THTR 43E: IMPROVISATION
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Summer 2021 |
| Units: | 4 |
| Hours: | 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | THTR 20A; this course is included in the Acting family of activity courses. |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU/UC |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Upon completion of this course, students will not only be able to comprehend and apply foundational premises inherent to universal standards of improvisational performance, but invest themselves into multiple functional social and employment situations with a newfound sense of expediency and collaboration.
- Upon completion of this course, students will develop increased confidence, flexibility, versatility and committed expressiveness applicable to multiple aspects of performance both within and beyond acting
Description
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. Enhance their confidence as an actor with applications towards multiple performance facets.
1. Self-realization of thought clarity and the ability to commit to specific ideas.
B. Broaden their ability to receive, process and act on new ideas through listening enhancement.
1. Improve receptivity to ideas from multiple sources and individual perspectives of gender, age, ethnicity, etc.
2. Cooperative discovery.
C. Comprehend and incorporate multiple layers of skill acquisition as applied towards improvisational performance.
D. Identify and apply the standards of improvisational performance towards varying improvisational genres, e.g., short form, long form, obstacle games.
Course Content
A. Synthesize the relationship of impulse identity into 100% performance commitment as it relates primarily to improvisation, but with applications to other performance forms, through numerous "reaction oriented" activities (Lec)
B. Engage the student in active "listening oriented" activities targeting the notion of cooperatively building ideas through mutual offers (Lec)
1. Premise of "Yes and"
2. Building stories from single thread, inviting multiple inputs
C. Embrace the progressive nature of skill development through activity introduction and re-incorporation (Lec)
1. Environment and use of mime
2. Relationship
3. Instant characterization
4. Scene initiation
5. Scene development
6. Narrative enhancement/execution
D. Practice for enhancement multiple strategies of varying improvisational styles and genres through fully active participation in activities identified with varying forms (Lab)
Lab Content
A. Individual and partner exploration and self-analysis of concepts and exercises introduced in class.
B. Attend and analyze live performances.
C. View and study media materials.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
B. A flexible, open-space classroom.
C. Rehearsal furniture and props.
D. Video recording and playback equipment.
Method(s) of Evaluation
Demonstrating growth and development in progressive skills incorporation through numerous class and public performances
Providing verbal and/or written evaluation of peer work incorporating language and skill elements appropriate to course content
Self-reflective written analysis comparing assigned reading with self development
Method(s) of Instruction
Lecture: presentation of theory and foundational premises
Discussion: assessment and analysis of theory and practice discoveries
Cooperative learning exercises: scene and partner performance projects
Oral presentations: solo performance exercises
Laboratory: rehearsal and preparation
Demonstration: peer and instructor modeling and self-assessment through performance presentations
Field trips: observation and analysis of performance presentation
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Salinsky, Thomas, and Deborah Frances-White. The Improv Handbook: The Ultimate Guide for Improvising in Comedy, Theatre and Beyond. 2017.
Halpern, Charna, Del Close, and Kim Johnson. Truth in Comedy. 1994.
Johnstone, Keith. Impro. 1987.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. Write personal reflection journal of reading assignments as related to coursework and participation.
B. Write live performance critique of a professional improvisation performance, comparing differences and relations to prepared theatre.
C. Read assigned text for application, reflection and comparison leading to writing or discussion assignments.