Students will develop an understanding of vocal anatomy and physiology (with particular reference to the organs of speech), an understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet and Cardinal Vowels, as well as analysis of their own accents. In addition, students will develop knowledge and practice of Stage Standard English (Received Pronunciation), release of unhelpful vocal tension, develop an understanding of clear articulation, and the ability to phonetically transcribe nonsense words.

• Units: 3

Students in these courses will develop a sustained focus in class work, rehearsals and scene showings, while learning to translate feelings and experience into characterization. Emphasis is placed on awareness of weight, space, and time with respect to character, as well as liberated imagination, to develop freedom to explore a character. Improvisation and short scene study develop awareness of different classical styles of playwriting, with research and presentation of different social relationships. Creating and sustaining characters and action in European and British plays, especially those of Molière, Restoration authors, Chekhov, and Shaw. Emphasis on organic interrelation of acting, speech, and movement. The actor explores deeply the demands made by form and content of each script.

• Units: 3

Students in these courses will develop a sustained focus in class work, rehearsals and scene showings, while learning to translate feelings and experience into characterization. Emphasis is placed on awareness of weight, space and time with respect to character, as well as liberated imagination, to develop freedom to explore a character. Improvisation and short scene study develop awareness of different classical styles of playwriting, with research and presentation of different social relationships.

• Units: 3

This course will help students develop group interaction skills, focus skills, physical strength, and posture, while encouraging disciplined skills in free movement and suspend and fall. Students will work on stretching, extending, and strengthening skills, as well as retention and attention to detail in movement and dance. Further training involves complicit play and understanding of rhythms, interpretive movement improvisation, basic stage combat, technical movement in relation to mime, and comedic character movements. It explores various styles of movement. Further works in Alexander techniques and improvisation supplement the teaching.

• Units: 3

Utilizing the foundation of movement, students will develop an understanding of the dances and social background of the Elizabethan period and the 17th through 19th centuries with sessions devoted to Flamenco. Students will develop spatial awareness, period empathy with respect to the techniques, poise, and deportment, as well as achieving a recognition of poor posture, muscular tension, and release of energy and anxiety levels in a constructive way. Styles of dance including commedia dell’arte, court dance, and other period forms will be explored.

• Units: 3