THTR 48A: VOCAL PRODUCTION & SPEECH
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Summer 2022 |
| Units: | 4 |
| Hours: | 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | This course is included in the Theatre Voice 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 the successful completion of this course, students, through introduction of theory, demonstration, exercise and examination, will be able to understand and produce the basics of voice production for the stage through the vocal application of text work from Shakespeare to contemporary.
- Upon successful completion of this class, students, will have practiced and developed industry applications of the American Standard dialect as well as analyze and apply the creation of various regional dialects and accents through fundamental employment of the International Phonetic Alphabet.
Description
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. Through introduction of theory, demonstration, exercise and examination, understand and produce the basics of voice production for the stage through the vocal application of text work from Shakespeare to contemporary.
B. Practice and develop industry applications of the American Standard dialect, as well as analyze and apply the creation of various regional dialects and accents through fundamental employment of the International Phonetic Alphabet.
Course Content
A. Create a free and open vocal instrument
1. Support: (Lecture w/ Lab application)
a. Aligned postured
b. Controlled inhalation, exhalation and expansion of breath capacity
2. Resonance: (Lecture w/ Lab application)
a. Identify and employ natural resonators
b. Maintain resonant vocal quality in text
c. Expand ability to project safely in a dramatic literature
3. Develop improved articulation and diction (Lecture w/ Lab application)
a. Develop articulation using Standard American speech
b. Understand and demonstrate open and closed vowels
c. Understand and demonstrate voiced and unvoiced consonants
4. Synthesize each component of support, resonance and articulation into a personal vocal warm-up system (Lecture w/ Lab application)
a. Prepares students for daily performance classes and rehearsals with safe vocal production
b. Expands vocal abilities with increased stamina, breath support, vocal range and ability to project the voice
B. Dialect preparation and execution (Lecture w/ Lab application)
1. Demands of altering vocal posturing to accommodate dialect/accent in performance situations (Lecture w/ Lab application)
2. Use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) (Lecture w/ Lab application)
a. Ear recognition of IPA sounds and sound differentiation
b. Employment of IPA for dialect construction and recognition
c. American regional dialects
d. European, South American, Canadian, Asian, African dialects
e. Standard Stage speech
3. Practical understanding of one's own learned vocal patterns, styles and dialects, and methods of altering those features
Lab Content
A. Cooperative rehearsal of voice development exercises and assignments.
B. Individual and partner exploration and self-analysis of concepts and exercises introduced in class.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
B. Warm-up/tumbling mats
C. Voice recording equipment is strongly advised
D. Audio/visual equipment; internet available computer/media equipped classroom
Method(s) of Evaluation
Judged vocal projection, performance and development exercises
Rehearsal and presentation of assigned material
Student journal with review and response from instructor
Assigned quizzes and assignments
Preparation and translation assignments
Method(s) of Instruction
Lectures
Discussions
Vocal warm-up and rehearsals
Co-operative learning exercises
Instructor guided observation
Peer observation and analysis
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Linklater, Kristin. Freeing the Natural Voice, revised, expanded ed.. 2006.
Although this text is older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, it remains a seminal text in this area of study.
Specific text and scripts chosen by the instructor on a quarter-to-quarter basis to fit the needs of the enrolled students.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. Individual text and script reading assignments
B. Self-reflective journal assessing application of techniques and exercises into student's own artistic growth
C. Targeted International Phonetic Alphabet translation and worksheet assignments