Length:
Version 1: 24 hours (8 weeks). Version 2: 36 hours (12 weeks). Version 3: 24 hours (8 weeks).
Location:
The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY.
Dates:
Version 1: January 1996 - December 1997. Version 2: January 1998 - December 1999. Version 3: January 2000 - August 2004.
Learner Outcomes:
Version 1: Become conversant with the work of seminal figures of 20th century acting theory and recognize their place in the acting tradition; demonstrate an awareness of the major theorists of 20th century acting techniques through applied exercises. Version 2: Same as Version 1; in addition, emphasis on the work of and influences on seminal figures of 20th century acting theory. Version 3: Become conversant with several acting styles, primarily after the advent of sound, as exemplified and demanded by different genres of film; analyze character qualities and script content leading to choices required to act in those genres.
Instruction:
Version 1: After a review of theatre history, each session focuses on different 20th century acting theorists and techniques. Students learn the practical differences in each technique through applied exercises. Students are required to write a paper that focuses on one of the theorists covered in class. Version 2: Same as Version 1; in addition, emphasis on a review of theatre and film history, and the psychological and Eastern religious influences on seminal figures of 20th century acting theory. Version 3: Acting styles; different film genres; and character qualities and script content as they relate to acting in different genres. Students write an annotated research paper and deliver a 15-minute presentation complete with pictorial examples of a specific film genre.
Credit recommendation:
Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (11/97). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (11/97). Version 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Theatre, Drama, Communications, or Radio and Television (12/02 revalidation).
