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COURSE NUMBER: DRAM 249
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Dramatic Process
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: Lori Mohacsy
CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION: credits 3 (hrs lect 0 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 6)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Develop skills for creating dramatic presentations using improvised as well as published and original scripts. This introductory course in stage acting and the play development/rehearsal process provides opportunities to become a more confident and successful team member in collaborative situations on and off the stage. Topics include story telling, play analysis, theatre appreciation, effective use of the voice and body in performance, mime and mask.
MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:
Attendance/participation15%
Character presentation15%
Chapel presentation15%
Journal Assignment10%
Play review5%
Storytelling Presentation10%
Final project30%
100%
COURSE OBJECTIVES: As a result of this course the student will understand the art of improvisation with relation to the dramatic
process for the actor. This will be accomplished by:
  • The creation of various character types, which will serve as a springboard for other character development.
  • Participation in exercises and projects that will move the student from the creation of characters to the placing of those characters in various scenes, using various emotions, for the purpose of learning the techniques ofimprovisation.
  • Promoting creativity through individual and group exercises and projects.
Further benefits of the course will be:
  • The development of greater self-confidence and self-discipline as required by the theatre and its related arts.
  • The promotion of trust, diplomacy, and leadership in collaborative work.
  • The ability to articulate a Christian approach to the drama-worker’s task.
  • The promotion of personal growth and understanding of one’s own strengths and weaknesses.
In each session, students practice drills in speech and/or movement intended to condition them for rehearsal and performance. Beginning with simple group exercises and then moving forward into character development and scene building, the course will culminate in a final project consisting of a live, improvised soap opera.
COURSE OUTLINE:
  • 1. Wed. Sep.6 GETTING COMFORTABLE 1. Introductions, exercises & games to build team & establish studio as a place to feel safe to take risks. Journal assignment.
  • 2. Mon. Sep.11 GETTING COMFORTABLE 2. Warm-up. Continue with games, begin improv work.
  • 3. Wed. Sep.13 STORY-TELLING EXPLORATIONS. Warm-up. Exercises. Hand out inanimate objects assignment. Begin brainstorming.
  • 4. Mon. Sep.18 INANIMATE OBJECTS 1. Warm-up. Exercises.
  • No class Wednesday, Sept.20 due to Interdisciplinary Studies Conference.
  • 5. Mon. Sep.25 INANIMATE OBJECTS 2. Park Bench (TBA) (Graded Presentation for 15% of final grade)
  • Hand out chapel scriptures, create groups. If time, gather to discuss.
  • 6. Wed. Sep.27 CHAPEL 1. Warm-up. Exercises.
  • 7. Mon. Oct.2 CHAPEL 2. Warm-up. Exercises.
  • 8. Wed. Oct.4 DAY OFF
  • No class on Monday, October 9 due to Thanksgiving.
  • Perform prepared Graded chapel presentation (15% of final grade) in chapel, Wed.Oct.11, 11 a.m. in Knopper’s Hall (location TBA).
  • 9. Wed.Oct.11 FOUND CHARACTERS . Using real people to stimulate character creation and story-telling. Improv using characters.
  • 10. Mon. Oct.16 CHARACTER & STORY EXPLORATIONS. Warm-up. Exercises.
  • 11. Wed. Oct.18 CHARACTER & STORY EXPLORATIONS. Warm up. Exercises. ADVERTISEMENTS. Create a group advertisement.
  • 12. Mon. Oct.23 ADVERTISEMENTS PRESENTATIONS. (Non-graded)
  • (Hand in 1st half of Journal Assignment for 5% of final grade)
  • Class attendance at Die-Nasty, Monday, October 23, 7:30 pm (details will be provided). TBA.
  • 13. Wed. Oct.25 STORY-TELLING 1. Creation of story, utilizing character & story-telling skills.
  • 14. Mon. Oct.30 STORY-TELLING 2. Continue working on stories (costumes, sets, etc.).
  • (Hand in Play Review for 5% of final grade)
  • 15. Wed. Nov.1 STORY-TELLING PRESENTATION. (Graded Presentation for 10% of final grade) BEGIN FINAL PROJ. DISCUSSION.
  • Class attendance at The 11 O’Clock Number, Friday, November 3, 9 pm (details will be provided). TBA.
  • 16. Mon. Nov.6 CHOOSE SETTING, TALK ABOUT CHARACTERS FOR FINAL PROJECT.
  • 17. Wed. Nov.8 FINAL PROJECT EXPLORATIONS. Exercises/Scene work.
  • 18. Mon. Nov.13 FINAL PROJECT EXPLORATIONS. Exercises/Scene work.
  • 19. Wed. Nov.15 BEGIN DRY RUN OF FINAL PROJECT.
  • 20. Mon. Nov.20 CONTINUE WITH CHARACTER WORK AND DRY RUNS. (add music)
  • 21. Wed. Nov.22 FINAL PROJECT 1. (Final project for 30% of final grade)
  • 22. Mon. Nov.27 FINAL PROJECT 2.
  • 23. Wed. Nov.29 FINAL PROJECT 3.
  • 24. Mon. Dec.4 Debrief Party! (Hand in 2nd half of Journal Assignment for 5% of final grade)

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.

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