Drama 122
Week One
August 19, 2013
Reviewed syllabus and exercises • Teacher’s name is Douglas Dildine • Teacher’s contact information • Required to attend DVC Drama Fall Productions: Zombie Prom and The Children’s Hour • Purchase before shows or get season pass • Course description • Scanning exercise is basis of everything an actor does on stage • Take written word and give it life and flesh so audience will believe • If audience doesn’t believe, why should they pay to see your show? • If they an audience doesn’t feel empathy it becomes unbelievable • Journal entries are to be submitted for the class • Discussed acting exercises: Scanning, Color, PAR, Money, and Breaking up is
Phase 1: Outer monologue
Two actors stand face to face, close together. This is a human being in front of you – not a concept or an abstract idea. Look into your partner's face and begin observing what you see – vocalize your observations beginning with the phrase “I’m aware…” Continue observing your partner from head to toe while vocalizing your observations.
For example: “I’m aware…” “…You are standing in front of me.” “…You have short hair.” “…You are shorter than I am.” “…Your shirt has buttons.” “…You have blue eyes.” And so on…
Actor 1 scans first. When he is done, actor 2 scans.
Do not think about your observations just let them come to you as you observe your partner. Don’t censor or edit your observations -- Don’t let your brain get in the way. Do not decorate, embellish, or imbue qualities upon your partner.
DO NOT INTERPRET -- For example: “I’m aware…” “…You look like a kind person.” “…You have a cute nose.” “…You’re beautiful.” “…You wear expensive clothes.” “…You have a soul.”
At first many actors will feel uncomfortable, nervous or tense --- standing so close to each other and looking into each other’s face. This is natural and to be expected. Theatre demands a greater intimacy than life. Actors may begin fidgeting, twitching, rocking their bodies, experience dry mouth or forget to breathe. This hypertension is a negative energy within the actor.
Relaxation exercises should be introduced to begin