Theater II & III: Journal Entries. (How it's Done!)

Grading

Each entry should span about 10 lines (200 words).  Each entry is worth 10 points as follows:

 

·         Structure (introduction that includes a restatement of the question, body paragraph that answers question & brief conclusion to “wrap up”) – 5 points

·         Clarity, Thoughtfulness, & Organization (Are your thoughts clear & understandable to the reader?  Are your thoughts organized to be understandable?) – 5 points

 

Each week you are to complete two (2) journal entries.  Journal entries fall under TWO CATEGORIES: reflection OR observation.  You should complete one of each type each week.

 

Reflection entries are a place for you to reflect on your work as an actor, director or technician.  These are a great way for you to write about what you did well during the week, what you hope to improve upon, and what questions you might have for me as your teacher about your performance.  Be sure to really think about what you’ve learned (or still want to learn) about your work as an actor, director, or technician.

 

Observation entries are a place for you to write about what you have observed during the week.  You may write about what you have seen other students work on, what you have seen theatrically OUTSIDE the classroom (plays, television, movies, etc.) or any character observations that you’ve made.  (It’s okay to write “people-watching” stuff.  This is great for acting!)

 

This should prove an easy assignment, since at any given moment you are either rehearsing or waiting for your turn to rehearse!  (Please, PLEASE, PLEASE use the time that you are waiting to rehearse to write these journal entries.  DO NOT PUT IT OFF UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.)

Total entries for February:             4 (Feb 16 – 19, Feb 22 – 26)

Total entries for March:            6 (March 1 – 5, Mar 8 – 12, Mar 22 – 26)

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Total points:                                    10 entries x 10 points = 100 total possible points

Theater II: Journal Entry #7 - No Dialogue Characterization

One of the most difficult things you will be asked to do as an actor is to create a character using your body.  We have learned that it is not only what your character says, but also what your character DOES (and HOW they do it) that defines them.

For your scene with your partner/group, please name the character you will be playing and list the following:

1. What specific actions can my character make?

2. What specific movement/walk does my character have?

3. What specific facial expressions does my character use?

4. What specific body language does my character use?

5. What emotion will my character experience during the scene?  How will my audience be able to tell?

6. For any of the above questions, list experiences YOU have had, or OBSERVATIONS that you have made that help you connect to your character.  (Think: sense memory, emotional memory, action-generated memory.)

Make sure you take time to create the WHO, WHAT, and WHERE of your scene with your partner/group.