Nichols Upper School Curriculum
Course: Sophomore Foundation of the Arts: Mask and Movement
Grade level: Form IV
Trimester: 1
Teacher: Kristen Tripp Kelley
Overview:
Through improvisation, acting exercises, and scene work, we will explore how the physical self works to tell a story. Expect to be on your feet as we learn to understand our own physical traits so that we might outwardly express the emotional life and thought process of a fictional character. We will begin with self-awareness, focusing on relaxation, flexibility, alignment, centers, and creative movement. Next we will we play with Basil masks (made famous by French theatre artist Jacques LeCoq), and will make history live and breathe as we finish the trimester with the hilarious Italian mask form of Commedia dell’arte, writing and performing in our own scenarios.
Objectives for the Students:
To gain an appreciation for the historical and social significance of theatre.
To explore physical communication.
To push past one’s comfort zone.
To learn about the many facets of a theatrical production.
To develop social skills of trust, cooperation, and creative problem solving.
Standards:
Students must participate in all classroom activities and assignments. Students must strive to keep an open mind to all exercises, trusting that the unknown and uncomfortable have the power to teach us about ourselves as human beings and performers. Students must be respectful of classmates, and refrain from negatively judging the work of others.
Assignments:
Basel Mask solo project, Basel Mask duet scene, Basel Mask Group Scene, Commedia solo lazzi, Commedia duet lazzi, Commedia group scenario, personal Clown, Cindy Sherman Project.
Method of Evaluation:
Commitment to and completion of all assignments (50%), Daily Participation and Attitude (50%).
Reading: We will read excerpts from Commedia dell’Arte: An Actor’s Handbook, by John Rudlin.
Materials:
Spiral for note-taking, folder for hand-outs.
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