ACTING
The Acting sequence is divided into two twelve-week studio courses and six weeks of rehearsal and production. The first studio course, Acting I, concentrates on the achievement of relaxed, free, truthful use of self in imaginary circumstances. Beginning with exercises for relaxation, concentration, sensitivity to other actors and to internal and external stimuli, the semester proceeds to improvisation and then to scene study in contemporary drama. Students are taught to analyze dramatic situations in terms of objectives and to develop trust in a sense of truth and spontaneous, moment-to-moment reaction.

The second studio course, Acting II, is devoted to the study of comedy. Emphasis is placed on the exploration through scene work of the techniques needed. With the capacity for relaxed, truthful involvement in pursuit of specific objectives as a foundation, more sophisticated aspects are explored. These include emotional preparation, the heightening of energy required for comedy, and the choice of actions as an approach to characterization as well as a means of illuminating the playwright's intent.

Six weeks in the first year are devoted to the study, rehearsal and performance of "Examination Plays" chosen from a variety of playwrights. Students are cast to give them every opportunity to display what they have learned, while permitting the faculty and administration to observe the growth and progress of each student.

THEATRE HISTORY
This is a survey course in the historical background of drama, tracing its growth and development from the dawn of theatre in ancient Greece. Each of the major periods is examined as a context in which dramatic literature is developed. Plays representative of each period are read and discussed, and additional reading and specific research are assigned.

STYLES I
Basic acting principles are applied to dramatic material from various periods of theatre history — the Renaissance, Ancient Greece and Restoration. While maintaining and reinforcing the basic virtues of motivated, truthful behavior, Styles I training develops the student's ability to exist comfortably in dramatic settings that are removed in time and place from the familiar. The focus is on training and encouraging the use of the voice, speech and movement beyond what is needed for contemporary material. This exploration of the freedom of movement, language and behavior has a profound effect on the development of the actor's instrument.

MOVEMENT I & II
The purpose of these two courses is to develop the student's awareness of the body, in terms of alignment, flexibility, strength and stamina, and as an expressive instrument. Various physical disciplines and basic dance techniques are introduced to build strength and coordination and to develop imaginative use of the body in both contemporary and stylized forms.

VOICE & SPEECH I & II
These courses have the development of an open, well-placed, well-supported speaking voice and Standard American articulation as dual objectives. The physiology of speech and voice production is studied.

To facilitate hearing perception and speech production, students learn the International Phonetic Alphabet. In the second term, fundamental principles of breath control, vocal placement and articulation are reinforced; and the use of the voice as an instrument of interpretation is explored.

VOCAL PRODUCTION
The primary goal of this training is to reinforce and supplement the work in Voice & Speech, focusing on building the actor's vocal instrument.

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