Performance Practice 1 (THEP1505)
This module investigates the influence mime, movement, speech and acting exercises has on drama in order to understand and explain it. What emotional and physical adjustments must I as an actor make to create a character? This will be achieved by learning and applying Rudolf Laban’s movement techniques, Boleslavsky’s acting exercises and speech theories on performance practice. This module is the practical implementation of theories studied in Drama and Performance studies 1 (DRAT1605).
As an actor, you not only use your voice in order to portray your character but also your body. Your body consists of muscles; therefore, it needs to be exercised and trained to get fit.
There are many aspects that govern body movements in drama which we need to be aware of. Also, not only is our body involved in every action, but also our thoughts, feelings, sensation and imagination (Ullmann 1966:3).
The module consists of four practical units:
Unit 1: Movement studies
In this unit, students need to implement basic knowledge and skills obtained in DRAT1605 in movement and mime techniques in order for them to participate in different styles of performance. The aim of this unit is also to build self-confidence, artistic expression and healthy sensitive relationship with other students from different cultural backgrounds through the effective use of teamwork.
Unit 2: Acting
In this unit, students seek to understand what acting is all about on a practical level by using Boleslavsky theory on how to create a different personality on stage. The unit concentrates on exercises, implementing the theories studied in DRAT1605 on acting according to Boleslavsky's "Six Lessons". In this unit, students also explore Shakespeare at an introductory level. The work completed in this unit is applied to a specific theatrical extract, working on individual and group acting, and performed for a practical examination.
Unit 3: Voice and Speech
Speech exercises will be presented in English. These exercises will specifically focus on the development of voice and speech, which include exercises on breathing, articulation, resonance, alignment, pitch, projection, and range.
Unit 4: Theatre Making
This unit will acquaint the student with some of the practical approaches to the art of Theatre Making, and these approaches will be linked to theories that support theatre making as an artistic endeavour. Students will explore a number of techniques that can help facilitate the expression of personal ideas and creative impulses.