PERF06089 2019 Improvisation for Actors

Understand the dramaturgical variables necessary for structuring a devised project.

Develop a new range of critical and communicative competencies

Know how to develop an ensemble capable of dynamically creating safe and active spaces for dialogue.

Know how to produce an imaginative and fully defined characterisation and performance.

Develop, through Michael Chekhov Technique, an  architecture of performance with focus on  Improvisation , Composition and Style

Understand through movement/dance that the body is the site of improvisation.

Principles of technique are embodied through theorised praxis. Classroom activity is supported by a range of reading materials.

Teaching takes place in a weekly workshop setting where the student is guided through a series of group and individual activities designed

to establish an ensemble of actors who can  improvise effectively

One teaching strategy is to introduce the core concepts from the Michael Chekhov Technique  of improvisation and composition

Students keep reflective journals of their activities.

Devising project 60%

Classroom contribution and attendance 20%

Reflective journal 20%

Repeat project

A series of workshops designed to guide the student group through the stages of ensemble development leading to an activated group capable of imaginative responses to a variety of stimuli.

The work takes place in three distinct phases: Warm-ups--Bridge Activities---Activating Materials.

• Strong emphasis is placed on the acquisition of verbal and physical improvisational skill.
• The student(s) are encouraged to identify, anticipate and solve unfamiliar problems.
• The students are equipped with the skills to allow them to develop, notate and perform a devised piece of theatre from a set of initial stimuli (visual /aural or textual).
• Development of dramatic material from context appropriate games.
• Translate intellectual comprehension of situation/character into physical realisation.