Drama 8 - Improvisation

GOALS:

--to trust one's instincts/impulses and eventually act upon them

--to develop a sense of trust among fellow actors

--to develop a respect for the acting process

--to accept acting suggestion in a positive manner

--to develop a constructive way to give/take criticism 

--develop believable, entertaining and sincere characters

--to work as a member of a group towards a common goal

--to perform quality theatre for a live audience

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces basic improvisational acting techniques to the young actor through theatre games.  Such games develop the student's creativity, imagination, comic timing, physical expression and confidence.  Students work with partners, in small groups or in teams to develop the specific skills that live theatre demands -- making active choices, justifying ideas and adding to previous offers.  Like sports, Comedy Sports depends on teamwork, speed, cooperation and risk-taking.  Once games and skills have been mastered, students will showcase the improvisational performance in front of a live audience.

ACTIVITIES:

• Daily warm-ups designed to focus student physically and mentally in hopes to develop a sense of artistic freedom
• Daily improvisational exercises
• Daily talk-backs (class discussions in response to the exercises) which provide a basis for improvement
• Practice for final competition/performance
• Final competition/performance

Rules:

• ATTITUDE – Students should never put any idea down.
• NO blocking of an idea.  Students should say “YES” enthusiastically to everything given to them.
• Every student should work up to the best of his/her ability.  Anything less is not considered “A” work.
• Students will be working as part of a team and will support each team member in their efforts to create compelling and enjoyable theatre.
• Always be respectful to teacher, self and others.
• Keep opinions that could be damaging to yourself.
• Students will attend a showcase /performance in front of an interactive audience at the semester’s end.

ASSESSMENTS:

• Daily talk-backs
• Teacher/peer evaluation

• Criteria for Daily Work :
  • A = a positive attitude and commitment to exercises, a willingness to expand creativity, and accepting of others’ ideas
  • B = positive attitude and completion of exercises
  • C = fights creative impulses, apprehensive but adequate involvement
  • D = simply showing up to class, poor attitude, unwillingness to get involved
  • F = poor attitude, hindering the creative flow/energy of fellow classmates