DRAM 405 Outline

THE KING'S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

COURSE NUMBER:

DRAM 405

COURSE TITLE:

Intermediate Ensemble Production III

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:

Gilbert Allan

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION:

credits 3 (hrs lect 0 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 6)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Further opportunity for rehearsal and production of a full-length play for public performance: Students audition for production assignments in acting, stage management and assistant directing in a play or a selection of scenes. Play analysis, scene study, rehearsal, and performance skills are practiced. Attendance at selected professional theatre productions is an aspect of this course.

Prerequisite: DRAM 355

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:


Rehearsal and Lab Participation	25%
Costume design and class presentation for character Highway 63	5%
Script Analysis of scene from Highway 63	5%
Play reviews (2)	10%
Highway 63 technical production/front-of-house tasks	15%
Performance achievement in Ensemble Production	35%
Post-production Reflection Paper	5%

	100%

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

DRAM 305/355/405 content will be delivered through a combination of lecture, demonstration and group activities. Group exercises will primarily take the form of the rehearsal and performance of a full-length play for public presentation in the North Academic Wing’s lecture theatre (N102/106). Topics covered will include, but not be limited to:

1. Ensemble building based on shared responsibility, leadership, trust and personal risk.
2. Principles of play selection and audience development.
3. Introduction to local theatre through attendance at selected Edmonton professional theatre productions.
4. Exploring aspects of faith in the practice and process of theatre - on the King’s University College campus, in the Edmonton theatre community and in society as a whole.
5. Storytelling and structure; methods of play analysis.
6. Rehearsal methods, performance models and character development for the actor.
7. Exercises for self-awareness, “other” awareness, and the development of impulse, intention, precision, variety, focus, range and strength in movement and voice.
8. Theatre etiquette/becoming a more appreciative audience for theatre.
9. Styles and principles of acting company management and communication.

***Attendance at two live theatre presentations chosen by the instructor will be required.***

COURSE OUTLINE:

Course Description: Drama 305 focuses on the ensemble production of a play. Students will learn about play analysis, actor training in voice and body, rehearsal process and approaches to character development in performance, and will be expected to apply this knowledge practically to a role in the production of HIGHWAY 63—THE FORT MAC SHOW by Architect Theatre. Students will explore aspects of theatre including design, acting, stage management, directing, lighting, sound, costumes, front-of-house and PR/marketing – participating in at least one of these areas in addition to their performance role. Students will work as a team and as individuals, and will be encouraged to draw from previous performance experiences, while gaining new skills. Topical study of contemporary theatre practice through attendance at two professional theatre productions allows students to become a more discerning and appreciative live theatre audience. Faith-based values will be modeled by the instructor and integrated into topics, discussions and activities during the course.

About the Play: In 2009, five theatre artists from across Canada gathered in Fort McMurray to research, interview, and experience life in this 21st century boom town at the front lines of the Oil Sands development. They met people from all walks of life, both long-time residents and transient workers. They heard stories surprising, shocking and surreal. They were awed by generosity and kindness, overwhelmed by tales of hardship and survival. Through improvisation, they developed scenes based on their experience of Fort McMurray. Through impersonation, they created portraits of the people they met. Through collective creation, they devised a piece of theatre expressing the dynamics of life in the Wood Buffalo region. Highway 63 was performed over fifty times across Canada, touring to Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Newfoundland & Labrador, of course, Fort MacMurray. The Spring I 2014 course-based production will be the play’s first revival based on the original production by Architect Theatre. The script is on reserve in the King’s library.

Monday May 5: First day of class.
Monday May 12 and Tuesday May 13: Conference participation: Are We There Yet? Economic Justice and the Common Good co-sponsored by King’s and The Institute for Christian Studies. Students will present a public reading of Highway 63 as part of the conference. Time tba.
Friday May 23: Last day of class
Evening shows of the finished production of Highway 63: Thurs. May 22, Fri. May 23, Sat. May 24.

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.