Class meetings:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 10:10-11:00am - Pioch 101

Text:

Romeo and Juliet (No Fear Shakespeare)
by SparkNotes Editors, SparkNotes Staff, SparkNotes Editors, John Crowther (Editor) , John Crowther (Editor)
ISBN-13: 9781586638450
Pub. Date: April 2003

A Midsummer Night's Dream (No Fear Shakespeare)
by SparkNotes Editors, William Shakespeare, SparkNotes Staff, John Crowther, SparkNotes Editors
ISBN-13: 9781586638481
Pub. Date: July 2003 TBA

After reviewing and learning acting skills important to classical performance, we will read through (on our feet) the two plays. We will also spend time reviewing how other directors have approached these plays by watching different movie versions and attending live performances when available. We will discover how Shakespeare's plays have been applied to many different time periods and historical situations, classes, races, ideas and themes.

We will then form two production teams, one for each play. These teams will agree upon a time period, theme, location, etc for their respective play, determine which scenes to focus on, and prepare for a final performance at the end of the semester.

Course Objectives

• To further develop an understanding of the theory and practice of acting, especially how it pertains to performing classical theatre
• To gain an appreciation for Shakespeare through reading, studying and performing scenes from his plays
• To learn how other directors (stage and movie) have interpreted Shakespeare's plays
• To discover how many different ideas, ideals, time periods, peoples and places can be seemlessly applied to Shakespeare's themes
• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of performances, your own and others
• Demonstrate ability and knowledge through the design, analysis, rehearsal and performance of a (shortened version) Shakespeare play

Course Content

This course will cover the following topics:

• Review of Acting Basics
• Acting in classical theatre
• Analysis and understanding of Shakespeare
• Viewing other directors' views of Shakespeare plays
• Development of theme, through-line and storyline
• Rehearsing and performing Shakespeare

Prerequisite

Please refer to the course catalogue.

Evaluation

Your grade will be determined by the following components of the course:

Attendance: Attendance will be taken each class period. Absence will affect your grade.

• Active Participation in class discussion and activities
• Written analysis/reviews of chosen plays, performances and movies
• Written production proposal (team project)
• In-class and out-of-class rehearsals and preparation for performance
• Participation in end-of-semester performances
• Written critique of the performances of the other group, your group, and yourself

Please note that the instructor reserves the right to vary from these guidelines.

In compliance with St. John Fisher College policy and applicable laws, appropriate academic accommodations are available to you if you are a student with a disability. All requests for accommodations must be supported by appropriate documentation/diagnosis and determined reasonable by St. John Fisher College. Students with documented disabilities (physical, learning, psychological) and who may need academic accommodations are advised to make an appointment with the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities in the Student Development Center, K211. Late notification will delay requested accommodations.