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Theatre 423

THEA 423: Acting III: Shakespeare

Prerequisites: THEA 227 (Acting I), and THEA 328 (Acting II)

Credit Hours: (3)

This course is an exploration of Shakespeare’s text in performance. Emphasis is placed on textual analysis, and the speaking and performing of Shakespeare’s works.

Detailed Description of Course Content

This course will examine the plays of Shakespeare, and the actor’s tools needed to effectively perform them.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Shakespeare’s plays will be read, and the text dissected, though not for the sake of exploring the works as a strictly literary form, but rather as a form to be spoken, and vibrantly brought to life on stage. The course will emphasize the form and function of the text, as well as the compelling acting choices that arise from deeper textual understanding. The course will also contain study of the historical context of the plays, and the examination of research sources. All students will perform scenes and monologues.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

The student will develop deeper understanding and confident use of Shakespeare’s texts.

The student will gain a thorough knowledge of the form and function of Shakespeare’s texts, with specific emphasis on scansion, rhetorical devices, word meaning, as well as verse and dramatic structure.

The student will expand his/her use of the voice and body to bring Shakespeare’s language and meaning to theatrical life.

The student will examine the historical, political, and social context surrounding the writing of Shakespeare’s plays.

Assessment Measures

Direct feedback from the faculty on performance work. Additional assessment will take the form of written analysis of the text, quizzes on assigned material, as well as weekly written journals.

Other Course Information

This course will follow a similar model to our other Acting courses, while building on craft and skills. In addition to traditional course materials (such as script copies of Shakespeare’s complete works), podcasts and performances of Shakespeare’s plays (live when available) will be utilized to deepen understanding. Please see the attached Working Bibliography.

Review and Approval

March, 2019