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  THAR 13.2	Title:  SHAKESPEARE WORKSHOP
Full Title:  Performance Workshop: Shakespeare
Last Reviewed:4/26/2021

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	2.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	35.00
Minimum	3.00	Lab Scheduled	3.00		17.5 min.	Lab Scheduled	52.50
		Contact DHR	1.00			Contact DHR	17.50
		Contact Total	6.00			Contact Total	105.00
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  70.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 175.00

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  39 - Total 2 Times
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

Introduction to performing Shakespeare through an exploration of historical context, text analysis, acting theory, and performance techniques.  Includes both in-depth monologue and scene work, resulting in a showcase performance open to the public.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Course Completion of THAR 10B

Recommended Preparation:
Course Completion of THAR 1 OR Course Completion of ENGL 27

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

Introduction to performing Shakespeare through an exploration of historical context, text analysis, acting theory, and performance techniques.  Includes both in-depth monologue and scene work, resulting in a showcase performance open to the public.

(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:Course Completion of THAR 10B
Recommended:Course Completion of THAR 1 OR Course Completion of ENGL 27
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:39 - Total 2 Times

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2005	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2005	Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Certificate Applicable Course

COURSE CONTENT

Outcomes and Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

In order to achieve these leaning outcomes, during the course the student will:

1.   Identify the influence of Elizabethan history, literature, and culture on

      Elizabethan theatrical practices.

2.   Identify the influence of Elizabethan history, literature, and culture on

      Shakespeare's writing.

3.   Analyze and score Shakespeare scripts (verse and prose) utilizing terms

      and scansion techniques.

4.   Conduct research and text analysis in preparation for roles from

      different Shakespeare plays.

5.   Translate basic Shakespeare acting theories and analytical concepts

      into practical application through performance interpretations.

6.   Create and sustain the distinct physical, vocal, and behavioral

      components of multiple Shakespeare characters.

7.   Revise and enhance acting choices, objectively incorporating the

      feedback of others, and utilizing the rehearsal process as a period of

      creative exploration.

8.   Critique the work of others performing Shakespeare, utilizing terms and

      concepts relating to the style.

9.   Select and prepare contrasting Shakespeare audition material that

      highlights personal skills and casting potential, while adhering to

      audition criteria.

10. Support the throughline of a composite showcase by sustaining energy,

      focus, and pacing, as well as creatively interpreting transitional

      business.

11. Work cooperatively and professionally within a high stress environment

      to produce a collaborative work of art for public performance.

 

A student repeating the course will be able to:

  - Analyze Shakespeare scripts at increasingly complex levels.

  - Perform Shakespeare monologues, scenes, and sonnets with greater

    proficiency and confidence.

  - Demonstrate broader knowledge of the Shakespeare canon gained by

    working on different scripts.

  - Perform for a public audience with greater proficiency and

    confidence.

Topics and Scope

I.  Introduction to Shakespeare

   A. Course introduction and professionalism standards

   B. Historical overview

   C. Shakespeare's works

   D. Shakespeare's voice in today's world

   E. Elizabethan vs. modern acting

   F. Research techniques and reference materials

   G. Selecting a script version

II.  Approaching Shakespeare

   A. Overcoming anxieties about Shakespeare

   B. Basic structural components

   C. Reading a Shakespeare play

III. Basic Acting Skills Applied to Shakespeare

   A. Objectives, obstacles, actions, and motivations

   B. Substitution, personalization, and instincts

   C. Given and imaginary circumstances

   D. Character archetypes

   E. Acting styles

   F. Rehearsing and critiquing performances

IV. Understanding Shakespeare's Language

   A. Heightened/elevated vs. naturalistic language

   B. Word definitions and spellings

   C. Figures of speech - meaning/usage

   D. Figures of speech - sound

   E. Playing with the language

      1. Allusions

      2. Puns and wordplay

      3. Slang and colloquial expressions

      4. Double meanings, entendre, bawdry

      5. Syntax, Schemes-unusual arrangements of words

      6. Tropes-unusual meanings of words

      7. Other organizational devices

   F. Analyzing the punctuation

   G. Identifying operative words

V.  Speaking Shakespeare's Verse

   A. Analyzing the metre

      1. Defining iam and iambic pentameter

      2. Variations on iambic pentameter

      3. Using the Caesura

      4.  Utilizing punctuation from the First Folio

   B. Notating scansion

   C. Performance techniques for verse

      1. Rhythm, cadence, tempo, pace

      2. Phrasing

      3. Handling rhyming verse

      4. Breathing and breath support

      5. Handling line endings

VI. Speaking Shakespeare's Prose

   A. Functions of prose

   B. Interpretation techniques

   C. Verse/prose alternation

VII. Preparing for Performance

   A. Rehearsal and performance process

   B. Scoring the text

   C. Comprehension and rehearsal techniques

   D. Balancing emotional truth and technique

   E. Vocal techniques and characterization

   F. Physical techniques and characterization

      1. Developing the character's body

      2. Supporting the text

      3. Supporting the style

         a. Elizabethan/Jacobean movement/manners

         b. Applying other styles to Shakespeare

VIII.  Other Shakespeare Performance Techniques

   A. Auditioning for a Shakespeare play

      1. Identifying strengths and casting type

      2. Researching and selecting monologues

      3. Preparing the text

      4. Rehearsing and staging

      5. Handling cold readings

   B. Related areas and further study

      1. Stage combat training

      2. Vocal training

      3. Period music and movement

IX.    Preparing for the Showcase

   A. Rehearsing a composite performance

      1. Order and shape of the performance

      2. Transitional material

      3. Cutting and excerpting

      4. Differentiating multiple characters

   B. Performance techniques

      1. Personal and group warm-ups

      2. Maintaining consistency and focus

      3. Handling nerves

      4. Handling audience responses

      5. Handling the unexpected

Students repeating the course will:

 - read different plays each semester.

 - work with new sonnets, monologues, and scene selections each semester.

 - advance their skills and knowledge by assisting peers.

Assignments:

As a 2-hour lecture/3-hour lab/1-hour contact DHR course, students will complete 4 hours of

homework per week, which will include:

1. Reading: 10-40 pages/week (text, scripts, prepared materials),

  including approx. five Shakespeare plays during the semester.

2. Written Work and Problem-Solving:

  a. 1-4 short homework exercises, on subjects such as:

       - Shakespeare research for actors

       - Basic acting analysis

       - Sonnet scansion

       - Figures of speech

  b. Script scoring and analysis for monologues

  c. Script scoring and analysis for each scene

  d. Performance critiques (notes and/or 1-2 page papers

    critiquing performance work of self and others).

3. In-class Performances:

  Stage, memorize, and perform the following -

  a. 1-2 Shakespeare sonnets

  b. 2 contrasting monologues (audition package)

  c. 2-3 partnered Shakespeare scenes

4. Public Showcase:

  a. Homework preparation

      1. Revive and rehearse existing pieces.

      2. Memorize and rehearse any new pieces selected for the Showcase.

   b.  Showcase rehearsals and preparation [17.5 hours - DHR]

           1.  Assist in the preparation of the Showcase (props, costumes, set-up, transition, etc.)

           2.  Attend 3-5 out-of-class rehearsals for the Showcase

               (normally scheduled at night during the last 1-2 weeks of classes)

           3.  Participate in two public Showcase performances

               (normally scheduled the last Friday prior to Finals week)

           4.  Participate in Showcase strike

               (held immediately following the 2nd performance)

     c.  Showcase analysis:  Participate in Showcase follow-up discussion

               (held during scheduled class meeting during Finals week)

5. Acting Professionalism and Attendance:

  a. Arrive promptly and prepared for all class meetings,

     outside rehearsals, and performances.

  b. Maintain an amiable and supportive attitude.

  c. Participate actively in class discussions and exercises.

  d. Work collaboratively with scene partners.

  e. Perform each role in a conscientious and dedicated manner.

  f. Respectfully follow director's instructions in Showcase

     preparation and maintain that direction in performance.

  g. Strive to maintain good health and safety practices.

  h. Follow the terms of the course syllabus.

6. Production Viewing (outside of class):

  a. View 1-2 assigned Shakespeare productions

     (may be live performance or on video)

  b. Attend 1-3 Theatre Arts productions.

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 10 - 20%
Written homework, Script/Character Analysis; Performance Critiques
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 5 - 15%
Script scansion and scoring
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 60 - 70%
Class performances, Showcase preparation and performance
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 0 - 0%
None
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 5 - 10%
Professionalism (includes attendance and participation)

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Representative Texts:

 

Acting With Style, Third edition.  Harrop, John and Epstein, Sabine.  Allyn and Bacon:  2000. (Classic)

 

The Actor And His Text.  Cicely Berry.  Hal Leonard Corp.:  2000. (Classic)

 

Asimov's Guide to Shakespeare: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the Works of Shakespeare. Asimov, Isaac.   Avenel:  2003.

 

Essential Shakespeare Handbook. Dunton-Downer, Leslie and Riding, Alan.  DK Adult:  2004.

 

The First Folio of Shakespeare: The Norton Facsimile. 2 Sub edition.  W. W. Norton & Company:  1996 (Classic).

 

Freeing Shakespeare's Voice: The Actor's Guide to Talking the Text.  Linklater, Kristin.  Theatre Communication Group:  1993 (Classic).

 

How To Speak Shakespeare.  Pritner, Cal and Colaianni, Louis.  Santa Monica Press: 2001. (Classic)

 

Playing Shakespeare.   Barton, John   A & C Black:  2011.

 

Secrets of Acting Shakespeare: The Original Approach. Tucker, Patrick.  Routledge:  2001. (Classic)

 

Shakespeare Lexicon and Quotation Dictionary, Vol. 1 & 2.  Schmidt, Alexander.  Dover Publications, Inc.:  1971. (Classic)

 

Shakescenes (Shakespeare For Two). Brown, John Russell (ed).   Applause Books:  2000. (Classic)

 

Shakespeare Without Fear:  A User-Friendly Guide to Acting Shakespeare.  Olivieri,  Joseph.  Harcourt, Inc.:  2001. (Classic)

 

Instructor Prepared Materials

 

Scripts for selected plays

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