School
Liberal Arts
Division
Fine & Performing Arts
Department
Theater
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Theatre
Course Number
144
Course Title
Improvisation for the Actor
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Eligible to take ENG courses at HFC.
Catalog Course Description
Introduces the principles and practice of improvisational techniques as applied to performance. Offers a solid theoretical basis and practical experience with vocal, movement, character, scene, style, and multi-scene improvisation as an introduction to rehearsal approaches, character development, and creativity.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Core Course Topics
- Solo Vocal, Movement, Character, and Scene Improvisation.
Create solo vocal, movement, character, and scene improvisation.
- Multi-Criteria Improvs, Dramatic, Comic, and Tragic Forms.
Create improvisation in dramatic, comic, and tragic forms.
- Sound devices.
Incorporate textual, onomatopoetic, and related sound devices in improvisations.
- Terminology.
Apply commonly accepted improvisation terminology in discussing and evaluating the improv work of self and others.
- Story-telling structure.
Present an improve that incorporates simple story structure.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of Academic Achievement
- Mid-term and final improv exams
- Plus a rubric that evaluates the student's:
- Ability to answer in-class questions regarding theory and technique.
- Ability to demonstrate application of theory and technique during in-class exercises.
- Written presentation of theory and approaches.
- Engagement and success in out-of-class exercises.
- Willingness to try new approaches.
- Level of positive cooperation with fellow students.
- Level of willingness and creative output during in-class exercises.
Outcomes
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Effective Term
Winter 2022