Improvisation and Theatre Games



Theatre 122 Improvisation and Theatre Games

Professor Debra De Liso FALL 2012

deliso@usc.edu 323 972-9665

Course Outline

First three weeks of classes will begin with a movement and vocal warm-up. Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Students are recommended to keep a weekly journal to record individual strengths and challenges, habits and goals use these notes for the two graded journal entries. All written assignments must be typed; assignment title and class time/date at top, grammar counts, and turned in on time. Late papers will be grade lowered one point. Both Journal entries must be typed, at least two full pages- double-spaced.

Early classes will begin with alignment exercises, centering, breath support, articulation and projection exercises.

Class One - Breaking the Ice (classes one - five will focus on individual’ self- observation & skill building work)

“Circle – Share Your Moves” – free up movement impulses

“Name Game”- memorization & gesture exploration

“Four Questions” – animal/color/body of water/room then improv to music

Random walk – “Acting fundamentals” lecture, relaxation/concentration /observation/imagination - character thought process – objective into action

Learn Improv Foundations with “Freeze Tag”

Homework ~ Read through the handouts by next class.

Class Two – Tuning Up the Senses

The one and only Lecture—take notes! Improv Foundations - Offers/Blocking/Objectives etc

Interview a classmate ~ Become them.

“Mirror Exercise” Change lead without seams

“Bus Stop” – Who Am I?

Begin character exploration with “Panel of Experts” and foundations of storytelling with “Typewriter”

Class Three – Hear, Taste, Touch, Feel, Speak

“Blindfold Exercise” Without eyes, how well do we perceive the world? How well do we trust our partners? “Rain Storm” – How well do we listen?

If time permits we will explore “Sitting for A Portrait” character studies based on visual clues, defining a psychological gesture and “Alphabet Story” shared storytelling.

Homework ~Written Assignment 1. Write about a “Childhood Memory” 2 pages. Bring to class next weeks and perform as a structured improvisation.

Class Four – Creating a Story

Share Childhood Memories. Learn” “Answer w/ Question.”

“Eclectic Tastes” – using music shorts students will work first with partners then solo, establishing a location, a relationship to partner(s), and an event. Learn “Family Dinner” Open class assessment ~ Journal Entry #1 What are my strengths and weaknesses as an improvisational artist based on work in the past three weeks. What techniques will I use to become a believable improv artist? What characters come easily to me? Now type YOUR assessment and bring next week

Class Five – Creating A Character

Journal #1 DUE. Finish sharing childhood memories.

We Use Our Own Experience – Emotional Recall/Sense Memory

Learn “Anti- Freeze Tag “ create and character biographies with “Dating Game.”

Class Six– Creating Teams

Create a Diverse Team-Interviews of teammates, then become them for the class

Rules of the stage – Voice- articulation/projection/ blocking.10/20/60 second scenes,

learn character physicalization work with “Masquerade Party” and “Ad Agency.”

Homework ~ Written Assignment 2- Write “A Family Member Monologue” from someone in your family. One page, double-spaced, typed. Share next week.

Class Seven – Practicing Improv Foundations “This class is not “an easy A.”

Physicalization/Awareness of Others/Stage Area Use/Levels/Confidence

Share Family Member Monologues. Video tape Freeze Tag. Playback.

Individual “RANT! Consistent Presence – sustaining focus “School Room.”

Class Eight – Rules of Improv – Midterm (Alexander technique warm up.)

Creating the Where? Who? And What? Then the When? And the important WHY? The How = genre or style. Revisit “Typewriter” and learn“Radio Station” Written Assignment 3- Homework ~ A character study “Observation of a Stranger” for at least 10 minutes, write a detailed description of their behavior – 2 pages. Be prepared to share that person with the class next week.

Class Nine - Share stranger observations-2 minutes.

Strengthen Teamwork/Use of Suggestion/The Presentation learn about human exceptionality with student created game “Group Therapy.”

Homework ~ Create your own original improv game. Bring the outline to class.

Class Ten- Team lead warm-ups. Share original improv games with your team. Perform one for the class. Learn challenging style change with “Style Roller Coaster.”

Class Eleven” Eclectic Tastes” with voice over actors. Learn “Sports Commentary” and”Battle of the Sexes.” Review games.

Class Twelve – Teams choose three games for final presentation. Practice games for Final performance.

Class Thirteen Rehearse for final. Work on consistent presence in character, stage etiquette.

Class Fourteen- Rehearse for final. Hone your ensemble skills, support your teammates.

Homework ~ Write Final Assessment Paper: Summarize your overall experience and growth in this class, personally and professionally. Has this class helped you in your field of study? Explain. All wear a black t-shirt and jeans to performance next week.

Class Fifteen Improvisation Performance with Audience! Final Journal Assessment Due.

Final Exam – View the playback of the Improv Show, write an evaluation of your work.

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