Stage Acting

There are many different conceptions about what acting is. "Acting is being." "Acting is believing." "Acting is reacting." This course explores the craft and process of acting, and how many of the greatest directors of the past century have interpreted it; from Stanislavsky and Strasberg to Brook, Chekhov, Hagen, and Meisner. We will investigate the craft of acting from the texts of the masters and apply their advice to our own methods and choices as actors. Participants will learn how to interpret and portray the intention of the playwright's beats and characters' feelings through scene study and rehearsal work. Additionally, participants will prepare monologues and emerge from class with a clearer understanding of the audition process.

1. Explore the philosophies behind theatrical production, both current and historic.
2. Discover the importance of textual analysis, personal reflection, and imagination in building a character.
3. Gain practical experience in a variety of methodologies.

Those who have a desire to deeply explore acting will enjoy this detailed look at the artistic and the professional sides of the theatrical process.
English Level: Advanced

Recommended (Photocopies of any readings will be provided in class.)

Andrew Larson

Mr. Larson was born in the United States and has lived and worked for over thirteen years in Japan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and a Master of Arts degree from San Diego State University in California, as well as a certification in TESOL. He is presently pursuing a PhD in Language and Information Sciences from the University of Tokyo.
Currently he teaches English at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Tamagawa University. He is also an avid writer, having written plays for the stage and screen, and is now working on a media-based curriculum for English language learners.