Improvisation: Text, Space and Action

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

120 hours

Student admitted to the BFA (Theatre Practice) are not allowed to enrol in this subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject focuses on the use of improvisation in acting and theatre making processes. The perception and manipulation of text, space and action will form the basis of this studio-based exploration of the art of acting. Areas covered will include experimental physical and vocal improvisation, writing, and composing material for performance. Students will learn to work spontaneously and to use this spontaneity in the theatrical context. The interface between acting skills and their use within other art forms will be explored.

On completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• experience improvisation, text, space and action as approaches to creating theatre;

• study the use of impulse and kinaesthetic training and their ability to affect transformation in oneself;
• develop an ability to structure action generated from improvisation;

• demonstrate an understanding of ensemble-based performance creation, rehearsal room techniques, and professional attitude.

Practical Studio Class Work (Focusing on achievements against set criteria in areas such as: developing a methodology, transference of skills into performance and professional attitude and commitment.): 50%
Reflection Paper 2000 words, due 3 weeks from conclusion of practical studio class work: 50%

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Science

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students should have acquired the following skills

• the capacity to give and receive informed feedback;

• the capacity to participate effectively in collaborative learning as a team member whilst respecting individual differences;

• the ability to trust the work process in which they are involved; 

• the ability to initiate ideas and to put them into practice;

• the ability to work autonomously;

• the ability to work spontaneously with authenticity;

• the ability to analyse performance material.